Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We’ve officially reached the end of our 25 Days of Christmas Story Share, and what a wonderful journey it has been. Over the past 25 days, talented authors have shared heartfelt, festive, and inspiring stories that captured the magic of the season. This recap brings together all of the stories shared throughout the celebration, giving you a chance to revisit each one and reflect on the creativity, joy, and holiday spirit that made this series so special.

Day 1 - Kesa and Kobias Christmas in Nairobi

Step into the warmth and joy of "Kesa and Kobia's Christmas in Nairobi," where the holiday magic is as radiant as the Kenyan sun. Kesa and her cousin Kobia spend Christmas Eve exploring Nairobi's wonders, from the awe-inspiring Nairobi National Park to the colorful Maasai Market, all while counting down the hours until their big family Christmas dinner. This enchanting story celebrates the richness of Kenyan culture and the universal beauty of the holiday season. Bursting with familial love, festive treats, and unforgettable experiences, it's the perfect holiday read for children aged 4-10 and anyone who loves heartwarming tales that honor traditions across the globe.

Day 2 - Darkness into the light

Sick of self-help books but want to heal? This one is for you!‎

Spiritual awakening and self-improvement can be a lonely path so instead, Kelly Pratt acts as a ‎helpful guide throughout the process. Using her personal story of hitting rock bottom and then ‎rising like a phoenix out of the ashes, she sheds light on a plethora of methods to promote self-love ‎and self-growth. Choosing light instead of darkness, forgiveness instead of hate, the future instead ‎of the past - Pratt guides us into choosing ourselves.‎

Day 3 - ABCS of being the best Me

Embark on an Extraordinary Journey!
A transformative adventure to health and wellness awaits young readers as they explore the alphabet in my inspiring book, The ABCs of Being the Best Me! Through the beautifully illustrated woodland creatures by Margot Butler, each page highlights empowering traits that encourage readers to embrace their fullest potential, fostering a community built on strength, love, and open-mindedness.

Day 4 - The Rest in our Nest

Do you think the humble robin is a symbol for Christmas only because of their red breast? Come and discover so much more about how they encapsulate the quintessential spirit of Christmas.

Day 5 - Five Faeries

Get ready for magical adventures! FIVE FAERIES - 5 Stories in One Book is an enchanting book by Maureen Panchen. It is full of five short stories that will take you to a world of fun and wonder. With characters like Mrs Bramble, Lucy Miller and Emily the Puffball Faerie, there's always something exciting happening.
Each story is packed with adventure, friendship and a little bit of magic. Whether you're helping a faerie solve a mystery or joining in a daring escapade, these tales are sure to make you smile.
Perfect for bedtime or quiet reading time, this book invites you to dream big and let your imagination soar. Are you ready to step into a world of mischief, magic and endless fun? The adventure is waiting for you!

Day 6 - Things Bad Begun

A gripping and harrowing tale of survival and desperation, Things Bad Begun, follows Elaine as she ‎flees for her life after a brutal attack by her husband, Fraser. With vivid and visceral descriptions, ‎the author takes you on a heart-pounding journey through the night, as Elaine makes her escape, ‎traumatised by the violence she has just experienced and haunted by memories of the past. As she ‎grapples with her injuries, she recalls the early years of her doomed relationship with Fraser whilst ‎simultaneously, narrating the soul-destroying events of the last week which have culminated in her ‎frantic getaway. ‎
Despite everything, Elaine's inner strength and resilience shine through, making this a compelling ‎and unforgettable read.‎

Day 7 - Sleepy Lion

Sometimes we think we want to stay up all night.... But when snuggling is as good as this, you might change your mind.

Day 8 - A Visit from a Cardinal

When Jacob sees a Cardinal at his soccer game he feels the presence of his grandfather. As he goes to bed that evening, he tells his brother Logan. They are reminded of different stories of how others have felt the presence of loved ones. As they recall these stories the brothers find comfort in the belief that their grandfather's love is still with them. A Visit from a Cardinal is a heartwarming tale of connection, family and the power of enduring love.

Day 9 - A Very Bennet Scandal

Jane Austen's masterpiece moves on apace: with two remaining daughters yet to be married off, the socially aspiring Mrs Jane Bennet dedicates herself to finding suitors for Mary and Kitty.
That is the plan...
A little - how to phrase it delicately? - local difficulty instantly puts paid to that genteel ambition and the Bennets' lives are catapulted into chaos, confusion and social exclusion. Are the defamatory claims true? If not, how on earth can they be disproven? The cataclysmic ‘incident' ricochets throughout society, with the female Bennets struggling desperately for recovery and decorum, while Mr Bertram Bennet is nowhere to be found.

Day 10 - The Adventures of BooBoo

The Adventures of Booboo is a story of a young boy who lives alone on the planet of Gersan, which is made of cheese. His home is inside a big crater where he sleeps and plays and as the only creature on Gersan, he has no friends. When he feels lonely, he closes his eyes and dreams. This is when he meets his friend The Time Tinker, who transports him in her Bubble Capsule to a new time and place where the magical journey begins! When they arrive and the Bubble Capsule doors open, Booboo finds himself in a dreamlike world full of surprises, fun and most importantly new friends. When he wakes on his return to Gersan, was he dreaming - or did it really happen? The Time Tinker helps him find the answers...

Patricia Tindale is an actress and producer, who has worked across television, film, theatre and voice over. Her first TV role was in the iconic Australian show, Neighbours.

Day 11 - The dog that wanted to be a bird

Pearl always wanted to be a bird. She thought a bird's life certainly must be more exciting than her own. Birds could fly high in the sky and see things dogs never could. Then one day, a conversation between Pearl and a goose changed everything.

Day 12 - Sophie and the Crystal Fairies

On a cold and snowy Christmas Eve, while children wait for the most magical day of the year to arrive, Sophie is greeted by someone who wants to go on an adventure. As she discovers a magical workshop full of music, joy and laughter, there's a pair of sparkly wings waiting for Sophie in the distance. In a race against time, Sophie and her new friends sprinkle some magic across the whole world just in time for Christmas.

Day 13 - Peartree Hall

On a night that ends in violence, leaving a life hanging in the balance, Grace is drawn into a world ‎where old family secrets are buried and danger lurks in the shadows. She is relentless in her pursuit ‎of the truth and unlikely alliances are formed along the way. Grace navigates a web of deception ‎that threatens to consume her. Can Grace save her mother before the past catches up with her ‎leaving no room for escape? Or is she too late? ‎
In this gripping tale of intrigue and suspense which spans three generations, secrets and lies are ‎unravelled, but not everyone wants the truth to be told.‎

Day 14 - Have you ever seen a ladybug like me

Have you ever seen a ladybug... without her spots?

One sunny morning, Daisy the ladybug wakes up to a puzzling surprise... her black spots are gone! Determined to find them, she flutters through fields and meadows, asking her insect friends for help as she solves the mystery...

A joyful tale of curiosity, communication, and cooperation, Have You Ever Seen a Ladybug Like Me? reminds us that losing something can be the first step to finding something even better.

Day 15 - Piggles's Secret

A little pig named Piggle has a huge dream. It is all he thinks about but how does a little pig explain to all of his family, what he wants, what he needs. As his dreams grow, he finds himself blurting out what has been in his heart. With baited breath he awaits the outcome and the fulfilment of all he has dreamed of.

Day 16 - Mr Mouse

When the first snowflakes fall, Mr. Mouse is filled with wonder, but nothing prepares him for the discovery he makes in the woods - a sparkling bell hanging from a tree branch, gently jingling in the breeze. Bewildered and curious, he stumbles upon a letter addressed to him, revealing the bell as a special gift from Father Christmas himself! Overwhelmed with joy, Mr. Mouse rushes to share the magical surprise with his brothers and sisters, spreading the delight of the season. Mr. Mouse is a heart-warming tale of discovery, gratitude and holiday magic, perfect for readers of all ages. This enchanting story captures the spirit of Christmas with charm, whimsy and a reminder of the wonder that makes the season so special.

Day 17 - Something so Perfect 

My love, my love my love. to meet you we waited long enough. Nine long months to be exact. While we waited there was much to do - we had to ensure your room was in tact. As we counted down the days until we'd meet, we wondered who exactly we would greet. When you arrived it was love at first sight. Right away you snuggled in tight. From that moment we knew how lucky we were to have someone so perfect call us ma and pa.

Day 18 - PI Arlo and the Case of the Chocolate Cul de sac

In a city filled with secrets and streets paved with chocolate causing chaos there exists a trusted ‎detective duo; Parker Jones and his faithful canine companion, Arlo.‎

When entire cul-de-sacs are mysteriously paved with chocolate overnight it presents a puzzling situation, for ‎owners and city workers alike. Parker and Arlo from Arlonius Investigations step up to solve the ‎case. As they navigate through the sticky scenario they uncover a trail of perplexing clues that lead ‎them to the elusive figure known as "The Chocolatier".‎

With assistance from the city's news reporter, Lin, who provides leads along with Parker's tech ‎expertise and Arlo's sharp instincts they delve deep into this sugary mystery. Alongside the ‎laughter and dangers of their inquiry, Parker and Arlo must also handle the antics of their posh ‎neighbor, Sally, and her surprisingly adept pup, Toots.‎

Embark on an amusing adventure with Parker and Arlo in this detective story where each twist ‎brings them closer to unraveling the mystery of the chocolate coated streets. Will they capture The ‎Chocolatier before another street succumbs to this sabotage?‎

Day 19 - Honabeats says Crazy Words

Meet Honabeats! Honabeats Says: Crazy Words! is a fun-filled play on words. It's full of the "crazy" words kids and sometimes adults accidentally and spontaneously make-up. A new and adorable character, Honabeats, will follow you around as you read through funny poems about these words with eye-popping graphic illustrations. With approximately 300 words, this book can easily be read in about three minutes. Perfect timing for a bedtime story or a quick laugh.

Day 20 - Girls can Play too

Izzy Wise dreams of playing football at the highest level, but in the 1980s, football is a boys' game. Determined to prove she's just as skilled as any boy, Izzy fights to be given the same opportunities. Her journey is full of determination, obstacles, and an unwavering belief that one day, her dream will come true. Will she break the boundaries of the past and score her place in the world of football? Find out in this inspiring story of passion and persistence!

Day 21 - None Down, Three to go

Follow the gripping journey of Max and his siblings in a world where they are warriors. Promoted ‎to Senior Warriors, Max and his twin brother, Sam, face new challenges. When they discover their ‎sister, Elodie, is missing and has harmed herself, Max must confront her and convince her to seek ‎help. As they return to the fort, tensions rise and the siblings must navigate their strained ‎relationships. With themes of family bonds, mental health and the impact of past promises, "None ‎Down Three to Go" is a captivating tale of courage, sacrifice and the enduring strength of the ‎human spirit in the face of adversity.‎

Day 22 - Fairy Tale

After moving with her adoptive parents to the house at the end of the cul-de-sac, ‎Summer York discovers there is more to Lightenborough Drive than she thought. "Fairy ‎Tale" takes us alongside Summer as she dives into rumors about her street that swirl ‎throughout Weston, Vermont. Summer learns about the "Devil House", immortal women, ‎magical classmates, and secrets of where she came from buried beneath the blood of ‎fairies and warlocks. ‎
Once she realizes the magical truth of her past, Summer teams up with the warefae ‎‎- fairy and warlock children who have been in exile for over a century - to unlock her ‎powers and form enchanting relationships. As Summer establishes who she truly is, she ‎must choose if she should sink back into the shadows, or risk her newfound immortality ‎to fight for the freedom of her kind.‎

Day 23 - Before you say no give it a go

With so much poverty in the world it is important not to waste what we have or are offered. So much choice, flavours, smells and colours, which do I choose? Should I or not, which would you pick, mmm I do not know. Some I like, some I dislike, Before I say No I may give it a go.

Day 24 - A Fire Inside

A Fire Inside is a gripping tale of magic, destiny, and the untamed spirit within us all. Vlali, a ‎young girl on the brink of womanhood in the village of Mystra, wakes with a sense of urgency ‎and excitement. However, tensions arise when Vlali expresses her reluctance to follow the path ‎of becoming a Diviner, as expected by the elders. Instead, she desires to train as a hunter and ‎Whisperer like her father, despite the rarity and danger of such skills. Determined to prove ‎herself as more than just a vessel for ancient magic, Vlali sets out on a journey of self-discovery ‎and empowerment. Along the way, she meets new allies who help her to face fierce adversaries, ‎tests of courage, and the untamed wilderness itself. But even with all of their strength combined, ‎they may be no match for the looming threat that now haunts the Wildwood. In this breathtaking ‎fantasy, Vlali discovers the meaning of heroism and learns that true worth lies within. ‎

Day 25 - Chester the Magic Dog

"Chester the Magic Dog" is a delightful poem about a small, brown dog with a big secret - Chester can talk and fly! When rainy weather ruins their playtime plans, Chester whisks his best friend Seren on a magical nighttime adventure across cities, lakes, and parks in search of the perfect place to play.
With each stop, they discover that the true magic isn't where they go but the joy of being together. Full of whimsy, friendship, and wonder, this story is a heartwarming reminder that the best adventures are shared with those we love most.