It’s time for some warm-hearted Christmas cheer in Santa’s Wish which is written by Samuel Langley-Swain (author of Elephants in the Custard), published by Owlet Press and illustrated by
The illustrations by are lovely, with lots of little details to explore. She portrays the Christmas scenes very well, using a unique mix of graphite and digital colourisation that creates an art style I haven’t seen very often. I think it’s more likely to appeal to those ages four and upwards in looks, but all ages from toddlers onwards will enjoy listening to the story being read to them, and then reading along as they get older. As they read the book time and time again, I think the eye will really be drawn to all the lovely hand-drawn details.
After reading their favourite bed time story and going to bed on Christmas Eve, the children are surprised by a visit from Santa, who whisks them off on an adventure. He’s come to visit because he was asked a question no one had ever asked before, and wants to share the answer. I won’t spoil the story by telling you what it is, so you’ll just have to read the book, but you’ll definitely enjoy the ending!
The message of Santa’s Wish is a simple one – one of kindness, sharing and joy, which I definitely think is the message we need to be sending at Christmas, especially in today’s ever increasingly capitalistic society. It’ll help children stop thinking about the presents they’re going to receive, and spare a thought to what they can do to make Christmas better for the others around them and to appreciate the people around them.
The story is one that can be appreciated by all ages and read by the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents – a Christmas book to keep bringing out year after year and now featured in my Top 10 Christmas Books to read (2018).
Santa’s Wish is available to purchase on Amazon or direct from the independent publisher, Owlet Press, who you can follow on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for news about more exciting children’s book releases. I can’t wait to see what’s available next.
Note I’d like to thank Owlet Press for sending me a review copy of Santa’s Wish for my son and I to enjoy together.
2 Comments
Aww! This looks like a really sweet book. It sounds like it has a really positive message. x
What lovely illustrations x