The Christmas Eve tree - Delia Huddy

A delightful midi-edition of the bestselling picture book The Christmas Eve Tree, including a stunning pop-up - coming just in time for Christmas!

A magical midi-edition of Delia Huddy and Emily Sutton's poignant, exquisitely illustrated Christmas story, with a beautiful pop-up cityscape. When the ugly little fir tree is taken to the city, no one wants to buy him; they prefer the big tall trees. But a homeless boy asks the shopkeeper if he can take the tree, and down by the river in a cardboard box, decorated with a few candles, the tree finds itself at the centre of a magical Christmas Eve it will never forget. With a stunning pop-up of a snowy city skyline, this is a Christmas tale with a classic feel but a modern theme at its heart.

Delia Huddy grew up in Leicester surrounded by books, and inspired by her father, head of English at Wyggeston Grammar in Leicester, went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature at King's College, London.

She went on to enjoy a long and distinguished career in publishing, initially as an editor at Constable with Grace Hogarth, and then Hamish Hamilton, where she met Julia MacRae. The two were to become life-long friends and went on to set up Julia Mac Rae Books, publishing many of the great names in picture books, including Anthony Browne and Raymond Briggs. In later years she became the Director of Fiction at Random House Children's Books.

Alongside a busy career Delia also found time to write, publishing her first book, Jane Plays Hockey, in 1963 at the age of 29. Whilst juggling family life she produced over 40 titles, both picture books for children and fiction for young adults, including the best-seller Time Piper (1976).

The Christmas Eve Tree (2015) was a text on which Delia was working at the end of her life in 2005. This was subsequently published by Walker Books, with illustrations by the wonderful Emily Sutton, and continues to sell well worldwide as a now-established seasonal classic. The estate of Delia Huddy is represented by ILeopard Creative, London.

"This absolutely beautiful book will really instil the true Christmas spirit in all who read it. […]The story is one of hope and new beginnings, and Emily Sutton's illustrations, full of details that children will love, have a wonderful almost folk art feel. Buy it and bring home the real magic of Christmas!"
Andrea Reece, LoveReading

"Your child will especially love the surprise pop-up scene in the middle of this heartwarming book which has a classic feel while being a thoroughly modern story."
Junior magazine

"This is a truly lovely story with gorgeous illustrations that are sure to add a touch of true Christmas spirit."
Madeformums.co.uk