By: Alice Jamieson
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When Fred Roll, Windy B’s favourite baker, opened his shop door early one December morning, a gust of wind blew in an invitation to take part in the annual Christmas lights competition. Just like his dear dad many years before, it was something that Fred could just not resist. For Fred, his wife, Heidi, and everybody living in the amazing Bumble Bay, this particular Christmas would be the one that they would never ever forget!
John Barnett has been making up stories all his life: for his own children at home, for children around the world as a language teacher, and for children in hospital, where he was inspired to write Windy B – The Christmas Lights.
Alice Jamieson has always loved drawing, so much so that she did a degree in illustration at university.
This is the first book that John and Alice have done together but they have lots more Windy B stories to share in the future.
A truly beautiful Christmas book that will become a wonderful tradition in any household. A touching story about kindness in a special little town. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a special gift for children but also adults too! A real festive treat!
The nicest Christmas book you could ever imagine. Such a delight for children and all the family this Christmas and every Christmas. The words and amazing illustrations leave you feeling warm and full of joy and hope.
This beautifully-written Christmas story is full of joy and the comforting trappings of the season of goodwill. We read of tasty and traditional treats to eat and drink and revel in the beautiful surroundings of the coastal resort where the story is set. Of course, our hero is faced with a challenge - to win the regional Christmas lights competition for his village for the first time, after many amusing failures in past years. Will he succeed, and how? John Barnett's simple but eloquent text is perfect for reading to children, and Alice Jamieson's beautiful illustrations are the ideal complement to the words. A wonderful Christmas present!
I love this book. It makes me happy every time I read it. I have gifted copies to my grand-nieces in Massachusetts and Chicago and this Christmas I will be gifting it to my own first-born grandchild. The story is hopeful and kind, without being sentimental. It subtly but powerfully teaches children about determination in the face of great odds, about family and community, about the love of a son for his father and for his wife. Jamieson’s illustrations perfectly complement Barnett’s words. I read somewhere that there are more Windy B stories in the pipeline which is great news for those of us who have already fallen in love with Fred and Heidi and Bumble Bay.
A truly beautiful Christmas book that will become a wonderful tradition in any household. A touching story about kindness in a special little town. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a special gift for children, but also adults too! A real festive treat!
Beautifully written and illustrated. My son loved every page and especially the grand reveal. Sure to become a Christmas classic. Next stop the animated film? My money is on Martin Freeman for Fred’s voiceover .....
An unusual and moving story! Children of all ages will enjoy it at different levels. The illustrations are also brilliant.
Windy B - The Christmas Lights by John Barnett is a most delightful book for young children that is guaranteed to make you smile.
The book shows the importance of never letting go of our dreams. There may be set backs along the way but pick yourself up and try again.
Hard work and community co-operation are the order of the day. When we work together, great things can happen.
We see the importance of family. Family help each other to achieve their goals.
The whole book is beautifully illustrated by Alice Jamieson. The town of Windy B really comes to life with her drawings, as do the residents. They are simply drawn but even so, the reader just wants to step inside the world of Windy B.
Windy B – The Christmas Lights is a beautiful book to read in the run up to Christmas – or indeed at any time of year.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
