The Littlest Angel

The Littlest Angel is a classic children's story by Charles Tazewell. In the 60 plus years that it has been in publication, there have been many reworkings and film adaptations.

Brand new for Christmas 2011, is yet another film adaption on DVD.

There is no denying that the animation used in this latest version is stunning, the characters varied and interesting and Ron Perlman's gorgeous voice is perfect for God. The story telling is fast paced with plenty of humour as well as some poignant and heartwarming moments.

This is the story of the Littlest Angel in Heaven who is struggling to adapt to his new existence and the expectations there are of him. He misses his life on Earth, in particular, a box of boyhood treasures that he has left behind. It is a story of friendship, bending the rules, doing what your heart tells you and ultimately triumphing.

Why then did I just not like this film?

The reason I struggled to enjoy this film, despite all the good qualities, was that it was hard to get over the fact that the Littlest Angel is who he is because the little boy he was on Earth has died. This tragedy is glossed over but much emphasis is made on how homesick he is and how much he misses his old life. When he returns to Earth, it is not the memory of a loving family that drives him - it is to retrieve a treasure box hidden beneath the floorboards of his old bedroom. Perhaps the parent part of me finds this so fundamentally wrong that I can't see beyond it.

The fact that the story has endured for so many years must mean that my opinion is not widely shared.

It is a visually beautiful film and does give a whole new perspective to the story of the First Christmas from the point of view of the angels but for me,  it probably won't make it to my "must see family viewing for Xmas" list.

Having said that, this morning my little girl asked "Can I watch angel film again?" Who am I to argue?

For your chance to win a copy of The Littlest Angel on DVD and judge for yourself if this story deserves its beloved reputation, simply

• follow my blog and leave a comment below with a means of contacting you.

For an additional entry

• tweet   " #WIN a copy of The Littlest Angel on DVD http://qwertymum.blogspot.com/2011/10/littlest-angel-giveaway.html?spref=tw @PaulaHaylock  " and leave a separate comment below to say you have done so.

Winner will be chosen at random from all entries on Friday, 11th November 2011 (11/11/11)

UK only

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED

For more Xmas DVD ideas see:
Humf and the Fluffy Thing
Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz
Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom: The Tooth Fairy
Peppa Pig: International Day and Other Stories