Book Review: Thomas & the Christmas Orange: Storybook Advent Calendar Singles by Lewis Brech

This is a nice book that speaks of sharing small blessings.
Thomas & the Christmas Orange: Storybook Advent Calendar Singles
by Lewis Brech

ASIN : B004AE3MOS
Publisher : LEEP Publishing (October 30, 2010)
File size : 1533 KB
Genre: Children, Christmas, Classic
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.

From Storybook Advent Calendar
A charming story about giving and the simple things in life was inspired by a folktale about that orange that seems to appear in Christmas stockings each year. Thomas and his parents leave England in 1824. Tragedy strikes and despair and destitution follow, but warmth and love are returned from a simple orange. This is an instant classic and beloved by all who read it!

Review:
Thomas and his parents have lived a sparse life with the landlord raising rents causing hardship. One morning father returns with the surprise of an orange and tickets to take them to the new world. The orange signifies their chance at freedom and the family is excited, anticipating a new life. Sadly, sickness changes things.

Thomas ends up in a work orphanage where one of the few moments of joy is when the children receive an orange as a treat on Christmas morning. One Christmas Thomas is punished and refused his orange gift. When things look completely desolate, a surprise gives warmth and hope to Thomas.

This is a quick, sad read with an inspirational message. The few images are simple and fitting. I enjoyed the story but not the advertisements that take numerous pages at the end. A simple listing of other books would have been fine.

Source: August 2011 Free Kindle download. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.