Theo is a young boy who has been left at home on Christmas Eve. Feeling rather sad, he looks outside and sees a strangely shaped star and decides to make a wish. When he turns round he discovers the Christmas decorations stepping off the tree, ready to cause some mischief.

Aimed at children aged 5-8, and to be enjoyed by all the family, there’s warmth and humour in this delightful story, and a message about remembering what’s important in life, treasuring people and holding the values that matter.

While we might always have read about children who have been abandoned by their parents, left to 'nanny' perhaps, I felt rather uncomfortable with the book's opening. Theo's parents have left the babysitter to make mince pies with him, and his Christmas present is a token in an envelope...but everything comes good in the end!

The story is written by Katherine Rundell, a young author who is rapidly accumulating awards for her writing. This is her first title for younger children and has been beautifully illustrated by Emily Sutton, whose work I love!

A book to treasure and return to year after year.