Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree by Christopher Awdry and illustrated by Robin Davies, paperback picture book, first published in 1999, this edition published by Dean, an imprint of Egmont Ltd in 2011.

The Fat Controller has tasked Thomas with bringing the Christmas tree to the carol party. Thomas is excited to perform this job, but things don’t quite go to plan. A massive snowfall strands Thomas, and his friends set out to rescue him. Will the tree arrive in time for the party?

Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends has been a firm favourite in our house for many years, both on the screen and on the page. In fact, Thomas was one of my favourite characters as a child as well! So a Christmas story featuring Thomas was a must for us. With its familiar characters and simple story of camaraderie and heroism, Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree has been enjoyed particularly by my three year olds in the lead up to Christmas (and all year around; it is Thomas after all!).

The illustrations are bold and clear, great for younger children. The unassuming language presented in plain text makes it easy for early readers to have a go reading the story for themselves. My older kids found this to be an easy read, though they still enjoyed it. I liked that there were some of the lesser known trains featured in the story. My boys liked the part where Harold the Helicopter brought Santa!

Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree is suitable for toddlers, preschoolers and lower primary school children. Any little Thomas fan would be delighted with this book.