Quick Look
- A quirky, unique and modern festive story, set in a busy apartment building
- When Emma's family's turkey goes missing it looks like Christmas might be ruined, but Emma persuades the family to appreciate what they have, reminding us that Christmas doesn't have to be perfect
- A story of kindness and togetherness in a diverse community where different traditions come together for a special day
- The first-person text perfectly captures a child's perspective at Christmas time
- Lively illustrations, packed with detail, lend gentle humour to this seasonal tale
Christmas isn't going as planned! The turkey has disastrously disappeared and Emma's family are about to have Christmas spaghetti when their neighbours come knocking. A fun festive story about community spirit and togetherness, with lively illustrations.
Description
Emma can't wait for Christmas -- the tree, the presents, the tasty turkey dinner!
Her dad and stepmum Susan want Christmas to be perfect, but things aren't going to plan -- and then their turkey disappears! Will Christmas be ruined?
As Emma encourages her parents to appreciate what they have, their neighbours -- the Taylor-Wilsons, the Singhs and Mrs Angel -- come knocking to share their own festive traditions and help the family have a very merry Christmas.
One Christmas in Our Building is a unique and heart-warming picture book about community spirit and the true meaning of the festive season. Johanna Lindemann beautifully, and amusingly, captures a child's perspective on Christmas, and Andrea Stegmaier's illustrations are lively, textured and full of fun details to spot.
Reviews
A Publishers Weekly 2023 Holiday Books for Kids and Teens selection
'A heart-warming picture book full of Christmas spirit and demonstrates the importance of generosity, kindness and friendship. Young readers are sure to enjoy trying to solve the mystery of the missing turkey.'
-- BookTrust
'A sweet, winning Yuletide offering. With touches of humour, this charming story underplays holiday trappings and emphasises kindness and cooperation. Delightful illustrations.'
-- Kirkus Reviews
'Only Murders in the Building – picture book style!'
-- School Library Journal, '2023 Transcendent Holiday Picture Books'
'This contemporary urban Christmas story gives a modern touch to the story of the Nativity.'
-- The Geek Review, 'Ten Kids' Books Perfect for Christmas Gifts in 2023'
'Neighbours become friends in a joyous celebration of holiday cheer and goodwill to all… A well-crafted Christmas tale that is incredibly satisfying.'
-- School Library Journal
'It captures the true meaning of the festive season through the eyes of a child, who lives in a diverse community in a large apartment block. It is a gentle mystery story where kindness and togetherness are key.'
-- Kindling
'A great lesson about holidays and what is important.'
-- Youth Services Book Review
'Celebrations rarely go smoothly, and it's important for young readers to see that one can still be happy even when things go wrong. A unique, heart-warming story about community spirit and togetherness.'
-- YA Books Central
'A feel-good picture book about community, keeping it together when things don't go according to plan, and about how sometimes the best celebrations are spontaneous.'
-- Five Books, 'Best Kids' Books of 2023'
'A sweet story of community spirit and friendship.'
-- Fairfield County District Library
'A lovely story that many adults can relate to. Caring for one another and enjoying the holiday season together is what this time of year is all about.'
-- ThreeLittleLovesLibrary (Instagram)
'A more realistic view of family time during the holidays, one that shares the typical stresses of the season, while celebrating community, family, and friends during the holidays, and together sharing the many blessings we do have.'
-- KidsCornerBookClub (Instagram)
'One of my favourite Christmas books I’ve read so far. I love the heartwarming message about community spirit and it's great for showing my children the true meaning of Christmas.'
-- Posie's Book Club (Instagram)
'Beautifully illustrated, inclusive, diverse and centered around kindness, A heartwarming tale focusing on the spirit of community rather than a picture perfect Christmas.'
-- LightsOutWithLouise (Instagram)
'The book's illustrations are modern and detailed, highlighting the diversity within the apartment building which adds to the story's contemporary and inclusive feel. What better way to capture the Christmas spirit than reading a story about community, the importance of coming together in times of need, and the joy found in shared experiences? A unique Christmas story focusing on community spirit over perfection.'
-- StorybookMamma (Instagram)
'A feel good story about the importance of community and kindness... A modern-day classic!'
-- MrJsThornton (Instagram)
'Filled with eye-catching and delightful details, this comical and creative Christmas whodunit will captivate and charm year after year.'
-- OliviaTheLibrarian (Instagram)
'The kids had fun trying to guess what happened to the turkey in this festive story of community and Christmas spirit.'
-- Jazming007 (Instagram)
Author
Johanna Lindemann has been telling stories for over twenty years. She has worked in advertising and film but especially loves writing for children so she can see their eyes light up when they hear her stories. Johanna lives near Bremen, Germany with her husband and two daughters.
Andrea Stegmaier is an illustrator and architect who turned her passion for children's books into a profession. She is the illustrator of many books including We Are All Under One Wide Sky, Home and Aaalligator! When she isn't drawing, Andrea can be found in her little garden or exploring the world with her family. She lives in Stuttgart, Germany.
