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The Christmas Competition

A festive tale of family, competition, and holiday spirit

Mel Taylor-Bessent author Selom Sunu illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:13th Oct '22

Should be back in stock very soon

The Christmas Competition cover

This festive tale follows the Carroll family as they compete for the title of Most Festive Family, discovering the true meaning of Christmas along the way.

In The Christmas Competition, readers are introduced to the hilariously festive Carroll family, known for their over-the-top Christmas celebrations. This heartwarming story follows Holly and her family as they prepare for the annual Christmas Chronicle competition, where they aim to be crowned the Most Festive Family. With their beloved ice-skating baby penguin adding to the holiday spirit, the Carrolls are determined to outshine a new family in town who threatens to steal their tinselly crown.

As the competition heats up, Holly and her family face the challenge of balancing their passion for Christmas with the realization that the holiday spirit goes beyond just decorations and gifts. The story beautifully explores themes of kindness, family, and the true meaning of Christmas, reminding readers that joy can be found in the simplest moments. With a delightful mix of humor and heart, The Christmas Competition captures the essence of the holiday season.

Perfect for readers aged 8 and up, this festive tale is not only entertaining but also sends a powerful message about the importance of community and togetherness during the holidays. With engaging characters and a charming plot, The Christmas Competition is a must-read for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge’s heart melt’ Dame Jacqueline Wilson

"As warm and cosy as drinking hot chocolate in your favourite Christmas jumper. A festive feast of fun." Maz Evans, bestselling author of Who Let the Gods Out

‘Funny and loveable story’– Woman & Home

‘This will put a smile on your face and a lump in your throat’ – Daily Mail

‘Saturated with festive fun’– Irish Times

‘Hilariously silly, this super-seasonal debut will have readers chuckling’ – Metro

"As warm and cosy as drinking hot chocolate in your favourite Christmas jumper. A festive feast of fun." Maz Evans, bestselling author of Who Let the Gods Out

'Fizzing with energy and festive cheer, The Christmas Carrolls is a heart-warming must-read for the Christmas period. Mel’s writing sparkles like the star on top of a Christmas Tree.' Jennifer Bell, author of The Uncommoners trilogy

“The Christmas Carrolls is just fabulous! I laughed solidly throughout the whole thing. It’s gloriously festive, brilliantly funny and utterly endearing, too. Holly’s inventions made me chuckle, as did Mr Bleurgh, while Holly and Archie’s friendship was a joy to read. Also, Mel wrote one of the most beautiful descriptions of Christmas Eve I’ve ever read. The story is warm and wonderful and I loved it.” Abi Elphinstone, author of The Unmapped Chronicles series

“Well known in the children’s book world as the creator of Authorfy, Taylor-Bessent makes her debut with the story of the world’s most Christmassy family. Full of festive giggles and a message about what really matters.” – Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

‘It’s a very impressive debut effort from Taylor-Bessent’ – Financial Times

ISBN: 9780755503742

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 32mm

Weight: 340g

368 pages