What a delightful book! Will be reading this to my great-nieces at Christmas! A very cute take on how Santa and his traditions got started. The Yule 3000 was a nice 'modern' take on the story. Surprisingly I enjoyed the artwork as well. I say surprisingly; because it's not my usual jam for artwork; but the style really fits with the story.

I love the vibes! I love the illustrations. I like the ups and downs the younger characters are facing during Christmas. However, the story tells them to believe in the magic of Christmas and each of us deserves magic and happiness.

Thank you, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, for the advance reading copy.

4.5★
“When Nicky was born he was surrounded by love. And toys, of course. Lots and lots of toys.”

I think it’s safe to say that his uncles Hanz, Louis, and Levi were toymakers extraordinaire. Their toys had special magic in them. He worked there every day when he was old enough.

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“It was full of excited, happy children all wanting the latest Claus Brothers toys!”

What a colourful toy store! Behind the scenes, Nicky’s uncles were creating the perfect toy for each of the children, but Nicky noticed some other children looking in the window.

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“Nicky would invite them inside, but they would always just run away.”

One Christmas Eve, he followed them through an unusual hole in the wall and down a tunnel. He could see, because there were jars of fireflies on the walls, flashing their little lights. Eventually he came to a big room full of children.

A little girl, Lottie, tells him they go above ground only to look for food and fireflies, and they have never had toys.

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“Nicky realized that this was their home. A small girl stepped forward. Nicky couldn’t believe these children had to live this way. At that moment, he vowed that he would give every child in that room—no, every single child in the city—a present so they could feel happy, even if it was for just one day.”

Well, that’s commendable and easy for him to say. He’s not the one making the toys and putting in the magic. But it’s already Christmas Eve! Back to the toy store! His uncles are still working, and he announces his grand plan.

Can they do it? They must. They work feverishly, and begin packing up the toys.

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“ ‘WAIT A MINUTE! How am I going to deliver ALL of these presents in one single night?!’”

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“‘Well, young Nicky, we have a plan for that. Allow us to introduce you to the YYUULLEE 33000000!!
A little something we’ve been working on recently.’”

Just to give an example of some of the detail in these illustrations, here is a close-up of the Yule 3000’s “carrot pouch”, wiring and twin exhausts (?!)
[My Goodreads review includes an illustration of the close-up]

The bags are loaded and he’s off, with shouted reminders to remember to regularly feed carrots to the team of two reindeer. They have special propellers on their backs for flying, but they need extra carrots to be able to see in the dark.

Nicky makes his first stop on a rooftop, slides off the roof, tries all the doors and windows, but can’t find a way into the house. He hears a small voice coming from the chimney. It’s Lottie! She’s been chimney-sweeping and got stuck. He grabs the broom, and down they both tumble.

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“It wasn’t as comfortable as going through a door, but it gave Nicky a great idea.”

With Lottie to help, they’d fly across the rooftops and be done in no time. But the reindeer won’t move.

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“ ‘I forgot the carrots!’ Nicky said. ‘It’s too dark for the reindeer to see without them.’ “

Lottie climbed down, leaving Nicky alone with his thoughts, but in parting, she said. “ ‘I believe in you, kid.’ ”

That’s all very nice to hear, but Nicky is miserable, thinking he has ruined his great plan, and the night is getting darker. Then looking across the night sky and the snowy roofs, he saw a glimmer, and then it grew brighter and brighter.

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“Nicky realized that sometimes, when all hope seems lost …a friend can help you find light in the darkness …And that’s when real-life magic truly happens.

‘The FIREFLIES! Incredible!’”

Nicky and Lottie and all the children fly through the night on the Yule 3000, delivering gifts to all the children in the city. When they’d completed their trip, Nicky surprised them back at the toy shop with extra-special gifts for each of them.

As things gradually settle down in the toy store, Nicky and his uncles plan for an even bigger event the following year – gifts for all the children in the world,

[My Goodreads review includes an illustration with the caption:]
“But for this plan to work they would need lots of Little Helpers to assist them. Ones who understood how real-life magic truly worked.”

The illustration above is just a corner of the full picture, which shows all the children helping in the workshop. In addition to these children finding a new life, I wanted to emphasise a sign and three characters. The black sign says “The Christmas Coalition”, and Lottie is telling the characters “ ‘Welcome to the workshop, our global partners.’ ”

The three she’s addressing are wearing badges saying “Snow Maiden,” “Nisse,” and “Krampus” - mythological characters from northern folk tales. It’s a nice touch.

I’m sure it seems I’ve shared a lot of the illustrations, but many are just small parts of pages with more story and pictures. They are wonderful, better than the story itself, but I think they lift it enough to make this a special Christmas book. There’s plenty to look at and point to and talk about, and it’s a nice twist on the usual Saint Nick, Santa Claus story.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Book for a copy for review of #KidChristmas.

Perfect Book to Share With Your Favorite Kids This Christmas Season

I enjoyed this story and the wonderful illustrations. I could see kids looking through this and getting excited for all things Christmas. This book will draw out emotions and feelings that will bring about some great discussion depending on the age of the kids. This will be a favorite every year!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

KID CHRISTMAS of the CLAUS BROTHERS TOY SHOP is a heartwarming story of kindness and generosity sprinkled with a big dose of magic and festive cheer.

Nicky’s uncles are the best toymakers in the land and when Nicky is old enough he starts work at their toy store. But when Nicky meets a group of orphans who have no toys he comes up with a plan to ensure that all children receive a toy on Christmas Eve. Chimney chaos and a lack of carrots threaten his deliveries until, with the help of his new friends, he ensures that a new Christmas tradition is born…

We are huge fans of David Litchfield’s illustrations which are overflowing with festive details. His night time scenes are beautifully atmospheric and we love the use of speech bubbles to convey dialogue.

Kid Christmas is a wonderful story to read in the run up to the festive season. It beautifully conveys the message that Christmas is a season of giving and the importance of considering others that are less fortunate than us.

Nicky was born into a loving family with three clever uncles.

Together they ran a toy store where they sold their own creative, unique toys.
Those toys were embedded with a special kind of magic allowing each child to find their perfect toy.

But Nicky soon finds out not every child can have a toy as not every child has a home..

Kid Christmas is a clever origin story of Santa Claus that touches on some heavy topics, opening the door to important conversations.

Kid Christmas is the perfect combination of whimsy, magic, and compassion, while covering issues like true friendship, homelessness, poverty, and compassion.

Loveeeeed all of the themes in this and can’t wait for Christmas!

Young Nicky Claus works in his uncles' toy shop where every child who comes into the store receives a special toy touched with a little bit of magic. But some children don't enter the store because they have no money for toys. Nicky makes it his mission to give every child in the city a present, so they can "feel happy" even if it's "just for one day." This bit disturbed me a little. Nicky finds a group of children living in a tunnel, and his first impulse is to give them toys?

Luckily the books magic overrides these concerns, and there is, of course, the happiest of endings.

This is a fun "origin" story with gorgeous, lush illustrations by the author.

What a gorgeous book that will be enjoyed by both adults and children.
The pictures are detailed and vibrant and help bring the Christmas story and the all important messages to life. I can't wait to share this with our children at our annual winter reading session. I'm sure it will be an instant hit.

Book Review: Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toy Shop by David Litchfield

⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toy Shop by David Litchfield is a delightful and heartwarming tale that captures the true essence of the holiday season. With its charming storyline and beautiful illustrations, this book is sure to become a cherished addition to any Christmas reading collection.

The story revolves around little Nicky Claus, who works alongside his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Each member of the Claus family has a unique role in the toy-making process, with Uncle Hanz crafting the toys, Uncle Louis inspecting them, and Uncle Levi adding the magical touch that makes each toy special.

One day, Nicky notices a young girl peering through the shop window with longing in her eyes. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he decides to follow her. To his surprise, he discovers that she and many other children are living on the streets and unable to afford the toys they dream of having. Touched by their plight, Nicky is determined to make their dreams come true, even if only for one night.

With the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer, Nicky embarks on a mission to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, receives the perfect toy. This selfless act of kindness sparks the birth of the legend of Father Christmas and embodies the true spirit of the holiday season – generosity, compassion, and looking out for one another.

Litchfield’s storytelling skill shines through in this heartwarming narrative. He effortlessly captures the innocence and genuine desire to bring joy to others that children possess. The themes of kindness and empathy are seamlessly woven into the story, making it relatable and inspiring for young readers.

The illustrations in Kid Christmas are simply breathtaking. Litchfield’s use of old timey watercolor(ish) Illustrations lends a nostalgic and whimsical touch to the artwork, evoking a sense of enchantment and wonder. Each page is a visual feast, filled with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the story to life.

As a reader, I found myself fully immersed in the magical world of Nicky Claus and his family. The story tugged at my heartstrings, reminding me of the importance of spreading love and happiness during the holiday season. It is a perfect book to read aloud with loved ones or to enjoy by oneself while savoring the festive atmosphere.

Kid Christmas would make a wonderful gift for children during the advent season or even as a special treat during the 12 days of Christmas. It not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about compassion and the joy of giving.

In conclusion, Kid Christmas: Of The Claus Brothers Toy Shop is a delightful and enchanting book that captures the true spirit of Christmas. With its engaging storyline, stunning illustrations, and timeless message of kindness and generosity, it is sure to become a beloved favorite among readers young and old. This heartwarming tale will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired as you embrace the magic of the holiday season.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

David Litchfield is always a fan favourite in our household and school.

This is a beautiful story of Father Christmas' first every night on the job! Nicky Claus works in a wonderful toy store with his three uncles, Levi, Hans and Louis.

Nicky sees children peeking into the store window everyday, he follows one of these children home one day to find the child is homeless. Nicky vows to ensure that every child in town will get a toy at Christmas.

It is very well written, much like Litchfield's other books and the illustrations are beautiful.

There are themes of spreading joy and kindness throughout the book. It also talks about children who are living in poverty which is a very apt theme in this cost of living crisis.

Highly recommend this book.

I would love to thank David Litchfield, Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for this gorgeous little book in exchange for an honest review.

I gave this short story 4 stars, as it was too short. But nonetheless, it's a Christmas retelling book with gorgeous illustrations that you should definitely read this December.

Nicky Claus and his 3 uncles - Hanz, Louis and Levi - are creating and selling toys in a toy shop.
One Christmas Eve, Nicky meets a group of children that are orphans and don't have any money for toys.
This motivates Nicky to make an interesting change. His uncles help him to fulfill his dream, but he encounters a few issues along the way.

But an unexpected help is on its way and Nicky manages to finish up what he started, making everyone happy.

I enjoyed this title alot. I very creative and sweet idea on how Santa got his start and how he met a few friends along the way. I think it would be a delightful read for young children this holiday season.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for aloowing me to read and review this title.

Nicky was born into a loving family with three clever uncles. Together they ran a toy store where they sold their own creative, unique toys. Those toys were embedded with a special kind of magic allowing each child to find their perfect toy. But Nicky soon finds out not every child can have a toy. Not every child has a home

Kid Christmas is a clever origin story of Santa Clause that touches on some heavy topics, opening the door to important conversations. Kid Christmas is the perfect combination of whimsy, magic, and compassion, while covering issues like true friendship, homelessness, poverty, and compassion.

Christmas will be here before we know it, and I’m already thinking ahead. This typically means reading Christmas books far in advance, so the opportunity to review Kid Christmas of the Clause Brothers Toy Store seemed ideal. Kid Christmas is set for publication October 3 – early enough to share with your sweet kiddos this Christmas season. Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC read. All opinions in this review are my own.

Beautifully illustrated. This is a different origin story for Christmas. In this Nicky has three uncles, Levi, Louis and Hanz who own the Claus Brothers Toy Store. Nicky realizes not everyone can afford the best toys in the land. He comes up with a plan with the help of his uncles to give every child a magical present once a year. I thought this reimagined story is creative and children will recognize the traditions they know like reindeer and chimneys. The art of David Litchfield is truly outstanding. (4.5 Stars)

This was such a wonderful read. I read it to my 3 year old and he was mesmerized by the illustrations and ask me to read this again to him.
What a wonderful story,

The perfect picture book to read with your little ones during the winter to get them all excited about the arrival of Santa Claus. It’s an origin story steeped in kindness that you may not think that you need, but that the bairns will love and will want to revisit time and time again.

I had so much fun reading this book, the story is so adorable and the illustrations were so well done and charming, there’s so many little details in every page that I couldn’t stop but be mesmerized by it all. I will definitely be recommending it! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this early copy

Unless your name happens to be Scrooge or The Grinch, everyone loves a Santa origin story and not many come better than David Litchfield’s Kid Christmas. With all the magic expected from a Christmas story, this book won’t fail to warm even the coldest of hearts.
Nicky Claus works in his uncle’s toy shop where the toys always seem to find their home with just the right child. However, Nicky has noticed some children who stare through the windows, but never enter. One Christmas Eve, he decides to follow them to find out their identity. Finding a large group of homeless orphans sparks an idea in Nicky that will change the course of his whole life, and that of the history of Christmas, forever.
Litchfield’s illustrations are as much a part of this delightful tale as the words, all coming together to make the perfect festive treat.

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations!! They are stunning and what initially drew me to want to read this short children’s book. They are bright and vibrant, though it was hard to read the text on some pages.

This is a fun, creative retelling of Santa Claus’ origin story with a unique twist. It was really sweet and heartwarming. There are definitely some positive messages in it for kids. This will definitely put you into the holiday spirit and make you think about the true meaning of Christmas. Highly recommend!

Kid Christmas tells the celebrated story of Father Christmas with a charming twist. Offering a story that is reminiscent of iconic Christmas films such as Klaus and Arthur Christmas, this book is both heartwarming and inspirational, discussing themes such as generosity and kindness, through magic and wonder.

This book follows Nicky, who works in a toy emporium with his three uncles, who build, inspect and imbue each toy with magic, helping to ensure each toy finds the right child. It is a night like any other, until Nicky spots a young girl outside the window of the shop, never entering; he decides to follow her, only to discover a veritable village of children living on the streets, within a cave lit by jars of fireflies. He learns that the children live to survive and have never had a toy of their own - from that point onwards he is determined to ensure that every child get a toy.

With the assistance of his uncles, Nicky ensures every child receives a present - delivering them invokes a challenge which is resolved twice over, first with a sleigh of a much more updated variety and second by one of the orphan children who inspired his mission to begin with.

This story is inspiring and will help to teach children the true meaning of Christmas; while also offering a delightful origin story for the famed Father Christmas. The illustrations are charming and the writing lyrical; making for a magical combination which brought this tale to life. I'd recommend this story to children and adults alike - anyone who loves the magic of Christmas is guaranteed to love this story.