One orange evening,
tiger-striped with blackened trees,
a pig sat, reminiscing.
In the wake of a bushfire which has ravaged his owners’ home, Applesauce the pig struggles to feel any joy in Christmas. Wise Owl tells Applesauce that Christmas comes from the heart, but Applesauce’s heart is heavy. He wants joys for his people, Marigold and Joe. And, in the final pages of this delightful tale, Applesauce learns Owl’s lesson as he sees a Christmas miracle unfold.
This poignant tale is written in prose, yet has a delightful lyrical quality, with every word tenderly wrought. Adult and child readers alike will feel Applesauce’s melancholy in the words, as well as the whimsical yet gently muted illustrations by Stephen Michael King.
This is a book not just for Christmas but for any day – and it is a heart-warming tale with a message for everyone.
Divine.
Applesauce and the Christmas Miracle, by Glenda Millard & Stephen Michael King (ill)
This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.