The Christmas Guest
Kathryn Simmonds is an award winning poet and author. Her books for children include, Be My Sunflower, Trouble at the Bug Hotel (both with Walker Books), Twenty Bears, Twenty Bears on Holiday (both with Bloomsbury Children's Books), and Princes Don't Practice (Macmillan). She lives with her family in Norwich and loves helping with children's ministry at her church.
Elena Selivanova (Illustrator)
Elena Selivanova has worked for over 25 years in children’s book illustration and has illustrated over 100 books, including ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas and 'Twas the Morning of Easter (Zonderkidz).
"A delightful Christmas tale with a heart that is - like Christmas - full of love, truth, and surprises. Perfect for families to share together."
"What an exceptional book this [is], which beautifully illustrates the importance of serving others before ourselves and showing kindness with humility. An absolutely stunning book, which I cannot wait to share at school. I'm hoping we can gift each class a copy of this wonderful book, with a beautiful message of faith, humility and kindness."
"I absolutely adore! It's such a beautiful story with themes of kindness, compassion and generosity. It's rich in faith and has a powerful Christian message at its core. The illustrations are some of the loveliest, really gentle."
In the old French city of Marseille, it's Christmas Day and Martin the shoemaker is waiting. He's expecting a very special guest, and his heart is full of hope and anticipation.
But as the hours pass, something extraordinary unfolds. Martin gives warmth to a shivering street sweeper. He shares a meal with a young mother in need. He places shoes on the bare feet of a little boy. He offers friendship to a lonely old woman who has no one.
And when night finally falls and his guest still hasn't come... Martin begins to wonder.
Or has the Guest been there all along?
A story of unexpected grace, quiet generosity, and the true heart of Christmas.
The Christmas Guest is a timeless festive tale rooted in one of the world's most beloved Christmas stories. Rich with warmth, compassion, and quiet surprise, it speaks to children and adults alike, asking the question at the very heart of Christmas: what does it really mean to welcome someone in?
Kathryn Simmonds is an award winning poet and author. Her books for children include, Be My Sunflower, Trouble at the Bug Hotel (both with Walker Books), Twenty Bears, Twenty Bears on Holiday (both with Bloomsbury Children's Books), and Princes Don't Practice (Macmillan). She lives with her family in Norwich and loves helping with children's ministry at her church.
Elena Selivanova (Illustrator)
Elena Selivanova has worked for over 25 years in children’s book illustration and has illustrated over 100 books, including ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas and 'Twas the Morning of Easter (Zonderkidz).
"A delightful Christmas tale with a heart that is - like Christmas - full of love, truth, and surprises. Perfect for families to share together."
"What an exceptional book this [is], which beautifully illustrates the importance of serving others before ourselves and showing kindness with humility. An absolutely stunning book, which I cannot wait to share at school. I'm hoping we can gift each class a copy of this wonderful book, with a beautiful message of faith, humility and kindness."
"I absolutely adore! It's such a beautiful story with themes of kindness, compassion and generosity. It's rich in faith and has a powerful Christian message at its core. The illustrations are some of the loveliest, really gentle."










In the old French city of Marseille, it's Christmas Day and Martin the shoemaker is waiting. He's expecting a very special guest, and his heart is full of hope and anticipation.
But as the hours pass, something extraordinary unfolds. Martin gives warmth to a shivering street sweeper. He shares a meal with a young mother in need. He places shoes on the bare feet of a little boy. He offers friendship to a lonely old woman who has no one.
And when night finally falls and his guest still hasn't come... Martin begins to wonder.
Or has the Guest been there all along?
A story of unexpected grace, quiet generosity, and the true heart of Christmas.
The Christmas Guest is a timeless festive tale rooted in one of the world's most beloved Christmas stories. Rich with warmth, compassion, and quiet surprise, it speaks to children and adults alike, asking the question at the very heart of Christmas: what does it really mean to welcome someone in?