THE ANIMALS' CHRISTMAS TREE

by John P. Peters ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 10, 1962

Presided over by the king of beasts, a conference of wild and tame animals decides to have a Christmas tree for the first time. Each creature is instructed to choose a gift for himself to serve also as a tree decoration. The pig, clearly demonstrating a lack of aesthetics, chooses a pail of swill, and starts a chain reaction. The wolf slyly decides on a lamb, the fox turns on a turkey, the owl on a dove, until chaos reigns. Only when the lamb and dove offer themselves willingly, do the animals see the folly of their ways and repent. The result of greed and selfishness in action as well as the steps needed to achieve unity are ideas compatible to the Christmas story. Unfortunately John Peters' cumbersome text, bogged down in repetition, does little to promote a smooth fable-like tale, though Walter Erhard's colorful portrayal of the animals is quite imaginative.

Pub Date: Oct. 10, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walck

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1962

Categories: CHILDREN'S