A Christmas Tree for Pyn

by Olivier Dunrea

Christmas is coming. In the craggy rocks on the snowy mountainside, tiny Pyn has her heart set on decorating her very first Christmas tree. But, "No Christmas tree," Papa says. Still, Pyn won't take no for an answer. She knows that a Christmas tree is just the thing their cottage needs to make the season festive and cheery. Pyn is determined to find the perfect Christmas tree - no matter what.

With this story of the love between a father and daughter, Olivier Dunrea captures the true spirit of Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Fiction, Childrens, Family, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Since his debut in 1983, author and illustrator Olivier Dunrea has created a steady stream of picture books, including concept books, stories of family life—modern and ancient—and stories about artists. Many of Dunrea's picture books testify to his love of animals and his interest in archaeology and folklore of the British Isles, and several—including Ravena, The Trow-Wife's Treasure, and Bear Noel—take place in a similar land of Dunrea's own creation: the mythic island of Moel Eyris. "I don't write books or make pictures for children," Dunrea once told Something About the Author (SATA). "I make them for myself. It just so happens that children like what I do as much as I do!"

Olivier (Jean-Paul Dominique) Dunrea (1953-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pyn and her father live in a remote cabin in the woods. Pyn desperately wants a Christmas tree for the holiday this year. She has been saving all sorts of natural treasures she finds in the woods to decorate it, but her pa (who gruffly insists she call him by his given name, and not Pa) doesn't seem to carry much holiday spirit and she is not sure he will get her one. Yet, of course, the love of the season and of his daughter cannot be restrained and by the end, as we expect, he comes to embrace the holiday at last.

For me, this was a five star book. I thought it was just beautiful and conveyed so simply yet so sincerely the feelings of Pyn and her pa. The subtle backstory, never actually spelled out, is that Pyn's mother died and that her father hasn't felt like celebrating the holiday (or expressing love) since; yet his daughter so craves the love and celebration of the season. Given this, I am not sure how many children will enjoy/appreciate the story and it is not one that I would universally recommend. However, I thought it was very well done. And the Christmas tree, when it is all decorated, is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a marvelous Christmas story for children. It's about a mountain man named Oother and his daughter Pyn, who is excited to have her first Christmas tree. But first she has to convince her papa to get one, and then she helps pick it out and decorate it. The sweet ending brought a tear to my eye. Highly recommended for parents.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decorating a tree with found objects brings a father and daughter closer together. A very sweet and gentle tale, though kids may find it a little slow-moving.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do like the message of what-you-have-can-be-enough (both in terms of Christmas tree decorations and family) but thought the father's grief and the reason for it was expressed a little obliquely for a child audience. The illustrations are fairly static as well (Pyn & her father are always standing or sitting in one place, and always in exact profile) though I guess that matches the stuck-in-grief theme. And Pyn DOES have the most adorable red wooden clogs in all of children's literature. My favorite illustration is of Pyn bundled up with her red scarf, walking through waist-high snow with her little ax and a happy smile on her face (now that I think of it, the only illustration that shows movement).

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pyn wants a Christmas tree but her father Oother, grieving for Pyn's mother, refuses. How she resolves this dilemma is the plot of this story. I was most interested in the setting for the book, which has almost a medieval feel (the name Oother=Uther, for one thing) with its open hearth, wooden implements, and crude beds covered with furs, wooden shoes, etc. The Christmas tree may have been present in the Baltic states as early as the 15th century, so perhaps that is the intended setting.Hoewever, the characters wear socks with turned heels, which didn't turn up until later. I'd have appreciated an author's note. In any case, the book is a sweet story with appealing illustrations (pencil and gouache on rough watercolor paper). Lexile measure is AD 700.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young girl named Pyn, living with her gruff father in an isolated mountain cabin, looks forward to Christmas in this new holiday tale from Olivie Dunrea, creator of the Gossie and Friends picture-books. But although Oother - who refuses to allow his daughter to call him Papa - loves his daughter, he is not a flexible man, and resists the idea of allowing a Christmas tree in the home. Fortunately, Pyn knows when to persist, and her obvious love and care for her father, as well as her longing for some holiday magic, eventually softens his heart, resulting in an unexpected Christmas gift, and a growing (perhaps resurfacing?) closeness between father and child...

I appreciated Dunrea's understated narrative, in A Christmas Tree for Pyn, which its implication of loss - Oother reflects that Pyn looks just like her (absent) mother, at one point, and eventually gives her (Pyn) an ornament that belonged to her - and its message of healing. I think we're meant to believe that the mother has died, and that Oother is still grieving for her, which gives his distinct lack of holiday spirit a poignant construction. Christmas can be a difficult time for the bereaved, and Dunrea captures that very nicely here. I had a more mixed reaction to the artwork, which appealed to me at times - loved the scene in which Pyn and Oother are standing in the falling snow, looking at the tree that is soon to be theirs - and left me mostly indifferent - the indoor scenes felt a little flat to me - at others. Still, although I wouldn't classify this as one of my favorites, when it comes to Christmas picture-books, I'm glad to have picked it up, and recommend it to young readers - particularly those who have recently experienced a loss - looking for engaging Christmas stories.

[babyhippoface · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me two readings to fully appreciate the beauty of this sweet story. Now, I plan on including this in next year's Christmas read-alouds. It's that terrific. Plus, it has a character named Oother, which may just be the single best character name I have ever come across. Oother. It rocks.

Pyn, who lives with alone her Papa ("My name is Oother."), wants a Christmas tree. Oother is a large, gruff man who wants no part of Christmas. Pyn is a persistent little pixie, though, and when Oother leaves for a day of work in the woods, she sets out on her own to find a Christmas tree for their home. The snow is too deep for such a tiny girl, though, and soon Pyn finds herself over her head in snow. Luckily, Oother is nearby and plucks her from the drift. Her pluck convinces him to cut down a tree for her to decorate.

It's not until Pyn's tree is beautifully decorated with nests and other bits of nature she has saved for just this occasion that we begin to understand why her Papa is so opposed to having a tree, and with that realization comes a genuinely sweet and lovely moment that will make many a mama tear up (and some Oother-type papas ,too).

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story about a father and daughter who live a very rough lifestyle in a remote cabin in the mountains. The background story is very sad, as the little girl's mother appears to have died (no explanation is given), so little Pyn tries her best to provide a comfortable, clean home for her Papa and makes food for him to eat. Her father is quite gruff and often silent; he refuses to allow her call him Papa and he strongly resists her request to have a Christmas tree. But in the end, we see a bit of warmth between the two as they share a memory and begin to form a closer bond. It's a deeper (and longer) story than I expected, and I recommend it for older children who are more likely able to understand the nuances of the tale. We enjoyed reading it together.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pyn is a small, soft girl. Her Papa, Oother, is a big, gruff man. They lived on the top of a mountain. Pyn would like to find the perfect Christmas tree and decorate it but Oother says, "No Christmas tree". So, Pyn ventures out in a snowstorm to get a Christmas tree on her own. Will she be successful? Will Oother approve?

Love the message of this story and the illustrations are warm, round, and cozy--perfect for a Christmas story.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story to add to Christmas collection for grandkids. (OK, I am lying, I love my children's book collection as much as the grandkids ). My three year old granddaughter enjoyed story with a longer tale than some toddler books but it kept her attention and is sure to become one of our favorites. A very heartwarming story of love expressed without words and simple, beautiful illustrations.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm says, "I like this because I like men with big...BRISTLY...BEARDS!!! And booming voices."

[Colby Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oother reminds me so much of my own father. That is why I gave this book the extra fifth *star*.

[Jeremy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Weird. Father and daughter pray to a fir tree to thank it for letting them cut it down.

[Child960801 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a little girl and her father who live alone in the mountains. Her father loves her, but doesn't always know how to show it. Pyn, the little girl, wants a Christmas tree. Her father doesn't think this is a good idea, but eventually they get a tree and decorate it.

This is a longer book, with lots of words on each page. I'm not sure what the message is supposed to be. I read it to my niece and nephews and they enjoyed it.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a different creative Christmas book; touches your heart strings. Pyn lives in the woods with her Papa a very hard hearted woodsman. Not even Pyn can open his heart. He even tells her to call him by his name and not by 'Papa' but Pyn loves him. As Christmas comes near she asks if they can have her first Christmas tree. She's never had one before and she so would like to have one. He says that he'll see. Christmas Eve comes and he doesn't say anything just heads out the door so Pyn dresses up in her winter clothes and sets out to get a tree. She falls into a snowdrift but luckily Papa was there to grab her. He does take her to get the tree. He is touched (in his way) that Pyn all year long has been saving things she's found in nature and on her walks to put on the tree. He sees the happiness in Pyn's eyes "just like her mother's used to" so allowing the reader to know he's been very lonely and hurt by a loss years ago... But Pyn pulls at his heartstrings and he goes and gets a decoration and says "I made it for your Mother's Christmas tree" Pyn puts the beautiful bird on the top, she yawns and falls asleep in his arms as he puts her in her bed he says "Merry Christmas daughter". A very good Christmas book for a youth to read but also for an adult to read as well. Very nicely done. (And for non Christians this book has no mention of what Christmas is or how you should celebrate it. Only does it mentions praying once and that was to the tree for allowing it to be cut down.)

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Pyn dreams of having a Christmas tree of their own, but her gruff Papa (who insists that she call him Oother) refuses to have one. While her father works outside in the woods all day, Pyn tidies up the house. Through it all, she thinks about a Christmas tree. When Oother continues to say no to a tree, Pyn decides to handle matters herself. She waits until her father heads out to work and then dresses herself in warm clothes and takes a small hatchet along with her. But before she gets far at all, she is up to her waist in snow with more tumbled down and burying her. Oother rescues her at once, sweeping her up onto his shoulders. Together the two of them find the perfect tree and bring it home, where Pyn decorates it with all sorts of natural treasures she has saved. Oother too has something to add to the tree, that speaks to the memory of Pyn’s mother.

Check out the rest of my review at my blog, Waking Brain Cells.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The things that I especially enjoyed about this book include the darling illustrations. The contrast between tiny Pyn and her "two bunches of hair bouncing off either side of her head" and her father's "loud, booming voice, large, rough hands, and a bristly black beard" were delightful. The words flow beautifully, one could read the story without the illustrations and still have a good picture in one's mind of what's happening. But the illustrations do add a great deal to the story. I think my favorite illustrations is the one where Pyn is in snow up to her waist, carrying a small hatchet, but very determined to cut down the perfect Christmas tree, even if she has to do it herself (which of course she doesn't). I also really like the way Dunrea did the trees in the background, they are beautiful. I also liked the natural things that Pyn used to decorate the trees, proving that one doesn't need really expensive ornaments to have a pretty tree. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a great holiday story about family and celebrating.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each year I buy a book or two to add to our family's Christmas Book Box. It's a tradition that I learned about in an NPR piece, and it has become a fun tradition in our house. Each year, at the same time that we put up the Christmas tree, we pull out the X-Mas Book Box. Each night leading up to December 25, we read a book or two from the box. Everyone in the family has their own favorites, and it's always fun to revisit these stories... like seeing old friends after a long time away.

This year, I picked up "A Christmas Tree for Pyn" at our school book fair, and I absolutely love it! It's not "just another Christmas story." While the story of holiday cheer is present, there are also great characters to talk about and ponder. There's also the question of where the mom in the story is. My 4 year old, my husband, and I have all dubbed this one our favorites. I'll have to search for more books by this author!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming picture book tells the story of a little girl and her father and how a Christmas tree helped them rebuild their relationship after grief had put a strain on it. The little girl, Pyn, and her woodsman father lived in a small cottage together. The little girl did everything she could to make the home warm and cozy as the father went to work in the woods every day. She longed to have a real Christmas tree that she could decorate to bring cheer to their home, but her father never wanted to have one. As Pyn persisted, her father relented, and the rest of the story shows how the love that had been there all along warmed and the relationship began to be restored. The story is beautifully illustrated and the change in the father's attitude and demeanor will give young readers a lot to consider. This story could lead to a discussion about how to encourage others who might be having a difficult time during the holiday season.

[Rani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas is coming. It doesn't look like Papa will celebrate it. How can Pyn get Papa interested in celebrations?


Shift the conversation- Oother doesn’t want to be called Papa. Then, he tells Pyn to call him Papa. The transformation of Oother is revealed in simple dialogue.

“Good morning, Papa,” Pyn said.
“My name is Oother,” said Oother.
“Good morning, Oother,” said Pyn.
“Umphf,” said Oother.

In the end:
“Thank you, Oother!” said Pyn.
“My name’s Papa,” Oother said.
“Thank you, Papa!” cried Pyn, throwing her arms around his neck.

Pyn doing all the chores at home- fixing breakfast, making soup.... Clear male, female divide. Reinforcing traditional roles. Papa takes over the role of a parent by tucking Pyn into bed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute picture book for elementary kids. Pyn really wants a Christmas tree, but her Papa is gruff and does not immediately take to the idea. She persists and even goes out into the deep snow to get one herself. She is buried by snow falling off a branch, but Papa is there to save her. They get a tree together. Pyn is very excited and together with Papa she decorates the tree with items she has collected from the forest. The true meaning of Christmas is not mentioned, but it is not commercialized either. The tree is decorated with a bird on top instead of an angel or star. The story develops it's warmness from Pyn getting her tree and the change in Papa throughout the story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a longer picture book about a little girl, Pyn, who lives with her gruff father, Oother. At first, we think Oother is just plain mean since Pyn does all the work around the house and he never even says thank you. But when Pyn decides to get them a Christmas tree for the first time, Oother's heart begins to soften a bit. As she decorates it with bits she's been saving, he gives her a special tree topper, something he had made for her mother. I like this for inference. There are several places where we piece the background of their past few years together based on context clues. The illustrations are charming, too.

[Bridget R. Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pyn, the small daughter of a mountain man, longs for a Christmas tree. She asks her papa every day. When he ignores her request, she decides to get tree for herself. The snow drifts are bigger than she is. Will Pyn get her tree for Christmas?

What I thought: A sweet story with charming illustrations. Pyn is persistent and I like that about her. Dunrea makes good use of white space. The illustrations for A Christmas Tree for Pyn are very like his in Old Bear and His Cub. My favorite illustrations are Pyn and Papa out in the snow, giving thanks, and the tree all decorated.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

31 months - this story won't appeal to everyone, but we love the author's drawing style and subtle detail. If you've read Gossie etc. this is way way wordier and won't be good for younger kids with short attention spans. But for sensitive kids that can pick up on the emotions of the dynamic between father and daughter it's a beautiful Christmas story. We loved the little girl's creativity with her decorations as well.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pyn is hoping for her first Christmas tree this year. But her father, Oother, says no. She keeps asking him and finally he says maybe. On the morning of Christmas Eve, after her father leaves the house, Pyn decides to go get a tree on her own and surprise her father. But it's her dad that surprises her when she falls into a snow drift and he fetches her out.

Together they find the perfect tree, take it home and decorate it with the found objects that Pyn has found in the forest.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful childrens book with gorgeous illustrations that tells the story of a liitle girl and her gruff father. Pyn wants nothing more than to have her first Christmas tree. Her father does not want one (most likely because there was implied loss of Pyn's mother) but over time gives in to Pyn's wish and changes from a gruff big man into a caring father. It was heartwarming and my four year-old grand-daughter loved it.

[Embrc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this 3.5 if I could. I had to warm up to it actually. I've found my patience wanes with longer picture books...not sure if I'm regressing or what. Anyway, I found the illustrations most charming and the story a little sad and sweet. It's not going to be the perfect choice for everyone for Christmas but I think most libraries will want it. AM

[Shelby Rose Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book about the holiday seasons, dealing with the loss of a loved one, and creating an emotional bond and connection between a father and daughter. I would use this in my classroom library and allow the students to share and discuss their favorite holdiay traditions and memories with their families.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book for the simple sweet story and illustrations. Pyn's father Oother reminded me of many of my German relatives, who have little to say despite a great love in their hearts. As someone, who collects things from my many walks in the woods, I loved Pyn's decorations for her Christmas tree!

[Paige Norwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Pyn loves with her father Oother on a mountainside and desperately wants a Christmas tree, but Oother keeps dismissing it. Over the course of the story, we learn she has collected ornaments to put on the tree, and the story has a heartwarming ending. It reminds me slot of "Heidi" and the book has wonderful illustrations. :)