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The Christmas Guest
Brief Description
Who is Martin waiting for? And what if his Guest has already arrived? In the old French city of Marseille, it's Christmas Day and Martin the shoemaker is waiting. He's expecting a very special guest, and his heart is full of hope and anticipation. But as...
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The Christmas Guest
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See moreDiscover the message of Christmas with this beautiful retelling of a much-loved story. Full of kindness, compassion, and generosity, it's sure to warm your heart. A gorgeous Christmas gift for children ages 4 to 7 years.
Discover the message of Christmas with this beautiful retelling of a much-loved story. Full of kindness, compassion, and generosity, it's sure to warm your heart. A gorgeous Christmas gift for children ages 4 to 7 years.
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Description
Who is Martin waiting for? And what if his Guest has already arrived?
In the old French city of Marseille, it's Christmas Day and Martin the shoemaker is waiting. He's expecting a very special guest, and his heart is full of hope and anticipation.
But as the hours pass, something extraordinary unfolds. Martin gives warmth to a shivering street sweeper. He shares a meal with a young mother in need. He places shoes on the bare feet of a little boy. He offers friendship to a lonely old woman who has no one.
And when night finally falls and his guest still hasn't come... Martin begins to wonder.
Or has the Guest been there all along?
A story of unexpected grace, quiet generosity, and the true heart of Christmas.
The Christmas Guest is a timeless festive tale rooted in one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever written: Papa Panov's Special Day. Rich with warmth, compassion, and quiet surprise, it speaks to children and adults alike, asking the question at the very heart of Christmas: what does it really mean to welcome someone in?
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781915749314
Publisher: SPCK Publishing
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 20 August 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Starshine Books
Illustration: picture book
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Elena Selivanova
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 215.0mm
Height: 260.0mm
Weight: 350g
Pages: 32
About the Author
Kathryn Simmonds is an award winning poet and author. Her books for children include, Be My Sunflower, Trouble at the Bug Hotel (both with Walker Books), Twenty Bears, Twenty Bears on Holiday (both with Bloomsbury Children's Books), and Princes Don't Practice (Macmillan). She lives with her family in Norwich and loves helping with children's ministry at her church. Elena Selivanova has worked for over 25 years in children’s book illustration and has illustrated over 100 books, including ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas and 'Twas the Morning of Easter (Zonderkidz).
Also by Kathryn Simmonds
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