The Christmas Department Store
It’s Christmas Eve, but Benji doesn’t feel very festive. This year, his family can’t afford a tree or Christmas dinner and Benji wishes he could buy his family some spectacular presents to make them happy. When he is bowled over by a gigantic polar bear, Benji suddenly notices a magical department store where he is able to ‘buy’ the most wonderful gifts for his family in exchange for a silly song and an exceptional story. Benji leaves the department store feeling full of Christmas spirit, but on Christmas morning, he worries that the twisted trumpet for his sister, the imaginary hat for his grandmother and a jar full of the smell of feeling loved for his dad are terrible. But everyone’s smiles and joy soon reassure him that these are the perfect gifts to make his family feel loved.
At this time of year, we are bombarded with images of the ‘perfect’ Christmas with extensive decorations, endless supplies of food and lavish gifts. However, the reality is that many cannot afford this version of Christmas, leaving some children feeling anxious and sad that they are missing out. Christmas (and any other festival/ time of year) should be about the simple, but true things- being with those you love, sharing whatever you have, taking time to enjoy life- and this lovely picture book is a real reminder of this, sharing with the reader that you do not need lots of money or ‘things’ to have a wonderful Christmas.
The book offers the perfect starting point for creating home made gifts- things which are tailor made for those we love. The idea of the jars of smells is a beautiful one and although not possible to reproduce, could inspire a jar of things for someone- perhaps things found on a walk together, a planting jar with some seeds for a keen gardener, the ingredients for a cake or biscuits for a keen cook, little promises on pieces of paper for ways to help or quotes from poems or inspiring words.
The illustrations are full of joy, capturing the full range of Benji’s emotions before, during and after his visit to the Christmas Department Store. All the wonder and magic is beautifully shown, but so is the simplicity and love of Benji’s home. I love their Christmas tree which the family have drawn on pieces of paper and pinned up in a corner of the room- another excellent idea for some family fun!
Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for those who have lost someone and although it is never mentioned, the loss of Benji’s mother is implied by her absence and a family photo on the sideboard which shows her in a family group. This detail would also allow readers to empathise with the family and discuss personal loss (for whatever reason) should it be appropriate to their situation.
A wonderfully heartwarming story which leaves you glowing with love and hope!
The Christmas Department Store
Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Hoang Giang
Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1801040129