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.
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.
A heart-warming story of love, laughter and family.
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.
