Clarice Bean: Think Like An Elf; Lauren Child

It has been a while since I have read a Clarice Bean book but it quickly felt like being back with an old friend. And a Christmas with Clarice is something that I definitely want to be a part of, I’ll even bring the turkey!

Everyone in Clarice Bean’s house usually looks forward to Christmas as it means a big get-together, lots of food, plenty of noise and an abundance of FUN. But this year mum and dad are exhausted and the Christmas spirit is in danger of completely evaporating from number 7 Navarino Street. Clarice though is determined to deliver a Christmas for the Tuesday family like only she can. All she needs to do is think like an elf and everything will be okay, won’t it…

The irresistible Clarice Bean is out to save her family's Christmas in Lauren Child’s utterly joyful festive feel-good read. Love, laughter and home-made fudge are the ingredients needed for a jolly old time and with the bubbly, honest and ever-optimistic Clarice on the case there is no chance that the Tuesday household is going to be bereft of Christmas spirit.

Told over twelve parts, Child invites us to join Clarice and her family from the very first day of Christmas and the lighting of the Advent candle - chocolate advent calendars have been banned in the Tuesday household due to the thieving of other people’s chocolates (something I’m all too familiar with) - right through until the big day and a cracking Clarice Christmas Day.

Not all is plain sailing and along the way there are plenty of mishaps and Clarice-style-catastrophes that will be relatable to both children and adults. I was smiling knowingly at the search for the perfect Christmas tree, those Christmas cards from people you are sure you’ve never heard of and troublesome turkeys.

Wrapped into this very Christmassy story are wonderful messages about helping others, doing good deeds and spreading goodwill to all people. I hope Clarice helps readers to see that gifts come in many forms and presents are not just those in shiny wrapping paper with a big bow on top. Small acts of kindness can make the biggest difference to some people and the best part is lots of things don’t cost any money, just a bit of your time and effort can really help someone out.

Written in Child’s inimitable style and filled with instantly recognisable illustrations, this beautifully presented hardback sparkles as brightly as freshly fallen snow. Clarice Bean never gets old and many a child will be thrilled to find that Father Christmas has left this for them in their stocking on Christmas morning.

With huge thanks to Harper Collins for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 7+.