Ernest's special Christmas - Laura T Barnes

For ages 4-8. This fourth title in the series finds the miniature donkey and his friend, Chester, a huge, retired draft horse, excited about Christmas. When it begins to snow, Ernest returns to the barn, only to realise that Chester is missing. Despite heavy snowfall, he searches for his friend, who has fallen in the snow and cannot rise. He summons many animals, large and small, all of whom work together to help get Chester on his feet. Naturalistic but slightly sentimental watercolor illustrations reinforce the text. The message-that Christmas is a time of giving, and that love and determination bring results-is pounded home abruptly, and readers may wonder if the ailing Chester will really make it back to the barn.