Book Title: Merry Christmas Gus (available here)

Author/Illustrator: Chris Chatterton

Publisher: Macmillan

Publication Date: Oct 2020

Most Suitable For: EYFS and KS1

We’ve all met types of grumps and scrooges who just can’t get into the festive spirit. Gus is a grumpy dog who dislikes everything about the Christmas season – he doesn’t like the carols or lights, the Christmas jumpers are too scratchy and he just can’t get excited about building a snowdog or, worst of all, standing under the mistletoe. But sometimes all it takes is some good company to help even the very grumpiest of dogs to realise that real joy at Christmas time comes from spending time with our loved ones and thinking of others above ourselves.

Despite his bad mood, Gus is very loveable and we are all rooting for him as his small companion melts his heart and includes him in the Christmas fun. Chris Chatterton’s humorous illustrations allow the bold Christmas colours and exaggerated facial expressions to tell the story, as we witness Gus’s deadpan, unimpressed doggy eyes slowly transform into softened, puppy-like expressions of enjoyment as we turn through the pages. However, an amusing twist at the end might just see a hint of bah-humbug return….

It’s a lovely, simply told story that captures the precious moment when young children (or adults who are young at heart!) have a positive influence on those around them simply through interacting together.

You canorder Merry Christmas Gus from Amazon or from Bookshop.

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*****Book Giveaway!****

Thanks to the publishers at Macmillan, we have three copies of Merry Christmas Gus to give away to our followers.

There are two ways to enter:

1. Twitter entry – To enter, follow @booksfortopics and RT the giveaway tweet.

2. Instagram entry – Follow @booksfortopics on Instagram & TAG in the giveaway post’s comments a friend who may also like to win this book for their home or school library.

You can enter both ways for two entries! Giveaway closes 11.59pm 10th December (UK).

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You canorder Merry Christmas Gus from Amazon or from Bookshop.

Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and providing the giveaway prize. Check out the other stops on the blog tour, too.

Where next? >

Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub

> Browse our Topic Booklists

> View our printable year group booklists.

> See our Books of the Month.