At the start of her education at the art academy, Madelon Koelinga (1991) definitely did not want to illustrate children's books, because that seemed to be the obvious choice. 4 years later she wrote and illustrated her first picture book The Princess of Shoes for Clavis and there isn't something she loves doing more ever since. Since The Princess of Shoes, she has written and illustrated several books for Clavis, such as Een bereleuk feestje and Lieve luie Loewie.

"A sweet and charming story that follows the adventures of Mr. Pine Tree and his Christmas lights and decorations as they prepare for the holiday. On Christmas Eve, the lights and ornaments eagerly await their chance to shine on the tree. However, when the lights are turned on, one little light remains dark, unable to illuminate. The rest of the decorations quickly gather around the struggling light. Working together, they twist and secure it in place. With the support of its friends, the small light finally begins to glow, just in time for Santa's visit. Soft, warm illustrations bring the inanimate objects to life, creating a cozy, vintage-inspired Christmas atmosphere. Text is well-spaced and uses bold, capitalized words to emphasize key phrases and engage readers. This heartwarming tale celebrates the power of teamwork and the importance of helping those in need, no matter how small. VERDICT With its themes of friendship and problem-solving, and with the joy of Christmas, this book is a delightful addition to winter reading." - School Library Journal

Publisher: Clavis

Pub date: 2024-09-10

Length: 32 pages