The Christmas Book - by Katherine Woodfine (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Inspired by an Icelandic book-gifting tradition, this beautiful story, illustrated with full colour artwork throughout, and decorated endpapers, is the perfect gift for sharing during the Christmas period.

Picking his way home across the lava field, Tómas knows that this Christmas won't be quite the same - not without his Grandfather. But as the war draws closer, Tómas devises a plan to ensure his Grandfather's stories will still be at the heart of his family's Christmas - even if it means being braver than a boy ever dreamed he could be. Donning his grandfather's jumper for courage, working hard at chores for neighbours, he takes his hard earned pennies to shop for presents - only to find all the shops empty of stock. This is war time and rationing. There is just one shop still open - a bookshop.

Inspired by the Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóðið, where books are given as gifts on Christmas Eve.

Review Quotes

"Woodfine is a brilliantly engaging storyteller." - The Bookseller on The Sinclair's Mysteries series

"A dashing plot, an atmospheric setting and an extensive and imaginative cast. Katherine Woodfine handles it all with aplomb." - The Guardian on The Sinclair's Mysteries series

"A beautiful, heart-warming story perfect for families reading together at Christmas." - Joseph Coelho

"What an absolute treat! Katherine is such an incredible writer. This looks utterly beautiful." - Emma Carroll

"Incredibly lovely. The art is absolutely beautiful." - David Litchfield

"Absolutely beautiful and made me cry! It includes some of my most favourite things - books, Christmas, Icelandic knitwear and a volcano!" - Rebecca Cobb

"A perfect jewel of a story... Christmas spirit at its most beautiful." - Abi Elphinstone

"I loved it!"Ævar þór Benediktsson, author of STRANDED!

"Full of warmth and charm. A book to be treasured year after year." - Rachel Chivers Khoo