Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf

by Lauren Child

Interest age: 8 to 10
Reading age: 8+

Published by HarperCollins, 2021

About this book

Christmas is approaching, and Clarice Bean is very excited. However, this year, Mum and Dad have decided that it’s just going to be the seven of them and not a huge family gathering, which Clarice feels is a little disappointing. Nineteen people is her number for a perfect Christmas – even if that means peeling over 100 potatoes.

Still, there’s a lot to do even to prepare for a Christmas for seven, whether that’s remembering to send off Granny’s parcel to New York, taking singing lessons for the Christmas concert, making fudge or helping Clarice’s friend Karl walk his dogs – and source a perfect wooden spoon. Despite a few unfortunate accidents, the family make it to Christmas Day – but will there be a few extra surprises in store?

Even if you’ve never read a Clarice Bean book before, you will fall in love with this brilliantly narrated story of thinking about others, doing kind things and believing that your biggest Christmas wishes can come true. Clarice is a quirky and often hilarious narrator, but the loveliest thing about this book (as well as Lauren Child’s superlative collaged and sketched illustrations) is its warm-hearted celebration of sharing and families.

About the author

Lauren Child is a multi-award-winning, bestselling writer and artist whose books are known and loved the world over. She is the creator of characters including Clarice Bean, Ruby Redfort and Charlie and Lola.

Lauren Child has been at the forefront of innovation in children's books for over 15 years and has raised the profile of illustration as an artform for all ages. She's worked with mixed media, pioneered text as an integral part of illustration and collaborated with artists across different fields.

Lauren is also a passionate advocate for visual literacy and the importance of quality picture books for children. She is also passionate about encouraging creativity in children and adults. She is a trustee of House of Illustration, a gallery set up by Sir Quentin Blake. She has been awarded an MBE for her work and was appointed as an Artist for Peace by Unesco in 2008.

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