If you’re seeking a seasonal read to snuggle up with that gets to the heart of the Christmas spirit (caring, sharing and making people feel magical), look no further than The Christmas Department Store. Maudie Powell-Tuck’s story is told with tremendous heart, and brought to life in glowing style by Hoang Giang’s characterful illustrations.
Benji is feeling rather gloomy - “This Christmas needed some magic. There wasn’t enough money for a tree or even a turkey, and everyone felt a little sad”. He wants to buy his family spectacular presents “that might make them smile again”, but he doesn’t have enough money. Then, as he and his gran turn to go home, they meet a talking polar bear who leads them to discover a magical department store, where Benji pays for a trumpet for his sister by singing a song, and where gifts are conjured from the imagination. The big day is a big success when Benji presents his family with “the best presents money can’t buy”, and a whole lot of joy.
This stunning, magical Christmas tale, from the author of the hugely popular Last Stop on the Reindeer Express, celebrates the joy of giving and the importance of love and family at Christmas.
Christmas for Benji has lost its magic. This year his family can't afford a tree, or even a turkey. But then he stumbles upon the most extraordinary department store, where polar bears talk and the presents are out of this world. But maybe the real magic of Christmas is waiting for him at home . . .
Children will love discovering the true meaning of Christmas with this delightful seasonal story.
The Christmas Department Store is the perfect Christmas gift for fans of Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandoy's The Christmas Pine, Dr Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Chris Van Allsburg's The Polar Express.
When not writing, Maudie spends far too much of her time in expensive shops gawping at clothes and glittery things she can't afford, and dreaming about owning a pug called Stanley. She'd love to say that she runs marathons - but that would be a lie.
