Best friends the bear, the moose and the beaver have been so busy getting ready for Christmas, they have forgotten the most important decoration of all — the Christmas tree! Rushing through the snowy forest, they reject one tree after another. And then they spot it. A pine tree that is just the right size, with soft needles and a wonderful scent — it’s perfect! But just as the beaver is about to chop it down, the bear stops him. He can’t allow this tree to be harmed, it is simply too beautiful! But the moose and the beaver disagree. Is there a way they can have a perfect Christmas — without chopping down the perfect tree?

Part of the popular Life in the Wild picture book series from author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland, this funny romp is, at its heart, a contemporary fable championing the importance of family, friends and traditions while promoting the joys of nature, specifically, the wilder parts of the outdoors. Oldland’s distinctive, simple and playful illustrations tell much of the tale on their own, with lots of visual humor in the lovable characters’ facial expressions and their numerous asides throughout. The hilarious text and artwork make this book a terrific read-aloud. It would also work to launch a discussion about celebrations and traditions, or about problem-solving and compromising.