Just when you think you’ve seen everything in festive picture books along comes a quirky, funny and lighthearted tale of health and safety gone awry. The animals of Jingle Bell Forest are excited to make it the best Christmas ever. But for Mouse, who suffered a traumatic bauble-related incident as a child, Christmas means only one thing…danger. Sharp pine needles, bright lights, pointy stars, open fires, loud noises and icing sugar; there are hazards everywhere. And don’t get him started on snowmen, snowballs and sledging. In fact, Christmas is so dangerous it must cancelled. Can the animals save Christmas from Mouse and his checklist before it’s too late… Right kids, health and safety is important, especially at Christmas when there are so many hazards around (I’m looking at you LEGO bricks, there’s nothing quite like the pain of stepping on one of those in the dark). Luckily, Mouse is here to make sure everyone can enjoy the celebrations in a safe and responsible manner. Pointing out all of the perils of the holiday season may not seem like a topic that would be a picture book hit but The Mouse that Cancelled Christmas is no festive flop, it’s a Christmas cracker. Donning high-vis jacket and safety hat, and carrying clipboard and toolbox, bossy Mouse is brilliant as he goes about his duties and chastises his friends for their recklessness and complete lack of safety concerns. Of course, there is a happy ending with a very surprising and amusing twist. Brilliantly written and with humour-filled artwork, the whole family will enjoy joining Mouse on his danger-free-Christmas crusade. There’re scenes to make you smile, surprises aplenty, a safely packed sleigh-load of health and safety gags and one highly amusing robin to spot, who, in a delightful little subplot, has spotted the biggest hazard of all (unfortunately no one is listening to what he has to say until it is too late). And if all that wasn’t enough there are some lovely messages and conversation starters around anxieties, bossiness and friendship. Never mind Health & Safety, this is Hilarious & Seasonal. Mouse wishes you a cautious and careful Christmas.
Recommended for 3+.
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