The Christmas Carrolls; Mel Taylor-Bessent, illustrated by Selom Sunu

Like Shakin' Stevens and Wizzard, I too wish that every day could be Christmas (mostly for the turkey dinner and all the trimmings). And Mel Taylor-Bessent has introduced me to my perfect fictional family.

Every day is Christmas for Holly Carroll and her family. Obsessed with spreading cheer, their house is one big Christmas wonderland where the festivities flow three-hundred-and-sixty-five days a year. All their Christmas wishes come true when they move into a dream house on Sleigh Ride Avenue (the third most Christmassy-named street in the world). But the neighbours are more bah humbug than merry and bright, and no one at Holly’s new school is interested in spreading cheer. Is Holly about to lose her Christmas spirit…

Want Christmas LOLS wrapped up in the real meaning of Christmas? Then look no further. Holly and her family, who take merry and bright to a whole other level, bring joy and happiness to the world in a hilarious and heart-warming feel-good festive read. If this doesn’t have you ho-ho-ho-ing and ha-ha-ha-ing throughout the Christmas season then I don’t know what will. Even Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch would be hard-pressed not to be turning that festive frown upside down.

This is stuffed with everything Christmassy, yet it is about so much more than tinsel and trees, carols and crackers, candy canes and cards, mistletoe and mince pies, stockings and Santa, bows and bells. It is the touching exploration of friendship and family, of staying true to oneself whilst thinking of others, and of communities coming together that will warm the heart. At the time of year for presents, the best gift from Mel and Holly is the message that goodwill and kindness are for the whole year and not just for Christmas.

With an inclusive and diverse cast of characters, one very memorable donk.., oops sorry Reggie, of course you’re a reindeer, a sleigh load of festive puns (including some Christma-riffic Holly-isms) and merrynifiscent artwork, this is one for the whole family to enjoy.

The Christmas Carrolls will have everyone in the holiday spirit and doing their bit to spread cheer all year long. Festabulous!

Recommended for 8+.