[Ad-gifted] We love reading festive themed books in our house as it gets us in the mood for Christmas. Today we will be featuring Clara Claus Saves Christmas by Bonnie Bridgman and Illustrated by Louise Forshaw which is fabulous for any reader who loves a bit of adventure from the age of 7 and above.
Published by Tiny Tree Books, Clara Claus Saves Christmas is an enchanting children’s story about a little girl called Clara who is rushing against the clock to save Christmas for everyone!
First the reindeer got sick. Then Santa got sick. Now it’s up to Clara Claus and her slightly annoying brother Nick to save Christmas. But with toys to make, elves to manage, lists to sort and flying reindeer to train, can they summon enough Christmas spirit to deliver the perfect Christmas?
What I thought of the book
The book is such a feel-good book perfect to be read in the lead up to Christmas or just after Christmas if it is given as a Christmas present. The story incorporates lots of positive messages and teaches children about hope, friendship, family, working together and determination.
The book is light read and the stunning illustrations by Louise Forshaw brings the characters to life. The inclusion of the recipe at the end will make such a great Christmas family activity.
What my 13-year old daughter thought of the book?
I thought that the book was really good, in fact I loved reading it! Clara’s character is very determined and resilient, for example when the reindeers are sick she would take care of them, even if she didn’t want to. I like how she never gave up even once, not even when things seemed hopeless and everyone else gave up. I loved the drawings in the book, it was realistic and helped with my imagination and making the story believable.
There are lots of really fun activities included at the back of the book which I enjoyed such as word search (with all the reindeers names) and instruction on how to build a Paper Christmas Tree. I baked Clara’s chocolate chip cookies with my friend and it tasted amazing! I can’t wait to bake it again.
The paperback copy of the book retails for £6.99 and you can purchase a copy of the book from the Tiny Tree Books here.
About the Author
Bonnie’s all-time favourite season is Christmas so it came as no surprise that she has written a story about it. She is her happiest in a land of imagination and the more Christmas magic and festive fun, the better. Having worked as an actress for nearly a decade Bonnie has performed in many a Christmas show. She has portrayed a rather pink and sparkly fairy bow-belles and has even dressed as a Christmas present (don’t ask). Bonnie lives in Hampshire with her husband and daughter. When she’s not writing, or hunting down Christmas decorations, Bonnie works as a learning support assistant at an infant school which is the perfect age to test her stories out on. Her debut authored picture book Catch that Cough was published by Tiny Tree books in September 2019 and is currently in the final for the People’s Book Prize Children’s 2019/2020. Clara Claus Saves Christmas will be Bonnie’s debut Junior Fiction.
About the Illustrator
Louise Forshaw was born in 1987 – most likely with a pencil in her hand! Her passion for drawing started at around 4 years old. Nothing was safe from her coloured pencils! Louise currently lives with her fiancé in a small town in the North East just outside Newcastle upon Tyne. She works from home in a small studio (and sometimes from the sofa) being supervised by three noisy and very naughty Jack Russell Terriers
I’m Louise Forshaw aka Munkey Pants!
I’m an illustrator (and sometimes author) living in a small town in the North East just outside Newcastle. I work from home in my small studio (and from my sofa with the TV on in the background) being supervised by 3 noisy, mischievous office assistants. Who are a constant source of inspiration!
I discovered drawing at a young age and have rarely stopped since! My childhood was spent watching cartoons, creating my own characters, watching more cartoons and drawing comics to give to my favourite teachers.
I graduated in 2008 with a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation from Newcastle College. After graduating, I spent a lot of time doing placements at various design companies and volunteering at a local Gallery. This gave me the opportunity to showcase my work and work alongside other artists such as Simon Donald, co-founder of the British comic magazine Viz.
I signed with Advocate Art in 2012 and have spent most of my time drawing my favourite things and working with lots of lovely publishers!
About the Book
Title: Clara Claus Saves Christmas
Author/Illustrator: Bonnie Bridgman/Louise Forshaw
Publisher: Tiny Tree
ISBN: 978-1913230203
Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.1 x 19.8 cm
Pages: 160
You may also want to read this:
Christmas Gift Guide – Tween & Teen Book Gift Suggestions
Christmas Gift Guide – Children’s Book Gift Suggestions
Christmas Gift Guide – Children’s Book Gift Ideas
* We were given a copy of the book in return for a feature. All opinions are our own.
24 comments
Love this book recommendation for kids. The fact that they are filled with positive messages make it extra special.
I agree, nothing like reading a book with a positive and festive message behind it at Christmastime
This sounds like such a fun Christmas book! I love that it has such a great message and does a bit of a different take on the holiday with Clara.
It certainly is a fun read Beth
This sounds like a delightful holiday read! The adventure with Clara Claus is enchanting.
It is indeed Sue-Tanya
You can’t beat a fun festive read at this time of the year. I used to love reading stuff like this when I was growing up, and I’ve been trying to read Christmas bits this month x
So glad to hear that Rhian, this is such a good book
I just know that my niece would love this one. The Christmas story makes it more special and the activities are a good distraction from the iPad!
I am sure she would as well and yes a good way to get them off gadgets
What a lovely book. It is nice to see a book for chapter readers to enjoy for the holidays. Sounds like a great Christmas book.
It makes such a lovely gift as well
Sounds like a very sweet read for the holidays! A wonderful book to get into the spirit with for the whole family ^_^
I agree, a good book to read indeed
This sounds like a cute book! My daughter loves reading so I will let her know about this book. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome and it is our pleasure
What a nice book review. I’m surely will have this for the kids, the review is giving a good insight about the book wherein children will enjoy.
It is such a festive book to read during Christmas
Super love your review, thank you so much…Getting the perfect book for the kids is always a challenge tbh…I will get this one, thank you so much.
It is especially as they get older Karen, glad you enjoyed the review
I like children’s books a lot. I still buy here and there because I like illustrations or a story. This book works wonderful for a stocking stuffer gift.
Agree, a lovely book for stocking stuffers as well
I’ll definitely be grabbing a copy from Tiny Tree Books to add some Christmas magic to our family reading time!
Glad to hear it and you won’t be disappointed