Join Nicci for a cosy read-along of this touching festive tale, followed by a fun, book-inspired creative activity.

A little cat, a Christmas wish and a heartwarming story about family, love and finding our way back to one another.

Join Nicci at Happy Reading Children's Bookshop for a very special Sunday Book Club celebrating Pax the Christmas Cat, a beautiful new Christmas story written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, the much-loved creators of We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

We'll enjoy a cosy read-along of this touching festive tale, followed by a fun, book-inspired creative activity.

And every child will take home their very own gorgeous clothbound hardback edition of the book to enjoy throughout the Christmas season!

ABOUT PAX THE CHRISTMAS CAT

Christmas is coming, and everywhere Evie looks, families seem happy and cosy behind their front doors.

But things aren't quite so happy at home.

Ever since Mum and Grandpa had a big argument, Mum has been sad, and Grandpa hasn't come to visit.

Then something terrible happens...

Evie's beloved cat, Pax, goes missing!

With Christmas approaching and Pax lost somewhere out in the cold, Evie is desperately worried about her little friend.

If only Grandpa were here. He would know what to do.

As Evie searches the streets for Pax, she begins to hope for a Christmas miracle.

But could there possibly be room for TWO miracles this Christmas?

Tenderly written by Michael Rosen and beautifully illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, Pax the Christmas Cat is a moving celebration of family, forgiveness, love and the special bond between children and their pets.

Originally published as a short story in Big Issue magazine, this wonderful tale is now available as a beautifully presented clothbound hardback gift book.

Walker Books will donate 50p from every copy sold to Big Issue, supporting its work to end poverty in the UK.

ABOUT MICHAEL ROSEN & HELEN OXENBURY

Michael Rosen is one of Britain's best-loved children's authors and poets. A former Children's Laureate, he has written many much-loved books for children, including We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Chocolate Cake and Sad Book.

His stories and poetry are celebrated for their warmth, humour, emotional honesty and wonderful understanding of childhood.

Helen Oxenbury is an internationally acclaimed children's book illustrator whose expressive, beautifully observed artwork has delighted generations of readers.

Her much-loved illustrations include We're Going on a Bear Hunt, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.

Together, Michael and Helen have created some of children's literature's most treasured picture books, including We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Oh Dear, Look What I Got!

AT THIS SUNDAY BOOK CLUB, CHILDREN WILL:

📖 Enjoy a cosy read-along of Pax the Christmas Cat with Nicci

🐈 Meet Evie and her beloved cat Pax, and follow their touching Christmas adventure

💬 Chat about friendship, family, kindness and the people and animals who make our lives special

🎄 Explore the magic of Christmas storytelling and the hope that brings people together

🎨 Take part in a fun, book-inspired creative activity

📚 Take home their very own beautiful clothbound hardback copy of Pax the Christmas Cat (RRP £10.99)!

ALL FOR JUST £5 PER CHILD!

And with 50p from every copy sold donated by Walker Books to Big Issue, this is a Christmas story that helps make a difference beyond its pages, too.

Join us for a heartwarming Sunday morning celebrating stories, kindness and a little Christmas magic at Happy Reading Children's Bookshop!

Important Information :

Suitable for children aged 6 - 9

Event duration: approx. 30 minutes

Ticket price: £5 per child (includes a hardback copy of the book, usually £10.99)

Booking is essential — spaces are limited!

The bookshop is on the first floor, accessed via a flight of stairs.

Children will sit for the reading, then move to a play/craft table for activities. All materials are provided and age-appropriate.

Adults may stay for the event (limited seating available) or relax with a coffee and pastry downstairs in STAPLE.

If you can’t attend, please let us know so we can offer your space to another family.

Photos may be taken for social media (backs of heads only). Please let us know at the start of the session if you prefer your child not to be included.

📧 Questions? Contact: books@happyreading.uk

Description supplied by the event organiser.