A harsh winter in store I wonder?

Shrubs with an abundance of red berries, little mice searching for warm shelter in the house and enormous spiders webs are just some of the countless old wives tales that suggest a harsh winter is on its way. Some believe that nature has its own way of telling us what the weather has in store and they feel that the forecast can often be determined by the behaviour of animals and plants. Farmers, amongst others, who work the land and with animals are very familiar with these superstitions and many are passed from generation to generation. Between the covers of a new picture book published by Pont Books, A Very Berry Christmas you will find shiny red berries on a tree and the tree is covered in snow!

In this magical story by David FitzGerald and Robert Dudley, snow has been falling all over Wales and is a thick white blanket over the garden of T Penybryn, home to Mr Hedges and his dog Meg. As Mr Hedges feeds the birds and breaks the ice in the bird bowl so that they have water to drink, Meg is having a whale of a time jumping around in the snow. But the snow soon starts to fall even faster and by the following day, the roads are closed.

It just wont be the same this Christmas, said Mr Hedges sadly when he realised that he wouldnt be able to get to the shop to buy his Christmas tree this year. Having found the box of decorations in the attic, he attempts to decorate one of the trees in the garden, but despite his best efforts, it looks nothing like he had planned. But watching Mr Hedges from a branch is a robin with a red berry in his beak. Before long the sky is filled with birds and by the time the sun sets on Christmas Eve, all the birds have brought a little gift for the tree. On Christmas morning, Mr Hedges opens the curtain and a magical sight awaits him decorated with berries, holly, feathers and icicles the most beautiful tree he has ever seen. It will be A Very Berry Christmas for Mr Hedges!

This enchanting Christmas story also encourages children to notice the wildlife around them. The book contains detailed illustrations of birds such as the robin, the thrush and the blackbird, each one possessing their own unique characteristics. The RSPB encourages families to go outdoors and enjoy the fresh air, giving children the chance to learn more and appreciate nature. In a recent survey, the charity found that childrens disconnection with nature is one of the biggest threats facing the natural world and wildlife and considering the many threats that face our wildlife, it is quite a statement.

So why not go out into the garden with the children to look at the birds and see if you can name them before cuddling up inside to enjoy the heart-warming tale of Mr Hedges and his very special Christmas present?

David FitzGerald is the voice of Saturday mornings on BBC Radio Devon. He started out in radio in the early 1980s, before moving to television, reporting for Sky News. He is also an experienced writer, having scripted television favourites such as The Bill and Spitting Image. He also co-authored three highly successful, humorous stories for children with Simon Weston OBE A Nod from Nelson , Nelson to the Rescue and Nelson at Sea .

Robert Dudley is a celebrated painter and teacher, whose work reflects his love of the British landscape. He lives in Devon with his wife Sin, who is also an artist. His work has been widely exhibited across the UK, but younger readers will know him best for his work on popular CBBC show Shaun the Sheep .

A Very Berry Christmas is available from all good bookshops and online retailers.

For more information, please visit www.gomer.co.uk