[Review & Author Interview] The Living Christmas Tree by Kristen Sponaugle

Title:  The Living Christmas Tree
Author: Kristine Sponaugle
Publisher: Mascot Kids
Pages: 38
Publication Date: September 7th, 2021

The Miller family’s Christmas tree looks like a normal Christmas tree during the day, covered with beautiful lights and ornaments. But little do they know that the tree is anything but ordinary. Every night, the magic of Christmas brings the tree to life—much to the delight of Hannah and William Miller. Read along as the kids experience the magic of Christmas in a wonderful new way.

A big thank you to the author and publisher for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I'm always so thankful to have these opportunities! 

Today we have a book that has a 4 triquetra rating of "I really liked it." 

The book is quite interesting - the ornaments come to life once everyone in the house falls asleep. The characters were adorable, and this is a great children's book as it's a quick, simple story with bright illustrations that draw the eye in. I was hooked once I started reading, and thought that this would be a great story to read to my nieces and nephew, I know that they'll also be hooked on the characters and the magic that this story brings to life. 

I would have loved to read more about the characters though! It seemed to me like once I get invested in the story, it was all done. I guess that's the only downside to a picture book, and being an adult reading a story like this. I believe that the kiddos in your life would love this story, although you might be wishing for more, such as myself. No wonder this book is a  2021 Family Choice Award Winner!

I think this will be a wonderful bed time story for kids and their caregivers around the holidays, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one as well. 

Author Interview for Triquetra Reviews

1. What is your favorite part about writing?

It’s tough to pick just one! I really enjoy the actual writing and seeing my ideas come to life on paper. I also enjoy the editing process and perfecting my work. I also love seeing the illustration drafts. It’s really exciting to see the book come together with the illustrations! 

2. Why did you decide to write about a Christmas tree?

I’ve actually had this idea for a book since I was a little girl. I used to pretend the ornaments on my childhood Christmas tree would come to life. It hit me one day that it would make a fun children’s book! I also love Christmas and have fond memories of reading Christmas books as a child. 

3. Who is your favorite character in your book, The Living Christmas Tree?

I’d have to pick Hannah – she’s named after my daughter! I also like how she includes he brother, William, in the magic of Christmas. 

4. Do you have another profession besides writing?

I’m also a Physician Assistant, but I’m not currently practicing. I practiced clinically for about eight years in a variety of specialties. Right now, I’m focusing on raising my daughter and writing. 

5. Have you written any other books, or plan to write more?

Yes! I wrote another children’s book, The Princess Puppy. It’s a story about two princess sisters who stumble upon a puppy in their enchanted forest. I’m hoping to publish a sequel to The Princess Puppy, and I have plans for a young adult novel, too! The Princess Puppy and The Living Christmas Tree were published within a year of each other, so it’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but I definitely plan to continue writing.

About the Author

Kristen Sponaugle was born in Butler, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Duquesne University, where she received her bachelor's degree in health sciences and her master's degree in physician assistant studies. Kristin had always dreamed of becoming an author, and she made that dream a reality with her first published children's book, The Princess Puppy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, cross-stitching, running, and playing with her Maltese dog, Rosie. Kristine lives with her husband, daughter, and Rosie, and resides wherever the Air Force sends them.