Book Title: Needles the Forgotten Christmas Tree by Richard Wagner
Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 32 pages
Genre: Children’s Book
Publisher: Mascot Books
Release date: Mar 7, 2023
Content Rating: G. Suitable for everyone.
Links in this post may be affiliate links. Purchases made using these links will not cost you more but may pay me an affiliate fee. Thanks for using my links which help support this blog.
The world is not always perfect. A scraggly little tree named Needles must endure taunts, criticism, and setbacks to realize his goal of becoming a beautiful Christmas tree.
This is a story of hope, dreams, desires, determination, and never giving up. It also offers the observation that what others think is beautiful may not really matter. Beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder . . . and paired with the spirit of Christmas, maybe we can make the world just a little more perfect!
Meet the Author – Richard Wagner:
Wagner grew up in Southern California. When he was 14-years old, a business friend of his father’s had a small Christmas tree delivered as a thank you. Their family already had a large tree decorated in the house. Not being able to find anyone who needed a tree, that small Christmas tree stood outside by itself for the remainder of the Christmas holiday.
Author Interview – Richard Wagner
- When did you first know you wanted to be an author?
There was really never an epiphany of sorts. I had excellent teachers in K-12 that taught me how to write well, especially a lit and composition teacher in high school I took four different classes with. I have written articles in newspapers, including the Wall Street Journal, and various other business publications. It wasn’t so much wanting to be an author as it was that I had a story I wanted to tell. Having gone through this process, however, I’d like to continue writing.
- When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?
Currently I am a semi-retired commercial real estate developer. There are still projects and properties I am involved in that can take a substantial amount of my time. I have stepped down from boards I served on, and now spend much of my time on my 54-foot sailboat. In addition, my wife and I have been traveling around the country, including a recent 8-week, 22 state, 10,400-mile trip.
- What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?
I’m a history buff. Currently I am reading Valley Forge, by Bob Drury & Tom Clavin. Previously, I read The Rise of the G.I. Army 1940-1941, by Paul Dickson. On deck is Meade at Gettysburg by Kent Master Brown, which I picked up at Gettysburg. History was always my favorite subject. For me history is fascinating. I like to immerse myself into the period. History also teaches us a great deal about life. It continually repeats itself, and it is sad that the subject is not taken more seriously in schools today. So you know, the most cherished book in my library is The Genius of the People by Charles L. Mee, Jr. It is the story of the 1787 constitutional convention held in Philadelphia, primarily utilizing the notes of James Madison.
- What is your favorite thing about this time of year? And why?
The holidays are a time of family, friends, and giving. Our whole family, and especially our children, look forward it. My feelings date back to my childhood experiences, where it was such a warm and positive time. Music was a big part of the holidays. I sang in a highly regarded boys choir at our church. My mom, an ex-opera star, sang in the adult choir. Our Christmas music not only included well-known carols, but we also performed The Messiah, which was truly amazing. The area we lived in was nationally famous for every street having a decorative theme, and living in Pasadena, CA at the time, we often attended the Rose Parade. It was a very special.
- What historical figure do you admire and why?
That’s tough! I’ve got a list. If I had to narrow it, it would be between Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, and George Washington. I have read multiple books on all three. In the end, I have to go with George. What he accomplished in leading the Continental Army was nothing short of miraculous. His service after the war, chairing the constitutional convention, and then serving as the first president, amounts to (after watching some of our other presidents throughout history) the humblest of terms (the guy turned down being king and a third term). If you read his writings and speeches, his eloquence is unmatched, even by Lincoln and Churchill, and that’s a tough crowd. There was a reason he was the most famous man in the world at his death. I’ll leave you with this quote from George: “The marvel of all history is the patience with which men and women submit to burdens unnecessarily laid upon them by their governments.” Like I said earlier, history repeats itself.
- Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?
When I was 14, a business associate of my father’s delivered a small Christmas tree to our home as a thank you. However, we already had a large tree decorated in the living room. We tried to find someone to take the tree, but to no avail. That little tree sat alone and forsaken on the side of the house for the remainder of the holidays. I always felt sorry for that little tree, and for many years I wanted to write a story about what might have been. That is “who” I had in mind.
- As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?
Hands down, it was (and I still have it) Daniel Boone by Lilian Moore. It was for sale at a book fair at my elementary school. I read and re-read the book countless times. It helped that the most popular show on TV at the time was Daniel Boone starring Fess Parker. It probably helped me towards becoming a student of history. I have many more superb books on Daniel Boone, and this past summer we visited the replica of Boonesboro in Kentucky as well as the actual site of Boonesboro on the Kentucky River.
- What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?
Two things. First, read! Then read more. I don’t believe you can be a good writer unless you have been a true reader, by which I don’t mean Cliff Notes and Wikipedia. My dad had quite a library of Heritage Club books. One Saturday with nothing to do when I was 8 or 9, I arbitrarily pulled out Tom Sawyer and read my first real novel. After that, I just kept going through his library, which gave me an appreciation for great writing and storytelling. Second, have a real story to tell. A good story, even non-fiction like history, must hold the imagination.
NEEDLES THE FORGOTTEN CHRISTMAS TREE Book Tour Giveaway
Library Lady's Kid Lit 
[…] Lady’s Kid Lit – book review / giveawayDec 13 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book spotlight / author interview Dec 14 […]
LikeLiked by 1 person