I dislike sugary sentimentalism and one of the problems I have buying childrens books (particularly Xmas ones) is that the market is so over-loaded with 'sugar' that it's verging on a serious case of diabetes!

This book is not sugary, nor even particularly sentimental. It tells a fine story, quietly and with dignity.

Our copy is now so well thumbed I think I may have to buy another. It has been a favourite book of all our children (those able to give an opinion), and between them they cover a large range of tastes, opinions and ideas. I think it would be safe to say that pretty much any child that likes books will like this.

A moving, beautifully illustrated story
Review date: 2002-10-17 Rating: 10 out of 10

This has been a family favourite in our house for nearly two years - and not just at Christmas time either. It's rare to find a children's book that deals with the serious matter of bereavement and this one gets it just right. No matter how often you are asked to read it, you will always be touched as Jonathan Toomey's lonely existence is gradually and convincingly transformed through his friendship with a little boy and his widowed mother.
The illustrations are quite beautiful and harmonise perfectly with the text.

Beautifully drawn and written, what more could you ask for?
Review date: 2000-10-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

Beautifully drawn and written, this moving tale tells the story of a widowed Mr Toomey. He lives for his work so when a single Mother asks him to make a wooden nativity scene, how can he resist? He doesn't realise that with this job brings a young child who shows him not only how to make his nativity scene more special but how to enjoy the Holiday season. A must read for all ages