A plain pine tree wishes to be just like the decorated and much-loved Christmas trees they’ve heard about from their forest friends.

Ten days until Christmas, and I hear a sound:

Footsteps approaching, and gathering round.

Children from far and wide have come to decorate the tree!

As it counts down the days until Christmas Day, new places and cultures around the world are portrayed between the pages.

Australia, Brazil and South Africa have summer Christmas’. And New Zealand too of course. In China, apples are a traditional gift, wrapped in paper or special boxes with best wishes for the recipients.

In Peru, people carve gourds to hang on their trees, and in Greece boats are an important part of celebrations. Germany has the famous wooden Nutcracker dolls, and in Ukraine it is good luck to find a web or spider on your Christmas tree.

There are many other special ways and traditions to celebrate Christmas around the world – but they all mean family, love and sharing gifts big and small.

This board cutout picture book is also a free standing Christmas Tree, with an inner magnetic clip. Each page counts down to Christmas with a rhyme and interesting facts about a country and its holiday traditions.

The tree shows the type of decorations that will be hung on it in that particular country.

A book and an ornament at the same time – this book will make a tradition of its own, being rediscovered and displayed every Christmas. Perfect for small spaces without room for a real or assembled tree, this tree is sturdy, brightly coloured throughout and reminds us of many other cultures and peoples around the world.

Author – Hannah Barnaby

Illustrator – João Fazenda

Age – 4+

(2022, Phaidon, Christmas, Cultures, World, Traditions, Christmas Tree, Decorations, Family, Friends)