The Nutcracker and Other Seasonal Tales

By Maxine Barry

This collection of illustrated Christmas stories is perfect for reading together. Whether you are looking for familiar classics or new discoveries, these tales will charm and delight children of all ages.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
• Release date: Nov 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781789504903

Maxine Barry

After many years of working in publishing, keen to encourage even more children to fall in love with reading, Maxine Barry was one of the founders of Storytime - a magazine which celebrates all kinds of stories from all around the world. Maxine has a real talent for making traditional tales relevant to today's children. She lives on an island in the River Thames in a small house with a lot of bookshelves, where she spends her days collecting, reading and writing short stories.

Book preview

Wee Robin Redbreast

It was a cold Christmas morning and Wee Robin Redbreast decided to do something special to celebrate the day. He decided to leave his nest and fly all the way to the Queen.

The wee robin had been flying for a while when he stopped to rest on a garden wall. Soon a clever old cat came by.

Where are you going, Wee Robin? asked the clever old cat.

I’m flying to the Queen to sing her a song on this fine Christmas morning, chirped Wee Robin Redbreast.

That’s nice, mewed the cat. Before you go, why don’t you come closer? Listen to this bonny new bell around my neck. It tinkles so nicely.

No, no, clever old cat! said Wee Robin Redbreast. You might fool a little mouse like that, but you won’t fool me! And Wee Robin Redbreast flew away as quickly as he could.

A little later, he stopped to rest on a holly bush, and a big hungry buzzard landed by his side.

Where are you going, Wee Robin? asked the big hungry buzzard.

I’m flying to the Queen to sing her a song on this fine Christmas morning, chirped Wee Robin Redbreast.

Very well, squawked the buzzard. Before you go, why don’t you come closer? Look at this bonny bronze feather on my wing. It shines so brightly in the sunlight.

No, no, big hungry buzzard! said Wee Robin Redbreast. You might fool other birds like that, but you won’t fool me! And Wee Robin