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The Very Last Christmas Present

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Book Synopsis

Join one small pup on a BIG Christmas adventure!

Father Christmas has a problem. He’s back from his journey around the world on Christmas Eve but he’s forgotten to deliver one of the presents! The reindeers are too exhausted for another journey, so there’s only one option. Father Christmas’s loyal – but very junior – dog, Kado, will have to step up to pull the sleigh, and make sure no child wakes up without their present on Christmas morning.

Through continents and past polar bears, into oceans and over African plains, Kado and Father Christmas take a magical journey to deliver the forgotten present. But the BIGGEST surprise of all is what’s inside the wrapping…

A magical, heartwarming and unforgettable story, destined to be a modern Christmas classic.

Our Review Panel says...

The Very Last Christmas Present is a gentle, heartwarming festive tale that captures the magic, wonder and warmth of Christmas. Written by Adam Baron and beautifully illustrated by Benji Davies, this story introduces Kado, Father Christmas’s loyal, but very junior, pup who suddenly finds himself with an enormous responsibility: delivering the one present Santa accidentally forgot!

The adventure that follows takes children on a vivid, globe-spanning journey. From icy landscapes with prowling polar bears to sweeping African plains and deep blue oceans, each setting is brought to life through Davies’s atmospheric illustrations.

Kado himself is a particularly endearing character. His determination, loyalty and courage offer valuable themes for classroom conversations about responsibility, having a go when something feels daunting, and the importance of helping others. Children will enjoy following his journey from uncertain beginner to confident hero, and the surprise waiting inside the final present adds an uplifting twist that reinforces the book’s message about love, belonging and the true meaning of Christmas.

This is a story with wide appeal – It’ll make a lovely class story for KS1 teachers to read aloud over time, as I’m sure it would older pupils in lower KS2. It’s a wonderful a magical adventure wrapped in kindness, courage and festive cheer.