Another classic Christmas story by the author of Why the Chimes Rang, this is a traditional tale of Christmas. It presents the warmly loved figure that all children associate with the holiday season—Grandfather Christmas, or Santa Claus.

The children in The Great Walled Country, far to the north, were persuaded by a stranger to change their Christmas custom. They agreed that it would be far simpler and more rewarding to themselves just to carry off their own presents, instead of gathering presents to give to their friends.

But this wasn't Grandfather Christmas' idea at all. So none of the children found the toys and candy and other good things they always expected in the Christmas tree forest—that is, none except a boy who decided to break the new rule and seek presents for his crippled sister.

Just what happens in the forest points up the true meaning of Christmas in a way that only Mr. Alden's great gift of story telling could—a lasting story that will never grow old. Excellent for reading aloud, it is a story children will return to again and again. Rafaello Busoni, who iliustrated the picture-book edition of Why the Chimes Rang, has illustrated this children's favorite with distinctive, new drawings throughout.

From the dust jacket