When Angels Sing (novel) facts for kids
When Angels Sing is a heartwarming Christmas story written by Turk Pipkin in 1999. It's a short novel that was later made into a movie called Angels Sing in 2013. The film was directed by Tim McCanlies and released by Lionsgate. This story is all about finding your Christmas spirit again, even after tough times.
Contents
What is When Angels Sing About?
Michael's Past and Lost Christmas Spirit
The story begins with a boy named Michael Walker. When he was young, something very sad happened around Christmas. His brother, David, was lost in a tragic accident while trying to help Michael. Michael felt very guilty about this. Because of this sad event, Michael lost all his joy for Christmas. He just couldn't feel the holiday spirit anymore.
Years later, Michael is grown up. He is married to Susan Walker and they have two children: a son named David (after his brother) and a daughter named Molly. Young David really wants a bicycle for Christmas.
A New Home and a Big Change
One day, Michael sees a beautiful house for sale. It seems perfect for his family. The house is being sold by a man named Nick. Michael buys the house quickly, which surprises Susan. When they move into their new neighborhood, they learn about a big Christmas decorating contest held every year. Michael, still without his Christmas spirit, doesn't want to join in.
Another Sad Accident and a Turning Point
As Christmas gets closer, another sad event occurs. Michael's father, the Colonel, and David's grandma go to a Christmas tree sale with young David. They are involved in a car accident. The Colonel and David's grandma pass away, and David gets hurt.
After this, David is very upset and refuses to eat. This makes Michael even more sad and frustrated. He goes into his garage and, at first, takes out his anger on the Christmas ornaments. But then, he finds old family photos. Looking at them, Michael decides to do something different. He starts decorating the house for the competition, even though he had refused before.
Finding the Christmas Spirit Again
When Michael finishes decorating, something special happens. Michael and his neighbors gather outside David's window. They sing the song "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" while David listens from inside. After they finish singing, David says he is hungry and wants something to eat! This is a huge step forward.
Close to Christmas, Michael sees Nick, the man who sold them the house, outside his window. Michael realizes that Nick, who dresses up as Santa Claus every Christmas, couldn't stay away from the holiday spirit either.
A Happy Christmas Ending
In the end, the family celebrates Christmas together. Michael receives a new fishing rod, a gift from his father, the Colonel. Young David then asks if they can go fishing, and Michael, with tears in his eyes, happily agrees. It shows that Michael has finally found his Christmas spirit again.
Who are the Main Characters?
- Michael Walker: He is the main character of the story. He is David and Molly's father and Susan's husband. He struggles to find his Christmas spirit after a sad event from his past.
- Susan Walker: She is Michael Walker's wife.
- David Walker: He is Michael and Susan's son. He gets hurt in an accident, which makes him very sad and unwilling to eat.
- Molly Walker: She is Michael and Susan's daughter.
- Nick: He is the person who sells the house to Michael's family. He also dresses up as Santa Claus every Christmas.
- Colonel: He is Michael's father and David and Molly's grandpa. He is involved in the accident with David's grandma and David.
