Kid Christmas: of the Claus Brothers Toy Store

by David Litchfield

Overview

Enjoy the incredible story of Santa's very first night.

Nicky Claus works with his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them and Uncle Levi adds the… what's the scientific term for it? Ah, yes. The magic! For each toy made at the Emporium has a special sparkle that means it will find the child it is perfect for. 

One day, Nicky notices a young girl with her face pressed up to the glass. When she disappears, he follows her and finds her living on the streets with lots of other children, none of whom can afford a toy. Nicky vows that for one night only, every child will have the toy of their dreams and – with the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer – the legend of Father Christmas is born.

This magical and heartwarming story from best-selling author-illustrator David Litchfield is a true festive treat centered on kindness, generosity and looking after each other. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780711287433
Publisher:	Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Publication date:	10/03/2023
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 12.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

DAVID LITCHFIELD is an illustrator from Bedfordshire in the UK, represented by The Bright Agency. David first started to draw when he was very young, creating Star Wars and Indiana Jones 'mash-up' comics for his older brother and sister. He is the creator of the award-winning, best-selling ‘The Bear and the Piano’ trilogy, as well as numerous other picture books. His first picture book The Bear and the Piano, won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize (Illustrated Book Category) and became a best-seller in the UK and US. It has sold in over 25 languages to date, with the next books in the trilogy: The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle, and The Bear, the Piano and Little Bear’s Concert also achieving critical acclaim. His other picture books include Grandad's Secret Giant, Lights on Cotton Rock and Kid Christmas. David lives in Bedford with his family. 

Editorial Reviews

08/28/2023

Empathy, kindness, and a good bit of magic spark Litchfield’s familial Santa Claus origin story. Born into the Claus Brothers clan of talented toymakers, pale-skinned young Nicky Claus is poised to go into the family business, and soon starts working the counter. As Nicky handles the shop’s customers, mustachioed uncles Hanz, Louis, and Levi keep busy in a mysterious workshop behind an off-limits door. Nicky’s Christmas Eve encounter with a group of unhoused children, portrayed with various skin tones and living in a firefly-lit tunnel, results in a vow to give every child in the city a present “so they could feel happy, even if it was for just one day.” And with assists from his uncles—who happen to have recently built a reindeer-propelled flying sleigh—and from one of the children, a chimney sweep, toy delivery via chimney is born. Though the book’s ending raises unanswered questions around the immediate fate of the children and the book’s connections to traditional lore, digital art suggesting a Dickensian era glows with festive light emitted from the old-timey shop window and jarred-firefly lamps as snowflakes fall. Ages 4–7. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

Nicky Claus convinces his toy-maker uncles to provide every child in the city with a present in this delightful Father Christmas origin story. Packed with sumptuous spreads, this is a delightful addition to the festive story canon.” —The Bookseller

Best Christmas Book for Kids - “The book leaves you with a big smile on your face, as well as feeling excited for Christmas.” —The Independent

“Remarkable for its sumptuous illustrations full of Victorian toys.” —The Sunday Times - Best Books of 2022

“Litchfield’s dazzling use of light sparkles through this festive feast.” —The Daily Mail

From the Publisher

2023-08-15
A holiday origin story that explores how Nicky (of the Claus family) began sharing presents with the world.

Nicky’s three uncles own the Claus Brothers Toy Store. They make the toys, check the toys, and add one more special ingredient…"Ah, yes. Magic."Every child wants one. But alas, not everyone is able to purchase a toy. Nicky notices some children looking longingly into the toy store’s windows. On Christmas Eve, he follows them and finds many kids living on the street. He rushes back to the store, brimming with inspiration: He wishes to deliver a toy to every child in the city. His uncles unveil the Yule 3000: a sleigh modeled after an elf shoe that will help Nicky on his quest. Unfortunately, the adventure does not go as planned, and Nicky finds himself on a rooftop, in the dark, cold city, dejected. But suddenly, a small swirl of light brings a glimmer of hope. Relying on a combination of panels and full-page spreads, Litchfield spins a warm yarn filled with generosity. Tinged with nostalgia and glowing with candlelit fireflies, the saturated art appears to be illuminated from within. Nicky, his uncles, and most characters are light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A cozy tale to counteract the Christmas gift-giving frenzy. (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews