The Special Gift. A beautiful festive story to share at Christmastime - Ruth Doyle;Carmen Saldana

A magical, festive tale of friendship, resilience and the true meaning of gift-giving. Written by Ruth Doyle and beautifully illustrated by Carmen Saldaña, this is a Christmas story to treasure year after year.

On a night of swirling snow, the storm carries Donkey far from the farm where there is no longer room for him. He''s lost, alone and certain he has nothing to offer the world.

But when a message from a magical bird leads Donkey to follow a bright star, he finds a new purpose: to reach the forest and learn what gifts and treasures he has to share.

On his travels, Donkey meets other animals who are lost in their own way: a lonely lamb, an old sheepdog who longs to be useful and a robin searching for a reason to sing. Guided by Donkey, the new friends help each other to navigate the storm to safety . . .

And it is there, in the forest, where they find somewhere to belong . . . and learn that the greatest gifts we can share, are those we carry inside us.

This is the perfect story to share at Christmastime to remind us of the most special gift we can offer - our own kindness.