posted on 15 Dec 2017

Hopscotch and the Christmas Tree by Katy Segrove, illustrated by Katerina Vykhodtseva

I am delighted to tell you that I have discovered another fictional world that I would love to visit. As in some of the best children’s books, this story is set in a cosy colourful place where some animals happily cohabit. Their house is in Rainbow Mews and excitement is growing as they all prepare for Christmas. But when Hopscotch the horse fetches the artificial silver tree down from the attic, it falls apart and they realise that they need to get a new one.

When Ingrid the pig bursts into tears, Barbara the calm and practical purple sheep, reassures them that all is not lost. She stays at home to bake biscuits while the rest of them set out to buy a new one. All of these animals make me smile, possibly because of their unlikely names, and they gradually reveal their individual endearing characteristics as the adventure unfolds.  Hopscotch is an enthusiastic and optimistic fellow who rather lacks discernment when making a choice – he loves all the trees on offer at the greengrocers. Carlo the cat is very excited when he sees how big they are but Jules the cockerel is unimpressed because, in his opinion, they are just too tall. The market is full of very interesting things to look at but the trees are far too small there and as Carlo sums up ‘I think they are rubbish!’

The supermarket only seems to stock thin trees so Hopscotch suggests a visit to the forest as the possible solution.  This certainly seems to be the best place to eventually find what they all agree is ‘a medium sized tree with nice plump branches’ but as Malcolm wields the axe, Ingrid is horrified to  realise that this means killing the tree! What on earth is to be done?

‘Sometimes when you stay positive you find the best solutions right under your nose‘ is the overall moral of the book which is clearly stated at the front. This indeed proves to be the case when the disappointed animals return back to Rainbow Mews to eat their freshly baked star shaped biscuits in the garden. What could be better than sitting under the twinkly sky with good friends after all? And there they find that they can decorate and enjoy an extra special Christmas tree as well.

I think that my favourite character might be Malcolm the solemn cow who likes reading and is described as being a deep thinker.  I too love real Christmas trees and agree with him that the best ones are bushy ‘with nice fat branches’. The best thing about this charming story is that it celebrates the importance of patience, friendship, community, creativity and kindness.  I strongly recommend this beautifully illustrated picture book and will add to my collection of other feel -good Christmas themed books.  I know that it will be one that I will return to reading with great affection  

Karen Argent

December 2017