We bring you a festive edition with some of our fantastic authors answering questions about their books. We’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and enjoy reading about our author's inspiration in writing their books with Christmas themes.

What was your inspiration behind writing The Snowman?

My inspiration was living on our farm in the fabulous countryside with my beautiful family.

Snowy, frosty days in winter could often give lots of fun.

I have many photos on my kitchen wall including the one with my 4 children and the purple snowman they created.

Why is Wonka’s Christmas Story the perfect read for children this Christmas?

It is a tale of quirk and festive spirit all upon the night before Christmas, when we are too excited to settle and need a story in keeping with the special day itself - with Love to all children big and small!

Why did you write a Christmas Edition in the Danny Dragon saga?

The concept for the Danny Dragon series was a year in the life of the two friends, so having started at Bonfire Night for some reason, Christmas was the next logical story. It was written between Christmas and New Year, sitting in front of a roaring fire with my laptop, exchanging ideas with Jamie (my wonderful son and illustrator) and eating too many mince pies. I work in a school, so the whole nativity play bit was fresh in my mind and it was probably the easiest story to write. I love the humour of Jamie’s illustrations which bring it to life.

Tell us more about the Character of Lacey Loo and her adventure!

Austin Macauley has helped breathe life into a character that started as an enjoyable past time for myself and my daughter Lacey. Lacey Loo is a little elf with many facets to her character. She is an elf that is first and foremost inquisitive, she loves to ask questions and seeks answers through experiencing many adventures. She is a colourful character who loves to meet new friends and is always helpful and sweet. She shows empathy to others around her and does her best to be a problem solver, she is inspirational to other elves who would not be just as bold in their adventures. She is continually searching for her next adventure.

Lacey Loos first adventure sees her being bold and breaking the rules by stowing away on Santa’s sleigh. Through doing this she gets to fulfil her dream of seeing the world and all its fascinating and wondrous landmarks. However even an exuberant little elf gets tired, she falls asleep and awakes in a place called Derry. She decides to explore and soon realises that Derry is a beautiful city that houses many beautiful landmarks. In its stillness and atmosphere, the city at night gives her a feeling of warmth and love for all things Christmas.

What themes and meanings are explored in The Herald Angels?

The book is the author's nostalgic reflection on Christmas that used to be. It's enchanting, mysterious, timeless, and a reflection on how Christmas shows there can be a chance of hope for a troubled world.

There are millions of people out there who remember their own Christmases in a similar way and, while they now celebrate Christmas with their families, they make it as close as they can to their own experience and then build upon the joy and their memories. For most, Christmas is a glorious time and never to be forgotten.

The Christmas gifts are not necessarily expensive but they're a reflection of love for one another.

The themes in the book centre around family and how families relate. The family in the book, Carol and Chris Allingham and their two children Oliver and Ava, are grounded, sensible, kind, caring and giving but it comes naturally to them and they see it as normal: as do many other families. Even Toby's family are surprised by kindness but again it is willingly given. 

There are many incidents in the book where someone needs help and members of the Allingham family are on hand and quick to respond. It just comes naturally to them and they don't need thanks, nor do they expect any kind of reward.

At the end of the book, all the youngsters are out enjoying the snow, and everyone is included, excited and on their way to understanding friendship and love for family and friends.

Why did you decide to create a Christmas colouring book version of Jenny’s Special Tree?

As a father of 5 children, my house was at times like an art gallery, with pictures created by my children proudly displayed on anything that sticky tape would adhere to!

As any author would agree, when you write a book/story, you identify strongly with the characters. No matter how simple the story, the characters become part of your real life.

Sophie, my illustrator (and daughter), agreed that it would be a great idea for the children having read Jenny's Special Tree, for them to engage further with the Randell family and characters and create their own versions of them. The book is designed so that the pages can easily be removed and then completed by the budding artists and displayed in homes, kindergartens or schools.

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