If you’ve ever searched for a Christmas picture book that feels both timeless and faith-filled, Deborah LaCombe-Lutz’s Evangeline, The First Christmas Tree (affectionately “Evie”) is the hidden gem you’ve been waiting for — even though it’s currently out of print.
A Story That Dances off the Page
From the very first lines, we’re introduced to Evie, a joyful young evergreen who can “hear the music of the twinkly stars” and literally dances beneath them. Her branches sway, birds nestle in to sing, and an entire forest springs to life around her. It’s a gentle, music-infused opening that instantly invites children to imagine hearing those star-songs for themselves .
As Evie follows a brilliant star across winter landscapes, she meets a wise oak (“Oaky”), a graceful birch (“Gracie”), and a patient palm (“Peter”). Each tree brings its own gift and lesson, weaving themes of courage, faith, and friendship into the Christmas narrative. When they finally bow at the manger, every page radiates wonder and quiet reverence — perfect for bedtime or candle-lit family reading.
Why It’s Perfect for Babies, Toddlers, and Beyond
- Rhythmic language: The simple, lyrical sentences make it a soothing read-aloud for infants while keeping older kids engaged.
- Positive repetition: Evie’s joyful dance and the recurring star-music motif give toddlers something to anticipate on each page turn.
- Faith foundation: The manger scene is presented with warmth and clarity, introducing the Nativity story without overwhelming younger listeners.
- Growth themes: For school-age children, the book’s message about stepping out in faith — despite teasing or fear — opens up deeper conversations about courage and kindness.
Lush Illustrations That Spark Curiosity
Deborah’s own artwork (the manuscript is fully illustrated) captures everything from snow-dusted forests to the glowing manger scene. Each full-spread invites little eyes to linger: bright birds, twinkling stars, and that gentle Bald Eagle who guides Evie along her journey.
Why You Can’t Buy It — Yet
The original edition is out of print, which means secondhand copies are rare and pricey. But there’s good news on the horizon: a new, beautifully reformatted version is in the works with updated metadata, global bookstore distribution, and a six-month marketing push. Pre-order details will roll out once production is officially underway, so keep an eye on the author’s Amazon page and social channels.
How to Share Evie’s Light While You Wait
- Story-time sampling: Read the opening pages aloud from the sample PDF (if you have it) to spark excitement.
- Star-music craft: Cut out paper stars, add glitter, and hang them over your child’s reading nook — re-creating the “twinkly stars” Evie loves.
- Family discussion: Ask, “What star or dream would you follow even if others laughed?” It’s amazing what insights children share.
Final Thought
Evangeline, The First Christmas Tree isn’t just a holiday book; it’s a gentle invitation to dance, believe, and shine. If you’re building a library of stories that nurture faith and imagination, put Evie on your watch-list now — because once this new edition lands, you’ll want to add it to your family’s Christmas tradition right away.
Picture Book IllustratorFamily ChristmasBedtime StoriesFaith Based StoriesAdd customer reviews and testimonials to showcase your store’s happy customers.
