book cover

Operation Nativity

by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Katie Kear

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+

Published by Usborne, 2022

  • Adventure
  • Chapter books
  • Fantasy
  • Funny

About this book

Oscar and his little sister Molly are delighted to be spending Christmas at the majestic home of their grandparents, Lord and Lady Cuthbert-Anderson, although Mum and Dad seem rather less keen. Their holiday takes an unexpected turn when the Archangel Gabriel crash-lands on the roof in the middle of the night. Gabriel explains that his over-enthusiastic announcement of the Messiah’s imminent arrival has inadvertently blasted some key players through time and space. Mary, Joseph, wise man Balthazar, Steve the shepherd and a donkey are currently scattered across the village of Chipping Bottom. They must return from whence they came before Jesus is born, or Christmas will cease to exist, so Oscar and Molly embark on an epic quest to find them. Amidst the chaos, the siblings also attempt to squeeze in rehearsals for Grandmother’s annual nativity production and grapple with the news that Grandfather is gravely ill and this may be his last Christmas.

With immensely likable characters and a hilarious plot, this magnificent chapter book combines a wealth of laugh-out-loud moments with a poignant exploration of the importance of family, love and acceptance. Illustrated throughout with entertaining black-and-white artwork, it is guaranteed to get readers in the festive mood.

About the author

Jenny Pearson has been awarded six mugs, one fridge magnet, one wall plaque and numerous cards for her role as Best Teacher in the World. When she is not busy being inspirational in the classroom, she would like nothing more than to relax with her two young boys, but she can't as they view her as a human climbing frame. Her debut novel, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award and selected as a Waterstones Book of the Month.

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