Regina Fackelmayer

Originally published in German as Ein Weihnachtsbaum für Mia (literally, "A Christmas Tree for Mia"), this appealing holiday story by Regina Fackelmayer follows a young girl named Mia as she sets out on a Christmas shopping expedition, purchasing everything from the ingredients for a fine dinner, to a lovely little Christmas tree in a pot. Unfortunately, distracted after helping an old man up, when he falls, Mia accidentally leaves the tree behind, and when she returns later to search for it, cannot find it amidst all the snow - although she does manage to help a young boy who has lost his hat. Christmas isn't quite the same without a tree, reflects Mia later on, only to find a lovely holiday surprise is in store...

I was excited to discover that this book, which came recommended by The Horn Book Magazine, was illustrated by Christa Unzner, whose work on Dorothea Lachner's books about Meredith, the Witch Who Wasn't held so much appeal for me. I was not disappointed! The visuals here are beautiful and involving, with lots of the quirky detail - of character and setting - that so enthralled me in the "Meredith" books. I particularly liked the depiction of Mia's dog and cat, Murphy and Mopp, whose expressions are intensely droll, as well as the general feeling of energy throughout. The story itself was heartwarming, emphasizing that the generosity - the true spirit of the season - if often returned in kind. The conclusion, in which the old man and his "grandson" walk off, leaving no footprints in the snow, made me suspect that Mia had had an encounter, either with Father Christmas and one of his elves, or with God (the father) and his son.

However one interprets the story - and its openness to multiple interpretations is one of its strengths - The Gifts was an intensely satisfying holiday book, both from an illustrative and narrative standpoint. Highly recommended to anyone looking for good holiday stories!… (plus d'informations)