Twenty-five short stories.

This bestselling Christmas picture book by renowned children's author Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Jim Field, is now available in paperback for the first time. Michael Morpurgo frames his powerful message about protecting the environment in this beautiful personal story about a grandpa's wish for his granddaughter to live in a better world. This vital and timely story is paired with Jim Field's emotive illustrations in this gorgeous Christmas picture book, perfect for the whole family to share. Dearest little Mia, This Christmas, instead of a Christmas card - you'll have plenty of those - and instead of a present - you'll have plenty of those too, I am sending you a letter ... Every Christmas Mia and her family read a letter which her Grandpa wrote to her. His letter is a warm, impassioned and heartfelt wish for a better world for Mia to live in. He remembers fondly the times they spent in his garden finding frogs and worms and planting seeds. But Grandpa worries that all the things they love so much are in danger ... His letter is a hopeful plea to Mia (and to all of us) to continue to care for and protect our precious world. Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller who has written over one hundred books and won countless awards. In 1976 Michael and his wife Clare started the charity Farms For City Children, which aims to relieve the poverty of experience of young children from inner city and urban areas. In 1999 they were awarded the MBE for their work in creating these farms and in 2006 Michael received an OBE. His novel War Horse has been adapted into a hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End play as well as a film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael is a tireless champion for children's books and was formerly the Children's Laureate. Jim Field is an award-winning illustrator, character designer and animation director. He is perhaps best known for drawings frogs on logs in the bestselling picture book series Oi Frog! He has illustrated children's books with Kes Grey, Michelle Robinson, Rachel Bright, Jeanne Willis, Steve Cole and comedian David Baddiel. His first picture book Cats Ahoy won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and he has been nominated for several other awards including the Kate Greenaway Award and the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award. In 2016, The Bookseller listed Jim as the 6th top selling illustrator. Jim grew up in Farborough and now lives in Paris with his wife and daughter.

"Nick is pretty sure Santa is his grandpa! Follow along to see if you agree ..."

Christian in tone, relaying good morals and virtues, and told in delightful verse and meter, these old-fashioned Christmas poems will be enjoyed by the whole family "Old Dingledorf Square" is a Christmas allegory set in Victorian times that has enormous relevance to today's modern audience. What happens to this little town, famed around the world for their handmade Christmas bells, when a deafening silence overtakes the Christmas joy? Why have the residents lost their religious faith? Come and see how Terwilliger Mugs, a beggar seeking a hot meal and respite from the bitterly cold night, teaches the townsfolk the true meaning of Christmas. "Cruthers Smuthers and the Green Ghost of Christmas" studies the materialistic theme with a young tyke who becomes the consummate brat through his greedy consumption of Christmas-until he meets a green ghost that scares him to his wit's end "The Light of the Beggar" focuses on two urban beggars who view their lack of wealth differently-one with derision, the other, with Christlike optimism. These allegorical and spiritual poems will captivate the mind through sonorous and memorable rhyme set to match the music of Christmas.

As the Pig family prepares for Christmas, Charlie finds ways to bring the holiday spirit to their neighbor Grumpy Gramps Badger.

This is a Christmas story where children will discover why Santa Claus has no beard, the problems he encounters,all the way to the exciting ending. The Christmas Santa Had No Beard brings a refreshing answer to the quetion,"Who is that man behind the fake beard?" This story helps to reaffirm and restore the magical image of Santa Claus within every child's imagination.

Take a delightful romp back through time and see the world through the eyes of your inner child. Revisit the world in the years following the end of the Second World War, to the children of this country's "Greatest Generation," when innocence, wonder, and awe were alive and well. Go back to the days of two pieces of candy for a penny, the introduction of the Hula-Hoop, and Red Ryder BB guns, the gift that every little boy dreamed of finding beneath the Christmas tree. The world of the baby boomer was a simpler place and time, a time when telephone service meant that you were a part of a "party line," a handshake was better than a signed contract. It was a time when the family sat together to eat their meals and share their dreams and accomplishments, as well as their failures. There was a sweetness to life during those decades. This book offers the reader an intimate look into the daily lives of those who lived the wonder. Recall the memories of many historical events and people. Let the child in you free to explore and reconnect with the values and people of those magical years before the birth of computers, cell phones, and television. Your vacation back in time will be one that you will always remember. Be ready to laugh and cry, but most of all, be prepared to revisit your youth and your dreams. Yesterday awaits. The sock monkey will be your guide.