The Christmas Department Store
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of a magical department store that appears only during the Christmas season, bringing with it a sense of wonder and joy. The protagonist, a young child, embarks on an enchanting adventure within the store, discovering the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of giving and sharing. A warm, golden picture book about treasuring joyful feelings and the people closest to you. Celebrate the joy of love, family, and the magic of Christmas with this touching story about the most important gifts that money can't buy. Christmas for Benji this year has lost its magic. He desperately wants to feel the joy of this special season, but his family has very little. He is out walking in the city on Christmas Eve when he stumbles upon a magnificent store. A polar bear invites him in, and Benji visits different rooms that are filled with silly sounds, invisible items that appear using one’s imagination, and wonderful, inviting smells. Will he be able to find the perfect Christmas gifts for his family?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters learned about the true spirit of Christmas?
How did the illustrations help tell the story of the department store?
If you could choose a gift for someone from the Christmas Department Store, what would it be and why?
How did the characters in the story show kindness and generosity to each other?
What would you do if you were in charge of the Christmas Department Store for a day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the colorful illustrations in the book as a talking point, asking your child what they notice and like about them.
Encourage your child to think about the moral of the story by discussing the actions and decisions of the characters.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations, asking your child how they can show generosity or kindness to others.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing their version of a Christmas department store or writing a short story about their ideal magical shopping experience.
Praise your child’s responses and thoughts to reinforce their interest and deepen their engagement with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: In 'The Christmas Department Store,' children witness characters experiencing happiness as they choose and give presents to others. This act of giving is portrayed as more rewarding than receiving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take pleasure in giving gifts and doing kind deeds for friends and family, understanding that the act of giving can be a reward in itself.
Example Lesson: Importance of gratitude
Explanation: The book emphasizes the characters' expressions of gratitude when they receive gifts, regardless of the size or price, teaching children that every gift is valuable if given with love.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice saying 'thank you' for gifts and kind acts, fostering a habit of appreciation and recognition of others' efforts and kindness.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the story work together to set up the department store for Christmas, showcasing the benefits and efficiency that come from cooperating and working as a team.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork in collaborative activities at school or during play, learning to share responsibilities and support each other to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The book describes a magical department store filled with wonder, encouraging children to use their imagination and think creatively as they envision the settings and events.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play and storytelling, using their imagination in drawing, crafting, or inventing games based on their unique ideas and visions.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: The Christmas Department Store includes a variety of characters, displaying diverse backgrounds and traditions, highlighting the importance and beauty of cultural diversity during the holiday season.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and traditions, understanding that diversity enriches their experiences and perspectives.