The Christmas Guest
Kathryn Simmonds author Elena Selivanova illustrator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:SPCK Publishing
Published:20th Aug '26
Should be back in stock very soon

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.
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 world's most beloved Christmas stories. 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?
"A delightful Christmas tale with a heart that is - like Christmas - full of love, truth, and surprises. Perfect for families to share together." -- Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Carnegie Medal winner and Waterstones Children's Laureate
"What an exceptional book this [is], which beautifully illustrates the importance of serving others before ourselves and showing kindness with humility. An absolutely stunning book, which I cannot wait to share at school. I'm hoping we can gift each class a copy of this wonderful book, with a beautiful message of faith, humility and kindness." -- Amy, School teacher and reviewer
"I absolutely adore! It's such a beautiful story with themes of kindness, compassion and generosity. It's rich in faith and has a powerful Christian message at its core. The illustrations are some of the loveliest, really gentle." -- Hannah, Instagram Reviewer
ISBN: 9781915749314
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
32 pages