Parents' Guide to

A Christmas Tree for Pyn

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Heartwarming story of getting Papa in the Christmas spirit.

A Christmas Tree for Pyn Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

age 4+

A truly beautiful story

This book is at first sad and then inspiring. The little girl, Pyn, is persistent and strong, which is nice.

This title has:

Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This gentle story by the author of Old Bear and His Cub (2010) shows the power of love and a child's optimistic spirit to heal the pain of loss and soften the hardest heart. The detailed text lets readers understand Pyn's private world, her hopes and dreams, and subtly reveals that the loss of her mother is what has made Papa so shut down. The spare pencil-and-gouache artwork effectively contrasts the snowy landscape with the stylized, disproportionate figures of giant Papa and tiny Pyn.

Book Details

  • Author: Olivier Dunrea
  • Genre: Picture Book
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Philomel
  • Publication date: October 13, 2011
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 8
  • Number of pages: 32
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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