A royal family of giants is enjoying a feast when an itsy, bitsy crumb rolls off of their dessert, which resembles a traditional yule log. The daughter is concerned but the mother scoffs that a crumb is “quite unimportant.” Little do they know that just below a hungry family is about to have a feast of their own when that crumb crashes right through their door! Each family after this proceeds in the same way, hungry for food or something new, when a spectacular “crumb” from the previous family rolls into their lives. Readers meet mice, ants, and finally a very happy flea as the book wraps up its wholesome message of how meaningful even a seemingly small thing can be. This tangible way of presenting an important idea is a great way to introduce thoughtfulness and generosity to kids.
Treleaven’s rhyming couplets make the story hop along easily for a read-aloud and sets the happy atmosphere that will follow the characters (and the crumb). Willmore’s accompanying illustrations are simple and use color tones that match a Christmas book well, incorporating plenty of reds, greens, whites, and yellows. Some pages host small details that young readers will love pointing out, such as the expressions of background characters or the decorations.
To whom would you recommend this book? Kids desperate to find another Christmas book and families searching for a good holiday story that has a positive theme will enjoy this title.