In this enchanting read-aloud, every page is illustrated with a laser-cut image that can be used with a specially designed flashlight - included with the book - to cast shadows on any wall. When projected, the illustrations create a magical atmosphere of light and shadow. Like its predecessor, William and the Magic Ring, the volume is crafted of extra-heavy paper in the tradition of the handmade book, and is designed to provide hours of enjoyment for children and parents alike.

It is Christmas Eve, and young William is so looking forward to the presents he will receive that he decides to stay up and wait for Santa to arrive. But while staring through the window, he sees the snowy hill where he and his grandfather had sledded the evening before, and he falls into a dream of gliding through "a starry sea / More brilliant than a Christmas tree." William awakes the next morning, having learned an enduring lesson about the real meaning of Christmas.