‘The Christmas Pine’ centres on the life and journey of a pine tree that grows up in Norway and, one year, becomes the chosen tree for London’s Trafalgar Square. Donaldson has created a poem that is accessible for children and young language learners: 5 stanzas with 6 (verse) lines each, 5-8 words per line, often with short, one-syllable, and high-frequency words. The illustrations by Norwegian illustrator Sandøy are detailed, colourful, and atmospheric. Her work reflects London’s diversity, and by playing with light, she creates an atmosphere, which perhaps is a nod to her home country, Norway?
By Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy