Nell, a tiny, cherished figurine, comes to life to save her beloved human, Emma. She must journey through her town’s giant Christmas tree, discovering more magical folk like her on the way. But can she save Emma and their hopeless town in time for Christmas?
Emma's father is in hospital with the mysterious illness that swept through town. Her mother lost her job and their greedy landlord is making them leave town. The mayor invites everyone to bring a decoration for the town's giant Christmas tree as symbols of hope. Desperate, Emma makes a wish on the tree’s angel, and tiny figurine Nell comes to life.
Nell journeys through the tree to visit the angel. On her quest, she discovers she is one of a secret magical community of living treasures working to help humankind, though not all are friendly...
An uplifting, festive adventure story of courage, hope and friendship for all the family.
Nell, a tiny, cherished figurine, comes to life to save her beloved human, Emma. She must journey through her town’s giant Christmas tree, discovering more magical folk like her on the way. But can she save Emma and their hopeless town in time for Christmas?
Emma's father is in hospital with the mysterious illness that swept through town. Her mother lost her job and their greedy landlord is making them leave town. The mayor invites everyone to bring a decoration for the town's giant Christmas tree as symbols of hope. Desperate, Emma makes a wish on the tree’s angel, and tiny figurine Nell comes to life.
Nell journeys through the tree to visit the angel. On her quest, she discovers she is one of a secret magical community of living treasures working to help humankind, though not all are friendly...
An uplifting, festive adventure story of courage, hope and friendship for all the family.
Colourful lights filled the sky, their promise of hope twinkling in Nell’s eyes. Soon they would shine even brighter. Her head poked out of the breast pocket of Emma’s red woolly coat as she stomped along the frosty pavement with her mother. Nell didn’t mind being jostled; she knew it was only because Emma was so upset. Nell herself couldn’t move at all, of course not. What would you expect from a tiny painted figurine usually kept on a shelf?
‘They say it’s beautiful,’ said Emma’s mother looking up at the colour speckled clouds. ‘It’s a lovely idea from the mayor, isn’t it, for everyone to bring a decoration for the giant Christmas tree in the square? A good way to keep our spirits up until they cure the horrible illness. I am so proud of this town!’
‘Dad can’t see it, though, can he?’ Emma frowned as she kicked a stone along the path. She missed her father, who was in the hospital, unable to move or speak. He had caught the strange new sickness with hundreds of others, leaving their families and the whole town in chaos. ‘And anyway, we are leaving Hope’s End before Christmas, so it doesn’t even count.’ Emma huffed and shook her head. ‘There had better be an angel on that tree.’
Nell thought of Emma before everything changed, telling terrible jokes, and laughing, baking cookies, and reading books, and climbing trees with her friends. Now she was sad and moody most of the time. Seeing her like this was unbearable. Nell sent Emma wisps of comforting thoughts. Perhaps seeing the gigantic Christmas tree would cheer her up.
‘There might be an angel. Or a star perhaps,’ said her mother. ‘Everyone is bringing something special. Our star garland will look lovely up there, won’t it? And I don’t mind having to leave it behind when we go. It’s a gift to the town.’ She smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. ‘Almost there.’
They walked down Church Street, past the boarded-up shops and piles of uncollected rubbish bags to Riverside Square. Their cheeks stung in the chill of the wind; their breath danced in front of them. Of course, Nell’s tiny body could not feel the cold. Emma stopped grumbling only as they turned through the gap in the yew hedge. They stopped in their tracks.
Emma gaped up at the largest and most beautiful Christmas tree she had ever seen. Nell wobbled in the pocket as Emma’s heart thumped. They stood, dazzled by the glitter and shimmer of the gigantic pine tree that towered as high as the church spire behind. Its vast sweeping branches groaned with the festive belongings of the people of Hope’s End. Thousands of glittering decorations twisted in the wind. Lights in every colour of the universe. Baubles and garlands, curiosities, and treasures. A tree filled with last-chance hope.
People crowded in the square for the first time all year: sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, children, grandparents, daughters, and sons. Tables, ladders, and whirring cranes filled the space, with people bustling around them. Collection boxes for food, gifts, and other donations lined the riverside railings. Dozens of eyes cast upwards, glinting in the lights at the glorious tree, hopeful offerings clutched in hands. Last attempts to end the terrible illness that caused so much suffering. The scent of pine and cinnamon curled around them. The mayor, a stout woman with spiky hair and a red dress, stood on a box ready to make a speech. She wore an enormous colourful jewelled collar, which glinted in the lights of the tree. Nell thought she looked like a human Christmas decoration, though she didn’t like to judge. Emma rolled her eyes as the mayor put her glasses on, pulled out a piece of paper and began.
‘In these dark days, as this terrible year draws to a close, we, the people of Hope’s End, can only hope for a brighter future. This crisis has stretched our town to its limits. What holds us together is our unity, our love, hope, and community–’
One of Emma’s friends on the opposite side of the square admired the tree with her dad. He was holding her close to him with her mother on the other side. A fire of jealousy streaked through Emma, a tear forming in the corner of her eye. Nell knew exactly how she was feeling and wished she could bring Emma’s father home, to give Emma’s mother back her job. To make everything right again. The tear splashed from Emma’s eye onto Nell’s head. Nell sent soothing thoughts to Emma, hoping she would feel less alone. She felt her relax a little, her breath steady. The mayor continued.
‘On this mid-winter day, we transform our famous great pine tree in Riverside Square into an enormous Christmas tree, filled with our favourite treasures, decorations, curiosities, and symbols of hope. I have lent my cherished angel for the treetop. Isn’t she beautiful? I always thought she might be real, ha ha!’ She smiled and shook her head.
‘Hope so!’ shouted a man.Â
‘We need it!’ said another. The mayor adjusted her glasses.
‘Our Christmas tree creation will stir hearts and souls and inspire us to find a way, together, through these troublesome times. When this is over, our town will be restored to its former glory. Our favourite shops will re-open, our award-winning school will have teachers again, and our people will be healthy and happy. We will thrive once more if we all pull together and resolve this mystery sickness.’
‘Isn’t it fabulous!’ said Emma’s mother. ‘All the lovely people of this wonderful town coming together, even in hard times!’ She waved across the square to some other parents.Â
‘All the lovely people we will never see again because we have to move,’ said Emma. Her mother’s shoulders dropped at little. She had dark circles under her eyes.
‘I am sorry darling, it’s just the way it is.’
Emma placed her hand to her chest, against the breast pocket where Nell stood. Ahead, a woman stood on a crane holding a magnificent angel aloft. Emma’s eyes lit up. If you looked closely, so did Nell’s. The people cheered as the woman rose on the crane and attached the angel to the treetop. Gold and glinting against the lights, the angel towered over them all. Her elegant, pointed wings seemed to pierce the swirling green tinged clouds above. She swayed in the breeze, back and forth, back, and forth. A group of crows swooped low across the square, cawing. Some people drew their small children close.Â
A woman with heavy eyelashes holding something blue and glittery in her hand swiped them away.
‘Hey!’ she yelled, ‘someone bring some bird killer!’Â
‘That’s cruel,’ said Emma. The mayor continued.
‘Our hearts go out to those in hospital, those who have lost their jobs and homes. Please make donations for those in need in the boxes – your spare food, clothes, money, and toys are appreciated. And please take what you need. We will gather here on Christmas morning to give out donated gifts and to reflect. By supporting each other, we will beat this menace! Merry Christmas!’
Emma handed the star garland they had brought from home to a man with a pile of Christmas decorations in his arms. He took it and smiled.
‘Thanks, love, enough stars in your home already, are there?’ He nudged her arm. ‘That’s a pretty one!’ He climbed up a very tall ladder that leant against the tree and added it with the new decorations to the masterpiece. Nell’s eyes twinkled.
Â
*
Â
Nell usually stood on the shelf by Emma’s bed with her other treasures. She was a gift from Emma’s great-grandmother when she was younger. ‘Keep her close, dear,’ Emma’s great-grandmother had said, with a wink. Emma had done exactly that. Nell stood next to a photo of her father, who was grinning at a tomato for some reason; half a fossil she had found on a beach and a grubby duck teddy she adored when she was a baby. Nell stood in the middle, with her two long plaits and her red jumper, with little blue forget-me-not flowers painted on the front.Â
When Emma’s father went to the hospital earlier in the year, Emma took Nell from the shelf and carried her with her in her pocket. Since her mother lost her job, she sneaked her to school inside her rucksack every day. When she heard that they might have to move to the next town, Pewksbury, she slept with her under her pillow at night. Of course, Emma did not know that Nell could think and feel. How could she? Nell never moved or spoke, just like any ordinary figurine. But she was right there by her side, alright. Especially in dark times like these. No. Questions. Asked.
‘Do you think it’s a real angel, Mum?’ asked Emma.
‘I am not sure, darling.’ She shifted uneasily.
‘I believe it’s real,’ said Emma, crossing her arms. ‘Otherwise, everything is just too awful. Why can’t you adults just sort out these problems? We need an angel. Something good has to happen.’Â
A wide man moved in front of them, blocking their view. He smelt of old socks mixed with pubs and pie. He looked up at the angel and sniggered. Emma’s mother tapped him on the shoulder, and he turned around. His shiny cheeks drooped down to his chin and his tiny eyes were almost buried beneath his floppy eyebrows. Even before he spoke, Nell knew who it was. Emma grimaced and folded her arms even tighter.Â
‘Such a pity!’ he purred, placing his clammy hand on Emma’s mother’s arm. His eyes narrowed further into the folds of his face as he attempted a false smile.Â
‘Mr Tribulus, hello. I hoped we might see you. You see, I was wondering if you might change your mind.’ She clasped her hands together. ‘It is a lot to ask, I know. I am certain I will have some money to pay you for the rent soon, just not right now. Since you doubled it when I lost my job, and with my husband in the hospital, well, it’s hard. We really would like to stay. Perhaps I could work in one of your many businesses here? Please?’ Nell felt Emma cringe. Mr Tribulus shook his head. Sweat flew off him and landed on her forehead. Warm air blasted over Nell as Emma huffed through her nostrils and wiped it off.
‘I am afraid there is simply nothing I can do.’ His thin mouth almost disappeared out of sight into his fleshy chin. Which was fortunate because he had a large piece of gristle stuck between his teeth.Â
‘Slug,’ muttered Emma. Nell slipped down a little as Emma’s mother elbowed her.
‘Well, Mr Tribulus, here is my card.’ She tried to meet his eyes and handed it to him with her own best attempt at a smile. She grasped her hands together again. ‘If you can think of anything. Any way to allow us to pay the rent a little later. Or work here in Hope’s End. Please. Anything.’ Nell knew Emma’s stomach was churning. It was so humiliating.Â
‘Goodbye, Susan. You can drop the keys in to me at Gluttontwerp House by the end of Christmas Eve. Three days is very generous, I think you will agree.’Â
‘My name is Sara,’ she croaked. He looked up at the tree again, laughed and shook his head. He blustered off, shedding beads of grease, and muttering to himself as he walked.Â
Emma’s mother put her purse and remaining cards back into her handbag and pretended she wasn’t crying. ‘Well, that’s fine! Good actually! I love Pewksbury anyway, always wanted to live there. There’s a lovely view of the sewage works from the flat. And I’m sure I will enjoy working at that new factory. I’ve never worked with experimental chemicals before. We will get used to the smells.’ Nell sensed Emma’s heart clenching.Â
‘I thought you said it was a sherbet factory?’ said Emma.
‘Oh, did I? Well, there really is very little difference.’ She squirmed.
‘I would rather starve to death than live there. I. Am. Not. Going.’ Emma re-crossed her arms. If she had more arms to cross, she would have. ‘We belong here, and that’s that.’
‘And did you know Pewksbury school has reopened since the enquiry into the dead fish?’
But Emma wasn’t listening. As the mayor gazed up at her glinting angel high above, the greatest idea she ever had bubbled into her mind. An idea that would change everything. Emma turned away from her mother and pressed her hands against her chest, squashing Nell closer to her heart. Nell followed her gaze up – to the angel at the top of the tree. Emma spoke in a tone you might use to address royalty.
‘Oh, Angelic One. I absolutely and completely know you are real. I believe! So please grant my wish. Stop Mr Tribulus from being such a greedy, vile, slug-headed twit. I don’t want to live in pukey Pewksbury, I want to stay here in Hope’s End. Please make Dad better and give Mum back her job. She loved working at the bookshop. Please, only you can help me. Thank you.’ She bowed her head, her eyes shut so tight that her face scrunched up. The angel stared down at them, swaying to and fro, gleaming against the inky, greenish sky.Â
At the very moment Emma made her wish, Nell’s body fizzed and popped all over. It tingled and prickled in her core and sparkled and buzzed on her edges. Feelings she had never had before. It was as if starlight swirled through her, into every particle. Her soul shone. A faint beat in her chest grew strong, pulsing and thumping. Energy whizzed from the top of her little head to the tips of her tiny toes. She wriggled them. She stared at her fingers and opened and closed her hands.
‘Blinking baubles, I can move!’ said Nell. She put her hand to her mouth and pressed it. ‘And I can speak! What’s happening to me?’ She wriggled some more, delight fizzing through her. She laughed, a little too loud, then stopped herself and covered her mouth with her hands again. ‘Oops!’ She looked up at Emma from the pocket and stood still.
‘What’s so funny?’ said Emma and her mother at the same time, looking at each other. ‘Nothing,’ they both said. They each thought the other had finally cracked up.
Nell sank into the pocket, holding her hands over her smiling mouth. She squeezed her eyes shut as if to hold in the beautiful new feelings of life that whirled wildly inside. She didn’t know what to think about first, or what to do. So, she stayed still and quiet. One powerful thought would not leave her. Emma had wished on the angel, and Nell would do everything she could to make sure the angel got that wish. It was their only hope. She gazed up at the angel, courage blazing in her heart. I am coming to have a word with you! They turned to go home.
The Wish That Saved Christmas is a children's story penned by London-based debut author Kate Harvey. Set in the fictional town of Hope's End, the story starts in the run-up to Christmas day, where many of the residents have been struck by a mystery illness. One of the sickness-stricken residents includes the dad of protagonist Emma, leaving her and her mother Sara scrambling to find the rent money or else risk eviction and relocation to the significantly less likeable town of Pewksbury. In desperation, Emma takes her her toy doll Nell to the town's central Christmas tree and makes a wish. Little does anyone in the sleepy town realise that Emma's plea is about to unlock a whole lot of magic, magic which may well save the town from more than just one eviction...
This is a fun story to read, full of lovely flowing descriptions and energetic dialogue that is bound to captivate younger readers as they progress through the story to the thrilling climax. The illustrations at the top of each chapter are also a nice touch which helps to hint at what adventure awaits in the chapter yet to come.
With The Wish That Saved Christmas it is the page length that forms the biggest stumbling block for me. At 164 pages of average-sized font feels is a bit too content-heavy for the intended seven to ten age readership, and at points it results in the pacing feeling a bit off. While nicely written, the additional storylines did not always progress the story line quite as timely as it could have done.
Another element that feels a bit off is the book's starting point and early scene setting. Given so much is said through inter-character dialogue on the attractiveness of Hope's End, it feels difficult to visualise the appeal as a reader. A few more descriptive paragraphs in the first couple of pages would have helped a great deal with solidifying the charm of Hope's End and raising the odds of what the family would lose should they move to the neighbouring town of Pewksbury.
The Wish That Saved Christmas is a likeable book for advanced readers within the primary / elementary school bracket or as a bedtime read for parents and children to fully appreciate the charm this book has to offer.
AEB Reviews