The Story: One winter’s night, a badger arrives in the forest, cold and hungry. There is little food in the harsh wintertime, but something special about the kind, gentle badger moves Fox, Mouse and Hare. They each help as best they can, and Badger goes on his way. But the storms are getting worse and the animals start to worry. The friends help save Badger from the freezing night but in the morning he is gone. However, it seems there is something more to Badger than meets the eye.
Why is One Winter’s Night your favourite Christmas book?
I love quiet, enchanting tales which can really captivate the reader. This is a very gentle, magical, wintery book, perfect for snuggly times with blankets and hot chocolate. The story reminds me of the Christmas carol ‘Good King Wenceslas’, which used to intrigue me when I was a little girl.
Can you describe a favourite illustration or give a favourite quote from the story and tell us why you chose it?
The illustrations by Simon Mendez are another reason why I love this book. The pictures are so beautifully detailed – soft but realistic. My favourite illustration is as at the beginning, where Fox watches the silvery, gleaming Badger approaching in the snowy moonlight. The landscape is beautifully magical and you feel like you could reach out and ruffle the fur of the fox.
Author: Claire Freedman / Illustrator: Simon Mendez
About Amy
Amy is the author of many picture books, including Do Not Enter The Monster Zoo, shortlisted for several awards, including the Roald Dahl Funny Prize 2013. She has had four more books published this year including The Goodnight Star and Alien’s Crazy Christmas. Amy also writes the ‘Writing for Children’ pages for the bestselling Writing Magazine. She lives in Devon with a husband, five children and a sock goblin called Arthur.
Amy’s Website / Twitter / Facebook
Amy’s two latest picture books are magical / Christmassy books:
The Goodnight Star illustrated by Jane Massey
Alien’s Crazy Christmas illustrated by Jamie Smith
Which book is on your Christmas wishlist this year?
Super Happy Magic Forest by Matty Long. It looks good fun.
Story Snug’s 2015 Advent Calendar on Pinterest
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