LoveReading4Kids Says
Get into the Spirit of Christmas! The children of Copper Tree class are getting ready for Christmas when an invitation arrives to visit the residents of the Pine Lodge care home. The children think of all the different things they like to do that might entertain the old people and have a very happy day out spent singing, storytelling, putting up home-made decorations and dressing up.
It’s a lovely story, guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face – cheeky Alfie Tate even finds a donkey to take! It also gently teaches children about the elderly, and shows them that the different generations have got much more in common than they might have thought.
Reviewed by Andrea ReeceAndrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece About Christmas Surprise
We're all children at heart, as Copper Tree class discover when they help the elderly people at their local care home get ready for Christmas. They have fun thinking of ways to make the residents' Christmas special - and delight in finding out about their lives. And there is a lovely surprise at the end, thanks to Pine Lodge pets, Bonnie, Bobby and Bess.
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Christmas Surprise Synopsis
We're all children at heart, as Copper Tree class discover when they help the elderly people at their local care home get ready for Christmas. They have fun thinking of ways to make the residents' Christmas special - and delight in finding out about their lives. And there is a lovely surprise at the end, thanks to Pine Lodge pets, Bonnie, Bobby and Bess.
All the books in the Copper Tree series are previewed by experts in the related field who offer their advice. These include childcare professionals, teachers, psychologists, counsellors and families affected by the issues covered.
The plight of the elderly has been very much at the forefront of the news this year. Yet, there are more than 10 million people in the UK over the age of 65 and 3 million of those are over 80. Concern has been raised that they are often considered the forgotten generation in a society that is regarded by many as too focused on youth.
About This Edition
Hilary Robinson Press Reviews
"The book gently touches on areas of experience and facts about ageing which may be new or difficult for children, and those who read with them, and encourages thoughtful refletion in a positive and helpful way." Rev Canon Ann Easter. Chaplain to Her Majesty The Queen.
Praise for the Copper Tree class series:
"This book represents a celebration of a child’s right to be heard and for explanations to be tailored to meet their needs. Written in simple language with a gentle nuance of humour and love, Tom’s Sunflower is a teeny triumph." Peter B. Forster, Chartered Counselling Psychologist
"Hilary Robinson and Mandy Stanley create ground breaking picture books that deal with topical issues in a very sensitive way." Ruth Humphreys, children’s book specialist, librarian and storyteller.
“It is so refreshing for a series of children’s books to cover such challenging social issues in such a sensitive manner, and so beautifully illustrated too.” Lorraine Kelly
“Inspiring” Fiona Phillips
“Charming” Joanna Lumley
“Book of the Week” YOU magazine, Mail on Sunday
“There are lots of important issues raised by this story, all covered gently and sensitively” Juno
“This is a thoughtful story… vibrant and colourful pictures are in tune with the words” Carousel magazine
“Sensitively handled and beautifully produced, this gentle and reassuring text with expressive illustrations will provide help to children facing bereavement in a number of different situations’.
Books for Keeps
"the best collaboration between an author and illustrator I have ever seen." Jo Cumming, former bookbuyer for W H Smith.
“This beautifully illustrated book is aimed at children between the ages of four and seven. It would be a rewarding book to read alongside your child to help them with their understanding of adoption.” Adoption Today Magazine
“Soft pencil and watercolour illustrations create a gentle and comforting atmosphere in which children can explore ideas of love, family and belonging.” Little Parachutes
