Christmas is just around the corner, and Ronja and Melissa's dreamer of a father is once again out of work. When ten-year-old Ronja hears about a job selling Christmas trees, she thinks it might be the stroke of luck they all need. Soon, the fridge fills with food, and their father smells like pine needles instead of beer. But the local pub and his new girlfriend have an irresistible pull and he quickly abandons his responsibilities.

Melissa decides to take his place at the Christmas tree stand, working before and after school, and bringing Ronja with her, who charms the customers. On rare breaks in the dark of a Norwegian December they dream of a brighter place of kindness and plenty - and find there are some people in the world who might help them.

Small in stature but with an outsize impact on the reader, Brightly Shining has all the markings of a magical modern classic.