G.R. Saunders’ Edgar’s Christmas Wish Inspires Children to Find Belonging and Discover the True Meaning of Christmas

G.R. Saunders

Edgar's Christmas Wish

Blending Christmas magic with a powerful message for young readers, Edgar’s Christmas Wish celebrates faith, hope, love, belonging, and believing in yourself.

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES, September 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- G.R. Saunders is an educator, children’s author, and passionate advocate for nurturing imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. A former teacher with degrees from Western Carolina University, the University of Texas, and Eastern Washington University, Saunders brings a strong educational foundation to her work with young readers.

Raised in a home filled with books and music, Saunders began reading and creating stories at an early age. Today, her writing reflects a deeply held belief that childhood should be filled with wonder, discovery, creativity, and the freedom to dream. Through imaginative worlds where animals can talk, sing, and dance, she encourages children to explore both their imaginations and the world around them.

Her commitment extends beyond storytelling. An advocate for environmental and animal welfare causes, Saunders publishes a seasonal educational newsletter featuring nature-focused information and family activities. She also connects directly with young readers through story time events at schools, libraries, hospitals, and churches.

This one-on-one interview shares G.R.’s background and experience writing Edgar's Christmas Wish.

Tell us about Edgar's Christmas Wish.

What if the thing that makes you different is the very thing that makes you special?

Deep in a snowy northern forest, a little evergreen named Edgar has one big Christmas wish: to become a family’s Christmas tree and fill their home with joy, light, and love. When Edgar is finally taken to the Johnson Family Christmas Tree Lot, he’s certain his dream is about to come true. But as bigger, fuller trees are chosen one by one, Edgar is left behind.

By Christmas Eve, with his small size and broken branch, he begins to wonder if anyone will ever choose him. Then a family arrives, and sees something in Edgar that everyone else has overlooked.

Lovingly illustrated by Dante Saunders, Edgar’s Christmas Wish is a heartwarming holiday picture book about hope, kindness, belonging, and believing in yourself even when you feel different.

Perfect for holiday story time, bedtime reading, classroom celebrations, or a meaningful Christmas gift, this tender tale reminds children that they don’t have to be perfect to be loved, and that sometimes the right place to belong is worth waiting for.

What inspired you to write Edgar's Christmas Wish?

The inspiration for Edgar’s Christmas Wish began with a question that stayed with me from childhood: Who notices the sad little leftover Christmas trees in the lot the day after Christmas?

Does anyone weep for them?
How do these trees feel about being left behind?
If these trees could talk, what would they say to us?
What were their hopes and dreams?

Those questions remained with me for years and eventually became the heart of Edgar’s story. I wanted to give a voice to the overlooked little tree and, through him, explore something deeply human: the desire to be seen, valued, and loved for who we are.

How did your background and experience influence your writing?

My years as a public-school teacher had a profound influence on my writing. Children trusted me with their stories: their hopes, disappointments, ambitions, and desire to feel included. Whether they dreamed of being chosen for a team, earning a role in the school play, or simply finding their place, I saw how deeply children wanted to know that they mattered. That experience reinforced a message at the heart of my work: every child has value and deserves to feel seen.

My own love of storytelling began in childhood, and I have always believed that books can expand the boundaries of a child’s world. Stories can transport us to distant places and different times, but they can also help us understand experiences beyond our own.

As both an educator and a writer, I see storytelling as a powerful way to nurture imagination, empathy, confidence, and a greater understanding of ourselves and others.

What is one message you would like readers to remember?

The message I hope readers carry with them is simple but powerful: believe in your dreams and never give up. Keep going, keep growing, and never allow setbacks to convince you that your dreams, or you, are any less worthwhile.

For children who worry about being compared with others, not sure where they fit in, they can learn that:
“Not every star
Shines up there so far.
With love in your heart
You can shine where you are.”

Always strive to become the very best version of yourself while holding on to kindness, compassion, and love. In the end, it’s not just what we accomplish that matters, but the heart we bring to the world along the way.

Purchasing the Book

Edgar's Christmas Wish has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Book Excellence writes, “With its heartfelt message, engaging story, and beautiful illustrations, Edgar’s Christmas Wish is a lovely book that families will enjoy reading together year after year. It’s a great reminder that being chosen isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being yourself.”

The book is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Edgars-Christmas-Wish-G-R-Saunders-ebook/dp/B0FYQSJFF5/

To learn more about G.R. Saunders, her books, and upcoming projects, visit: https://GRSaundersAuthor.com. Readers can also sign up for her seasonal newsletter, published four times a year and featuring nature-inspired educational content, news, and hands-on activities that young children can enjoy with an adult.

Readers can also connect with G.R. Saunders on Facebook.

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