Operation Nativity

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.