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Dec 2006 Issue
Dick Van Dyke will forever be remembered as Bert in the classic movie Mary Poppins. Now he will touch a whole new generation of fans with the beautifully illustrated Christmas book Mr. Finnegan’s Giving Chest (Shadow Mountain, $19.95, hardcover). Dick Van Dyke, portraying the loveable toymaker Mr. Finnegan, also reads the book on an accompanying CD.
Mr. Finnegan is no ordinary toymaker. Peering into his glistening snow globe, the white-haired, bespectacled toymaker knows he must intercede in the life of one little girl in the small town of Pinebough. His providential meeting with Maggie, a resentful girl who doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas, is the beginning of a series of miracles that will change her heart forever.
Cajoling Maggie to help him deliver an old wooden chest to an address across town, Mr. Finnegan creates the opportunity to help Maggie understand the joy of giving. As she uncertainly agrees to go on the errand of service, readers may wonder if she’ll complete the task. Maggie not only delivers the chest, but along the way she learns what it feels like to give others exactly what they need. Maggie realizes that she doesn’t hate Christmas at all, but rather, feels “a wonderful warmth come over her.”
Told with delightful whimsy and poignancy, author Dan Farr has created a Christmas story that will resonate with young and old. The vivid artwork throughout was developed by DAZ Productions and its 3D software DAZ Studio and is projected to become a feature film. Combined with the familiar and well-loved voice of Van Dyke reading this Christmas tale on CD, Mr. Finnegan’s Giving Chest brings to life Maggie, Mr. Finnegan’s winter wonderland and the magic of Christmas.
“One of the very best things about the holidays is a touching Christmas story,” relates Dick Van Dyke. “I have always felt that a great story can only be better with great imagery.” Van Dyke explains that he has been fascinated with 3D illustration and special effects ever since dancing with penguins in Mary Poppins, and has now become a 3D-animation hobbyist.
“When I was given the chance to help create this children’s story, I was thrilled. I realized it was an opportunity to merge my love of storytelling, computer art, and Christmas,” notes Van Dyke.
Mr. Finnegan’s Giving Chest is available nationwide. For more information and an audio sample, please visit GivingChest.com.
