Two of my greatest passions in life are books and Christmas so when Miriam Payne offered to send me a copy of her new book A Greyt Christmas Tail which combines the two I didn’t hesitate to agree.
Having worked as a journalist for 15 years Miriam then made a career move into PR but has always harboured a passion for writing. A Greyt Christmas Tail is her first book and features her beloved adopted greyhounds Blue, an ex-racing dog, and Ramsey, who was abandoned as a puppy. It was their insistent pulling whilst out walking that inspired the story making her an ‘accidental author’ – her words not mine!
First thing I must say about this book is how much I LOVE the play on words in the title it is very clever and really made me smile. The book itself is a lovely quality, bright and colourful paperback which has fantastic shelf appeal. We jump straight and meet Blue and Ramsey all tucked up waiting for the ‘big man’ to arrive, before ‘BAM’ disaster strikes and before they know it they are offering their services in a bid to save Christmas.
Each page comprises of four lines which rhyme wonderfully, something I really personally prefer in a children’s book as I feel it helps move the story along and keep kids engaged – Leo certainly loved it!
Leo is four and really has a taste for Christmas this year and this book is a perfect example of what a Christmas book should be about. Even though at first glance the storyline sounds like many other children’s books this one comes with an important message which really encompasses what the spirit of Christmas is all about. It also has an important role in educating children about the plight facing abandoned dogs, not just at Christmas but all year round.
The illustrations are wonderful with a fantastic hint of humour added for good measure and really are a fantastic representation of Ramsey and Blue when compared to the photographs inside the book.
It is a beautiful light hearted Christmas ‘Tail’ which would make a great gift and in my opinion would be a perfect Christmas Eve read – perhaps an idea for your Christmas Eve box if you make one? It will certainly be a well-loved book on our shelf, not just at Christmas but all year round – I really do LOVE Christmas!
As well as writing a wonderful children’s book Miriam’s other aim when publishing A Greyt Christmas Tail was to help raise awareness of the growing crisis of abandoned dogs in this country. She wants to highlight and educate about overcrowded rescue centres as well as the abuse that many greyhounds have to suffer after their racing careers are over. I was shocked and saddened to discover that greyhounds are actually classed as livestock as opposed to pets and Miriam is hoping that this book will help to educate and help change this in future generations.
The book costs £9.99 from the website below and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Birmingham Greyhound Protection and Foal Farm Animal Rescue who rescued Ramsey as a puppy.
We received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are our own.
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