As a baby, Oswald T. Campbell was left on the steps of an orphanage with a can of Campbell’s soup in his basket. Readers meet him as he receives disheartening news from his doctor; he won’t live to see another Christmas if he doesn’t move to a better climate than the Windy City. Sadly, Oswald has no one to share his devastating news with… sounds like a bummer of a book, doesn’t it? But, somehow Fannie Flagg weaves a story of hope, evolving from less concern from self and more concern for others and the tale does a 180. We all have wounds, some are visible, like the young girl, Patsy, who has a crippled leg. Others' hurts are hidden, like Roy who suffers from a broken heart and our protagonist, Oswald, who has been haunted by rejection his whole life.

Oswald goes to Alabama and meets Jack, a redbird that eats Crackerjacks, who helps Roy run the General Store, a crippled girl named Patsy, and a host of other colorful characters. The community envelopes Oswald with love and care. He recognizes he has a talent for painting and he is included in all the community’s events. He helps Patsy not feel so bad about not knowing her birthday when he decides to celebrate Patsy’s, Jack’s and his birthdays altogether because all their birthdays are unknown.

Join us as we recap this heart-warming festive read. The beginning may be dark but trust us the conclusion is the bee’s knees!!! Looking for a delightful holiday read that is about being present rather than getting presents? Try A Redbird Christmas.