All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree [Paperback]

Lesley Fletcher (Author), Custom-book-tique.com (Cover Design)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 2010

Myriam has only one wish this holiday season: To enjoy a decorated Christmas tree in her Muslim household. As Myriam sets about convincing her Muslim family to allow her to have her wish for a Christmas tree, readers find themselves rooting for Myriam, and her best friend, Alexa, as the young girls promote intricate immersion and acceptance in a multicultural world. All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree is a story of tradition, grace and sensitivity. Fully illustrated to reflect the innocence and charm of the characters.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Having recently visited three predominantly Muslim countries in the last four years and realising that religion plays such a big cultural role in our own society prompted me to write this book.

In this case I selected a lovely little girl who is growing up in an Arab household in North America. Every care was taken to adhere to family values of both Myriam and her friend Alexa along with their respective traditions.

Essentially, I helped the character come to a satisfying compromise to celebrate the Christmas season. A celebration of family, tradition and the love we have come to cherish particularly at this time of year.

The realisation toward the end of the book where Myriam discovered the 'reason' she was so enthralled with Christmas trees, lights, gifts and wishes was an eye-opener for even myself. It was not until my research of the Koran and the multiple names for Mary (mother of Jesus) that I saw that I had pre-named my character Mary in Arabic.  

Of course as adults we can imagine the wistfulness and envy that children who do not celebrate Christmas feel as every street is filled with lights, seasonal music is playing and gifts being exchanged. There are many families who have adapted their culture to include a Christmas celebration; this is only one story of one family who found a way to enjoy and delight in the tradition North Americans have almost forgotten the meaning of .... this book serves as a reminder of kinder ways and simple days.

About the Author

Lesley Fletcher is and author, artist and illustrator. Whenever she has the opportunity she travels with Habitat for Humanity to build homes, break barriers and gain a better understanding of humanity. As a volunteer with Literacy Unlimited she supports and encourages education as a way to break barriers, through knowledge and understanding. All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree is her 2nd book following the recent release of Prom-Girls - A North American Rite of Passage. She resides in Montreal Quebec where she continues to write, study and produce art.

Product Details

• Paperback: 44 pages
• Publisher: Inspiration Import (June 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098653322X
• ISBN-13: 978-0986533228
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,655,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My travels and experience in life have had a profound effect on my writing and my art.

In each book I strive to connect on a personal level with the reader, the same way I would if we met personally.

The adventurous laid back spirit in me has enabled me to become very adaptable to a variety of enjoyable experiences and delight in every one of them. My biggest pleasures are my biggest motivators.

'5 Pillars of the Gypsy' is my latest release which combines art and verse and stands as a mixture of spiritualism and emotion.Each poem tells a story. Each story is meant to awaken and inspire the inner you to add meaning to your own events in life.



'Prom Girls: A North American Rite of Passage' is my first book. Having gained valuable experience through my first publication has provided the ground work and motivation for her upcoming books.
My second book,' All I Want for Christmas Is a Wishmas Tree', tackles the ever more present problem of families integrating into a different culture and still retaining their own.
My third book is 'Hey Angel!' (www.hey-angel.com) which is an early reader that focuses on self-esteem. It is written in rhyme and has quickly become a favourite with the very young and their parents. Young readers along with their parents are invited to the accompanying website to 'ask the Angel' a question which is then answered on the site.

I can be found on Twitter @gypsyles, Linkedin, Google+. I take delight in making new friends in our ever changing world.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Well Handled December 17, 2012

By DadOfThree

Format:Paperback

All I want for Christmas is a Wishmas Tree. The book is about a little girl in a Muslim household who wants to celebrate the holidays with a Christmas Tree. I was a little hesitant about the book at first, but as I read through, I came to realize how true to life this book could be.

I didn't grow up in a household that barred any traditions, but I remember having a friend who didn't celebrate Christmas and how much her little brother wanted a Christmas tree. Not to encroach upon his parent's personal beliefs, but the symbolism of the tree itself, the beauty and the sparkling delight to a child... it's pure fantasy and delight.

Coming from a non-religious household, we still celebrate the Christmas holiday with lights and stockings and a decorated tree. My kids, my husband and I drink hot cocoa and eat Christmas cookies with the twinkle lights on, and it ceases to be about agenda or religion, but the magic of the holiday. I liked that the book handled the issue very delicately and respectfully.

Both of my daughters read the book, and they loved it. My fourth grader even took the book to school to show her class the art, and everyone thought it was fantastic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice story December 1, 2011

By Lborcutt

Format:Paperback

This is a nice story for children. It gives them a look at other holiday traditions. Myriam is so cute. Children will enjoy the illustrations as well. A nice story to be read during the holidays.

5.0 out of 5 stars All I Want for Christmas is a Wishmas Tree January 5, 2013

By Mary M. Forbes

Format:Paperback

A great lesson book. With North American culture so diversified, Fletcher has captured a way towards understanding and combining the beliefs of all without compromising your own beliefs. I would recommend all children read and learn the lessons portrayed in Wishmas Tree.