The After Christmas Tree

Bethan WelbyClick here for biography

On a cold afternoon in January, Brian sees a little Christmas tree, stripped of its decorations and discarded by the roadside. He immediately decides to take it home with him and look after it . . . But will it be as easy as he thinks, and will his family be pleased?

• A first picture book by an exciting new talent whose draughtsmanship is both empathetic and endearing
• Evocative watercolour artwork reminiscent of Posy Simmonds and Raymond Briggs
• Has at its centre the lesson of learning to take responsibilty for your own decisions
• Has a moment of magic as befits any Christmas picture book celebrating this magical time of year
• Introduction to environmental themes - it’s greenest to buy a Christmas tree with roots and re-use it!

Praise for this book:

'Tells the plaintive story of a small Christmas tree abandoned on a cold pavement in January, ideal to read when the festive season draws to an end.' Sunday Telegraph, Best Christmas books

'Bethan Welby imagines the heart-rending plight of a small fir tree, stripped of its decorations and discarded on a freezing pavement in January.' The Oldie

'A skilled debut picture book (for households with potted, growing Christmas trees) about a child who cannot bear to throw out the tree. Pleasing, hand-made pencil-and-wash drawings evoke the awkwardness of keeping it around and the joy of a tree that can live outside, attract creatures and return next year.' The Times, Best Children's Books of the Year 2020

'Bethan Welby’s wry, uplifting yarn reminds us that nothing in nature is neglected or insignificant' Financial Times, Best Children's Books for Christmas

'Beautifully packaged, and with empathy and caring written all over it, The After Christmas Tree is the perfect gift for young eco-warriors and comes from talented debut author and illustrator Bethan Welby.' Lancashire Evening Post

'A sensitive and inspiring story with a clever and conscientious sense of sustainability' The School Reading List

 

Read about Bethan Welby's book, Phyllis and Grace

 

 

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