Adam Ciccio was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Hampshire in 2006 and a Master of Science in psychological counseling at Salem State University in 2012. Adam owns four outpatient counseling offices for children and adults in the Greater Boston region and teaches a graduate class at Merrimack College. His picture books focus on mental health concerns, including children's emotional development and social-emotional growth.

Eline van Lindenhuizen was born in Meppel (Netherlands) on June 29th in 1983 and now lives in Kampen. From 2001 until 2006 she studied illustration at the Minerva Academy in Groningen. She loves drawing, books and flea markets. Clavis Uitgeverij discovered her talent for drawing at Illustrator's Day, an open house for illustrators, in Hasselt and in Amsterdam. On Illustrator's Day, young artists can come to the publishing house to show their portfolio and receive feedback from the publishers. Clavis Uitgeverij is one of the few publishing houses that puts so much time and effort in acquisition. Put it pays off, because Clavis Uitgeverij discovers young and new talent, like Eline, time and again.

"A child navigates Yuletide amid Mom and Dad's impending divorce. The young narrator's parents will soon be living in two separate homes, which means two different Christmas trees. Mom and Dad are reassuring, reminding the little one that "We love you very much!" and "We'll always be your family." But change is hard for the child, who longs for the old tree with its special family photo ornament. Eventually tears ensue as the little one confides, "I hate new traditions," but the family faces the ups and downs together, and the child ultimately enjoys the day, surrounded by loving family and filled with hope. Ciccio, a children's mental health practitioner, never glosses over the protagonist's complicated, uncomfortable feelings, nor does he depict characters returning to traditions of Christmases past. A note addressed to caregivers explains the importance of creating new memories during a divorce. The first-person narration centers the youngster's perspective, fears, and anxieties; children and parents looking for a reflection of their own experiences will find this tale valuable. Van Lindenhuizen's illustrations are simple and soft, capturing the action described in the text. The family is pale-skinned. Honest and reassuring, undoubtedly helpful and meaningful to families. (Picture book. 4-8)" - Kirkus Rewiews

Publisher: Clavis

Pub date: 2025-11-25

Length: 32 pages