About the Book and Author
Merry Christmas!’ said Fox.
‘Merry whatmas?’ said Hedgehog.
‘Merry whichmas?’ said Tortoise.
You see, it was Hedgehog and Tortoise’s first Christmas.
So they didn’t know what Christmas was.
Fox thinks Christmas is about presents, Badger thinks it’s about pudding, Magpie thinks it’s about singing . . . Tortoise and Hedgehog begin to feel rather overwhelmed with all the noise and fuss. But in a quiet moment of reflection they learn the most important lesson of all: Christmas is about being with the ones you love.
Eoin McLaughlin is the author of a number of picture books for children including his debut called The Hug which was published during the pandemic.
Polly Dunbar is one of the best-known illustrators working in the UK today. Polly’s bestselling book, Penguin, won numerous awards including the BookTrust Early Year’s Award, the Nestle Silver Children’s Book Prize, the Red House Children’s Book of the Year Award and was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.
Book Review
I enjoy spotting all the Christmassy things
Winter: I was excited to read this book as it was about Christmas and I’m looking forward to Christmas! The story had all different woodland animals in, all getting ready for Christmas. They were talking about getting presents, eating Christmas dinner and seeing people. The tortoise got upset as he didn’t know what he wanted to do for Christmas, but the hedgehog made him laugh by dressing up in Christmas lights and then staying with him for Christmas. I like looking at all the pictures and there were so many. I enjoy spotting all the Christmassy things.
Mum: I would say that this is the perfect alternative Christmas story for the lead up to Christmas. It explains to children that Christmas is not always about presents or treats, or big dinners and lights. It could be about who you spend or choose to spend Christmas with. The illustrations were beautifully drawn with lots of could and things to look at. To conclude: a great read to keep looking at on the build up to Christmas and suitable for children of all ages.
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Reviewer Profile
- Name: Winter
- Age: 5 years
- Likes: Make-up, dresses and baking
- Dislikes: The Grinch and hiccups
- Favourite Book: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Favourite Film: Tangled
- Favourite Song: Green Green Grass by George Ezra
