Title: Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop

Author: David Litchfield

Genre: Fiction

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers

Published: 1st November 2022

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 40

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: This charming tale tells the story of little Nicky Claus, who wanted to make every child happy, if only just for one day.

Nicky Claus works with his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them, and Uncle Levi adds the… what’s the scientific term for it? Ah, yes. The magic! For each toy made at the Emporium has a special sparkle that means it will find the child it is perfect for.

One day, Nicky notices a young girl with her face pressed up to the glass. When she disappears, he follows her and finds her living on the streets with lots of other children, none of whom can afford a toy. Nicky vows that for one night only, every child will have the toy of their dreams and – with the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer – the legend of Father Christmas is born.

This magical and heart-warming story from best-selling author-illustrator David Litchfield is a true festive treat centred on kindness, generosity and looking after each other.

~*~

During the Victorian era, Nicky lives with his uncles in a toy shop. He watches as Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them, and his Uncle Levi adds a special magic to the toys, so they find the child they are intended for. But Nicky notices that only those who can afford toys are getting them, When he follows a young chimney sweep, he discovers a group of homeless kids who are living on the streets – and this sparks an idea. Nicky vows to give every child in the world – whoever they are – a toy for Christmas, but his plan will need a sleigh, some flying reindeer and a bit of magic – and a legend is born.

I love a good Christmas story, and I’ve read many in the last few years, and some of those have taken the form of a Christmas or Father Christmas origin story, and Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop is the latest one, giving the story a realistic yet magical origin that is captivating and at the same time, gives kids a sense of what it means to give and be generous and caring. I loved this from the first page, because it is such a magical story. I was swept away by Nicky and his adventures because the story was compelling, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

For a story that might seem complex, I think David Litchfield has managed to take a story that some authors might turn into a novel and created a magical picture book, whilst still giving his characters challenges so the stakes are high but not in a threatening way. It was done eloquently and beautifully, and is accompanied by beautiful illustrations by David, that invite us into the Victorian era, and give a delightful evocation of the toyshop. They’re magical and joyful, and I was completely entranced by the story. The words and illustrations work well together, and have to be engaged with together, because that is how the magic of the story works.

There is a special joy with books like these- it is a written story yet it feels like there is an oral quality to it, as though it is a legend that has been passed down through generations, and I think it will be a great addition to a Christmas collection, and one that can be read alongside classics like the Night Before Christmas to get children ready for Christmas, as well as teach them that whilst it is lovely to get gifts, giving gifts is just as joyful and meaningful. It is a book that I loved and can’t wait to share with other people. And It will be one that is treasured for years to come.