Originally published in 1943, with artwork by Ursula Moray Williams herself, and then reprinted in this 1990 edition, with new illustrations by Gillian Tyler, this sweet little holiday story follows the adventures of a small Christmas tree, and his efforts to give the poor peasant family, in whose home he finds himself, all the blessings he thinks they deserve. Wandering the snowy woods on Christmas Eve, the tree bargains away his own beauty, trading all his lovely little green needles for the beautiful decorations and gifts he wants to provide for his family. Finally, catching sight of himself in a clear pool, he is so ashamed of his denuded appearance, that he cannot bear the idea of returning home. Have all his efforts been in vain? Or will St. Nicholas, who is also in the woods this night, set all to rights...?

There's really not much doubt, as to the answer to that question - just look at the cover illustration here! - but The Good Little Christmas Tree is an engaging tale, all the same. Text heavy, for a picture-book - I'd say this was more of an illustrated short story - it includes numerous fantasy elements, from the tree's journey itself, to the gnomes and goblins, wolf-guarded toadstools, and dancing angels, that he encounters. Williams seems to have often made sentient animals and objects her protagonists - see Adventures of the Little Wooden Horse and Gobbolino the Witch's Cat - and here she continues the trend, with a sentient tree. Although I wouldn't say that it was destined to become a personal holiday favorite, I did enjoy the story, and appreciated Gillian Tyler's illustrations, which reminded me a bit of Pauline Baynes' work. Recommended to all young readers who wonder about the Christmas magic going on, while they're asleep... ( )