The True Meaning of Crumbfest
Written by: David Weale
Illustrated by: Dale McNevin
Recommended for ages:5-9
Nimbus Publishing $7.95

Ten years ago Prince Edward Island storyteller, David Weale, first published this now classic Christmas tale that tells of Eckhart the mouse and his search for the real reason for the Crumbfest season. The life of mice is divided between the Outside part and the Inside part. For half of the year, the mice dwell Outside in a burrow beneath an old spruce tree. When the days turn colder they move Inside, to the walls of the homestead where the farmers live. Soon after the mice move Inside, the celebrate a happy time they refer to as Crumbfest in which they help themselves to a feast of crumbs found beneath the kitchen table. The mice thoroughly enjoy this time and never question why it happens. Eckhart, being the curious type, sets out to solve the mystery of Crumbfest. Despite his grandfather’s warning to stop asking such silly questions, Eckhart knows there must be a reason for the abundance of food each year at this time. One evening he leaves the safety of the farmhouse walls and ventures into the home of the people and sees a fir tree, red berries and even birds. As he continues throughout the house, Eckhart spots a group of small animals the same size as him and as he looks further he sees tiny people gathered around a baby. Then it happened; Eckhart felt complete wonder as he discovered the meaning of Crumbfest. Quickly, Eckhart scurries back to his relatives and spreads the good news about a place where the Inside and the Outside meet.