“Everyone in the blocky, soft-glowing images is beaming, from people to pets to plump Santa ornaments; by the end of the book, readers will be, too.” Guardian
"A sprightly, unashamedly Christmassy picture book" Observer
“If you’re going to pick a Christmas themed book this season, you’ll struggle to find one more festively atmospheric ... this is a comforting book” The Herald
Pick a pine tree from the lot – slim and tall, or short and squat! Long straight limbs or branches bent... Mmm! Just smell that piney scent!
From the dazzling duo who made Together With You comes a beautiful, irresistible Christmas gift book that all begins with … picking a pine tree! Brimming over with the excitement of being with family at the festive season, a gorgeously rhythmical, read-aloud narrative accompanied by warm, joyful art celebrates all the familiar rituals of decorating the tree – from digging out jam-packed boxes of trimmings, stringing tinsel, to, at last, turning on those twinkly fairy lights.
“A rhyming picture book with glowing illustrations that celebrates the Christmas ritual of selecting and decorating the perfect tree.” The Irish Independent
"Jarvis’ illustration is absolutely remarkable, and its soft retro-styled beauty makes this book really stand out." BookTrust
“The rhyming text is brimming with energy” Daily Mail
"Full of cosy Christmas cheer ... this is a lovely story for all the family to share at Christmas." The Scotsman
LOOK OUT FOR:
Pick a Pumpkin
Pick a Perfect Egg
About the Author :
Patricia Toht once owned a children's bookshop called Never Never Land, before turning a love of books into a love of writing. She is the author of All Aboard the London Bus, illustrated by Sam Usher, and has contributed fiction, non-fiction and poetry to numerous children’s magazines. She lives in Chicago, USA. Find her online at patriciatoht.com and on Twitter as @PatriciaToht.
Jarvis studied Graphic Design and previously worked as a record sleeve designer, website designer and an animation director before becoming a children’s bookmaker. His titles with Walker Books include Bear and Bird, an illustrated fiction series that follows the funny mix-ups and comic misunderstandings between
a pair of best friends. The first of six titles, Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories, was the Indie Book of the Month on release and has been published into 15 different territories. His picture books include Follow Me, Flo!, Tropical Terry, Mrs Mole, I’m Home!, Thank You, The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, which won the 2023 Oscar’s Book Prize and the Indies Book Prize, and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth, which won the V&A Best Illustrated Book. He is also the illustrator of the much-loved Pick a Pine Tree, Pick a Pumpkin and Pick a Perfect Egg series written by Patricia Toht. His titles have over sold 1.6 million copies worldwide and have been published into over 25 languages. Jarvis lives in Manchester with his wife and their dog Milo. Follow him on X as @heyimjarvis and on Instagram as @booksbyjarvis.
Review :
“The short, rhyming text has a bouncy, appealing tone, with four brief lines of text per page. Delightful mixed-media illustrations use a flattened perspective, simple shapes, and glowing, light-filled backgrounds for a fresh take on the tree-decorating tradition. The illustrations are all in double-page-spread format with compositions that will work well for reading to a group or with just one child in a lap. Pick this delightful story for a Christmas storytime, for library collections, or for family reading around the Christmas tree.”
“Stunning illustrations complement a beautiful narrative celebrating the rituals of decorating the tree; a classic to revisit every Christmas.”
“The book is just perfect for this time of year […]I would defiantly recommend this book as it made me feel the joy that comes with the thought of Christmas”
“[…] gorgeous picture book. Writer Patricia Toht and award-winning illustrator Jarvis capture the spirit of the season […] The slow-paced rhyme and retro look of the artwork makes this feel as familiar and comforting as a pair of old socks. A future family classic that you’ll want to reread every year.”
“Festive cheer fuels this bouncy rhyming text as it celebrates the excitement of getting and decorating the tree for Christmas. From choosing the right pine tree, decorating it with lights and baubles in an atmosphere of friendship and sharing and finally transforming it a Christmas tree for all to enjoy, all the magic of Christmas is gathered in these words and pictures.”
