About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is curious about how traditions start or if you live in a climate where Christmas doesn't look like a typical snowy postcard. This charming desert tale explores how a group of animals, led by a skeptical Kangaroo Rat and a hopeful Ground Squirrel, attempt to recreate the magic of Christmas after finding a discarded tree in their canyon. It is a wonderful choice for fostering creativity and showing that the spirit of a holiday comes from the effort we put in for our friends. The story balances gentle humor with themes of wonder and community. While it is technically a chapter book, the prose is accessible for early readers (ages 6 to 9) and makes for a cozy, multi-night read-aloud. Parents will appreciate the way it encourages children to look at their own surroundings with imagination, turning ordinary objects into something festive and meaningful. It is a secular and sweet celebration of friendship and the joy of shared expectations.
