“Enchanting…a festive novella…a charming holiday tale
with a fine lesson…” –Kirkus Reviews 2025
Joseph E.W. Pine, a talking 45-foot-tall evergreen living in the forest next to a Christmas tree farm, has long dreamed of becoming a Christmas tree. His dreams seem to come true when he strikes up a friendship with Sam, a big-hearted boy of seven, who loves Christmas more than his own birthday. When Joseph tells Sam of his longing, Sam hatches a plan to surprise Joseph with a home-made Christmas star on Christmas Eve. But the plan turns dark when a worsening snowstorm traps Sam high in Joseph's branches. As the situation turns dire, Sam reminds Joseph of what Mrs. Albee, who runs the Christmas tree farm, has always told him: A tree, once it becomes a Christmas tree, becomes magical. Does Joseph believe that? Can he conjure up enough magic to save the day?
A Christmas Tree Without a House blends wit, whimsy, and a dash of suspense to render a story that captures the spirit of Christmas; an uplifting tale of serendipity, generosity, friendship and the magical power of hope and belief to make dreams come true.
More praise for A Christmas Tree Without a House...
"Beautifully written, evoking the best of literature for young readers by past masters such as E.B. White and Margaret Wise Brown. A wonderful holiday tale for all ages, and especially under-12 readers."--G. Pascal Zachary, author of Someone Left the Cake Out in the Rain."
"For anyone who has ever dawdled, believed in magic, or awaited the holidays with eager anticipation, this book is a must read. Ken Wells has woven a heart-warming tale of wonder that children— and their parents— will delight in again and again."--Ali Wolfe, author of Valley of the Gods.
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