Richard Hood was born in Aberdeen in 1960, he attended Kingswood, Quarry Hill and Northfield Academy in his youth and then moved onto Holborn College of Commerce. He has been working in business for 22 years and at one point was the manager of The Courtyard restaurant that Andrew Lloyd Webber visited. He is married to Joanne, with whom he has a son, Jonathan. He has travelled widely, both hitchhiking his way and driving his Fiat Uno to Amsterdam. He has also travelled to China, America and most of Europe. A notable moment in Richard’s life was skiing the longest black run in Europe—22 kilometres whilst also working as an instructor at Kaimhill, Aberdeen. He has also had some low points in his life; developing skin cancer, undergoing a kidney transplant in 2015 at St George’s Hospital and being stabbed whilst in Montpellier. This is his first children’s book. He has previously written a novel called Filthy Rich.
Ellison and Everly are settling into their new home when a strange noise wakes them in the middle of the night. What begins as a quiet peek downstairs quickly turns into something far more magical than they could ever imagine. Their Christmas tree isn’t quite ordinary, and before they know it, the twins are swept into an unforgettable adventure. As they journey through a world filled with wonder, mystery, and a touch of danger, Ellison and Everly must find their courage and trust each other like never before. Along the way, they discover that believing in magic can lead to the most extraordinary moments of all. Perfect for young readers, The Magic Christmas Tree is a heartwarming tale about family, bravery, and the true spirit of Christmas—one that will leave you feeling cosy, hopeful, and full of festive joy.
