One of my very favourite Christmas books this is a total delight and does truly feel like a Christmas classic. A fabulous story with equally fabulous illustrations this would make a brilliant present. The trilogy would be even better!

It’s almost impossible to resist a story that begins by telling you that it is the true story of Father Christmas.  Inspired by Matt Haig’s son wondering aloud what Father Christmas was like as a boy, far from spoiling the magic this story simply increases it. There are poignant moments and several times reading it as an adult it makes you stop and think but the author never preaches just subtly nudges the reader in the right direction.

The adventure is wonderfully told full of magic, snow, elves and the belief that nothing is ever impossible. It would work a treat read aloud one chapter a night as a bedtime story and is meaty enough to satisfy confident older readers too.  I really appreciated the humour and the wonderful, witty and clever illustrations by Chris Mould which bring this snowy world to life so successfully.

This is a book that I think is as special as everyone has already said it is. Utterly lovely, the premise, the writing and the feeling of hope all combine to make this a wonderful story. Especially lovely at Christmas time but a satisfying & cheering read at any time of the year. I loved it.

The sequel, “The Girl Who Saved Christmas” is equally magical. When Amelia, a little girl recently sent to the workhouse, wants a wish to come true she knows just the man to ask – Father Christmas. But the magic she wants to believe in is starting to fade, and Father Christmas has more than impossible wishes to worry about. Upset elves, reindeer dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that Christmas might be cancelled. But Amelia isn’t just any ordinary girl. And – as Father Christmas is going to find out – if Christmas is going to be saved, he might not be able to do it alone .

This was a Christmas treat last year, full of jokes but wise too.  I’m very much looking forward to reading the final book in the series, “Father Christmas and Me” this year.

This delightful series is a joy for all ages and perfect for lifting the spirits.

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