Every year, the Christmas season blows in with more than dark nights, cold weather and, fingers crossed, hopefully some snow. The festive season also brings with it a flurry of traditions, each one sprinkled with its own magic that means different things to people. For some, it’s a time for deep reflection and worship. For others, it’s about the thrill and excitement of exchanging gifts, spreading goodwill or gathering around a festive table with loved ones. And for book lovers like us, it’s a season that is overflowing with Christmas-themed stories – tales of snowflakes, sleigh bells and heart-warming wonder. With Christmas not too far in the distant future, I found myself curled up uon the sofa with a very special picture book inspired by real events: The Owl Who Came for Christmas, written by John Hay and illustrated by Garry Parsons.
The moment Christmas decorations begin to appear in shop windows and on street corners, anticipation fills the air. In this festive picture book, that sense of excitement quickly turns to surprise when one family discovers an unanticipated guest perched in their fresh-cut fir tree. Little Rosie, an Eastern Screech Owl no bigger than a robin, has unwittingly found herself nestled among the branches destined for a family’s living room. What follows is a tale of unexpected friendship, gentle humour and the comfort that only a real-life story can bring.
Rosie’s adventure begins on a cold crisp evening in her forest home. After a day of successful hunting, she curls up in her favourite fir tree that she calls home, tucking her head beneath her wings. But dawn brings an alarming racket: axes are biting into bark and saws are buzzing through the timber. Terrified, Rosie clings on tight as the tree is shrouded in netting, her world suddenly turned upside down. After the tree, now wrapped in netting so there is no escape, is loaded onto a lorry, she is whisked away from the woods and planted somewhere new – straight into a bustling family’s front room.
Unaware that their new Christmas tree hides the very special gift of a feathery stowaway, the family trims the tree with twinkling lights and shiny baubles. It isn’t until their ten-year-old daughter, wide-eyed and curious, glimpses a flash of russet feathers that they realise they have a sneaky Christmas guest. Rosie’s camouflage is as perfect as her timing is surprising. Initially, the family wonders what to do – after all, owls don’t belong under the Christmas fairy or tinsel and candy canes. After the shock discovery of their surprise guest, it soon melts into delight and concern. How could they help a wild creature so far from home?
Overall, I thought that The Owl Who Came for Christmas was a well-crafted story outlining Rosie’s journey from the forest to a family home. It has warmth and gentle pacing. It expertly takes young readers through each twist of her journey. The story, written by John Hay, balances the tension of Rosie’s unusual predicament with moments of light-hearted whimsy, making this a perfect read for the festive season.
No picture book is complete without the pictures and the illustrations, by Garry Parsons, burst of the pages with vibrant colour and exquisite detail. His portrayal of Rosie’s wide, curious eyes and the family’s mix of wonder and worry brings each page to life, inviting readers to pore over every branch, bauble and beam of light.
Despite the deep sadness of Rosie losing her beloved natural home, The Owl Who Came for Christmas is a charming story, one with a happy ending. Rosie’s accidental relocation into an unnatural one becomes an excellent opportunity for young page turners to learn more about animal habitats, empathy and conservation. By the final turn of the page, Rosie is happily reintroduced back into her natural habitat, with the help and guidance from a caring nature centre. While a happy ending, it is so much more than that, it encourages a rich topic for conversations about our relationship with nature and the ways we can protect it – even when Christmas celebrations sometimes clash with the natural world.
While it may not be a traditional Christmas-themed story featuring Santa, snow and surprise gifts, what The Owl Who Came for Christmas lacks in jingle bells and Santa hats, it more than makes up for in a genuine, heart-warming gift: the chance to connect with wildlife in an entirely new way. At the back of the book, young readers and their grown-up reading helpers will find fascinating owl facts and the true story of Rosie’s rescue.
The Christmas season is packed full of sugary treats, brightly-wrapped gifts and exciting festivities, The Owl Who Came for Christmas is one treasure that really shines. It reminds us, children and adults, that the very best gifts are those where we open our hearts to the unexpected. Full of vibrant art, tender storytelling and real-life inspiration, this picture book is destined to become a festive favourite for families.
A charming Christmas animal tale that was inspired by real events and a story that children will adore.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £6.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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