A Friend for Christmas

What do our readers think of A Friend for Christmas? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children enjoy Buddy, the Christmas setting and the happy feeling of a lost dog finding his way home. Some children find the parts about Buddy being missing sad, but they like the hopeful ending.

What does the Pageticker team say about A Friend for Christmas?

We love this warm, hopeful early reader, which combines a heartfelt story about Luka and his missing dog with colourful illustrations and manageable text. Its themes of friendship, loyalty and hope make it especially appealing to children who enjoy animal stories, although some readers may find Buddy’s disappearance upsetting.

Genres

What is A Friend for Christmas about?

Luka's greatest Christmas wish is to reunite with his beloved dog, Buddy, a red and grey mongrel with one floppy ear, who has been missing for months. As the festive season approaches, Luka's hope dwindles. But sometimes, especially at Christmas, the most heartfelt wishes can come true.

About the author

Lauren St. John is a much-loved author who grew up on a farm in Africa. She is famous for her exciting adventure stories, including the bestselling 'The White Giraffe' series. Lauren writes about animals and faraway places, inspiring children to explore the world through reading and to care about wildlife.

Discussion ideas around A Friend for Christmas

A Special Friendship: What makes Buddy such an important friend to Luka, and what does their friendship show about the bond between children and pets?

Christmas Wishes: If you could make one heartfelt Christmas wish, what would it be, and why might some wishes matter more than presents?

Hope and Patience: How does Luka keep hoping when Buddy has been missing for so long, and what helps people stay hopeful when they are worried?

Looking After Animals: What could families do to help keep a pet safe, and what should they do if an animal goes missing?