Tinycandy’s Gift is a new Christmas story tracing the origins of the popular holiday treat, the candy cane. For Susan Estes’ third book, she explains that it is children’s differences that make them special to the world and highlights through vivid illustrations just how important one person can be.

Tinycandy is an elf growing up in the North Pole who always felt left out because he walks with a limp. With Christmas approaching, Tinycandy is desperate to find his special “gift” in order to contribute to Christmas in Santa’s workshop and become accepted by the other elves. Tinycandy soon discovers that his gift is making special candies shaped like hooks that make Christmas a little sweeter for everyone. Impressed by Tinycandy’s new talent, Santa christens the special treats “Candy Canes.”

In Tinycandy’s Gift, Estes creates a unique history of how the candy cane got its name and weaves in a classic tale that conveys to children one of the pivotal rules of life. Estes has spent her life working with and raising children and believes that teaching them to appreciate their own and others’ differences is the most important lesson of all.

Estes is also the author of One Miracle Under God and Choice of the Spirit Child. She is a mother of three and an active philanthropist in her community. She was awarded both the “Mayor’s Merit Award” and “Susan E. Estes Day” for her work in the Knoxville , TN community. She attended both University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Community College . In her spare time, Estes enjoys writing, reading and spending time with her family.

Tinycandy’s Gift by Susan Estes and illustrated by MikeMotz.com (Dragon Pencil, Oct. 2009, ISBN 978-1-60131-036-1, hardcover, $14.95)

For more information on the book and available read-a-long CD, visit www.seecreativeconcepts.com.

Happy Holidays !

The Plus Size Mommy