A Christmas Tree for Pyn

This is a nice Christmas story from the author of the Gossie and Gertie series [some of which I love, and some of which I don't]. Pyn lives in the mountains with her father, Oother. He's gruff and bearlike--he doesn't like for Pyn to call him "Papa"--just "Oother." It's not that he doesn't love Pyn, it's just that he's embarrassed by affection.

Pyn decides that this year, she wants a Christmas tree like the ones down in the village. She sets off by herself to find one and gets herself in a bit of trouble, but Oother finds her. They bring home a tree, and Pyn decorates it with bits and pieces that she's been gathering all year--birds' nests, that kind of thing. Oother sees what she's done and pulls out a bird ornament that had belonged to Pyn's mother. They admire their tree and Oother finally lets Pyn call him "Papa."

This is really more of a father/daughter story than a Christmas story--the tree is the only Christmas-y thing in it. It's a bit on the long side, so I'd definitely recommend it for kids with a good attention span. The story's not religious at all, but it still celebrates Christmas in a way that isn't about presents or Santa Claus.

A Christmas Tree for Pyn
Written and illustrated by Olivier Dunrea
Age range*: 5-7
My rating: 3 stars [out of five]

*Age ranges are very flexible.

Full disclosure: I don't receive any compensation for reviewing children's books--the books are usually just checked out from the local library.