The Angel Tree

Ted McGee is an associate professor of English specializing in
children’s literature at St. Jerome’s College, University of
Waterloo.

Set in the 19th century, this strange, evocative tale chronicles the
struggles of its young hero, Kit, to protect a special tree from the
wrath of his master, Grimshaw the blacksmith. Kit is assisted by an
angel who forges magical tools, as well as by the mysterious Professor
Cosmos. Despite their interventions, Grimshaw succeeds in reducing the
tree to “a smoldering heap of ashes.” In the end, The Angel Tree
affirms the power not of the supernatural (which fails Kit), but of the
natural (and achievable). “You did save the tree,” says the angel.
“By planting its fruit you allowed it to live again. ... There is no
greater gift in heaven or on earth than that.” Reinforcing the
story’s otherworldly quality are its illustrations, which feature deep
shadows and luminescent figures. Recommended.