Luna Loves Christmas; Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

Christmas is double the fun for Luna. Sometimes at mum’s, sometimes at dad’s, she has two trees to decorate, two advent calendars to open and two Christmas dinners to enjoy. This Christmas Eve will be different though as mum has a plan to spread some festive cheer to those who need it most. And Christmas Day won’t just be spent with mum or dad, it will be with everyone. There might even be a visit from Father Christmas…

Lovely picture book with a lovely message. Comforting and reassuring, Luna Loves Christmas is a warm hug of a book that captures the true magic of the holiday season and celebrates separated families uniting to make Christmastime special for children.

The joyous celebration of people coming together will warm hearts as everyone is invited to the diverse and inclusive Christmas dinner table. Stepping away from the picture-perfect scenes that are shown in the media and movies, the representation of a reality for many will be welcomed by parents and children alike.

Christmas is not about material goods or lavishing money to buy the latest gadget, it is the little things that matter and Luna’s Christmas is full of them. Crafting paper chains, baking cookies, drawing pictures, playing with friends, spending time with loved ones and making presents. These are the wholesome things that really bring happiness at this special time of year and the warm feeling that Luna experiences as she shares and gives will melt hearts.

Adorned with colourful artwork, a gentle story overflows with goodwill whilst subtlety weaving in important messages around the necessity of food banks, the power of community and the importance of thinking of those who are less fortunate. It would be an excellent read to share with young children and then discuss how Christmas’ might be different and what gestures could be done to help people in the community. For Luna, the offering of a food parcel is reciprocated with a story from the sweet Ms Pothers.

Written with empathy, kindness and understanding this is such a valuable read. I want everyone to spend Christmas with Luna and her community.

Recommended for 3+.