Families are invited to join The Reader’s annual festive trail at Calderstones Park, which has been extended to run until December 31 this year and meet the award-winning Manchester author at a special reading and draw-along.
Children’s author Jarvis is “thrilled” Mr Santa has been chosen for The Reader’s Christmas Story Trail around Liverpool’s historic Calderstones Park.
The trail is back by popular demand for a sixth year to explore this enchanting new festive story.
Mr Santa was published by Walker Books in 2024 and tells the story of an inquisitive little girl who has a face-to-face encounter with Santa in her own house – a golden opportunity to ask all the questions she is desperate to find out. It is perfect for curious three to seven-year-olds.
Families are invited by the team behind the national Shared Reading charity’s dedicated play space The Storybarn to follow a magical trail inspired by Mr Santa, written and illustrated by the award-winning author (The Boy with Flowers in His Hair, Follow Me, Flo!, Tropical Terry, Mrs Mole, I’m Home! and Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth).
Running every Saturday and Sunday between 29 November – 31 December from The Reader Bookshop with bookable time slots beginning at 10am, the self-led trail lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes a fun interactive map trail with 12 clues inspired by the book for children of all ages to complete throughout the park.
Every Friday there will also be a special Storyhunter-led Mini Christmas Trail for toddlers and young children aged one to four.
Manchester-based Jarvis said:
“I’m thrilled that this year’s Christmas story trail will be my book, Mr Santa. Calderstones park and The Reader is a magical place to visit and it’s exciting to have Mr Santa be a part of that magic.”
Young bookworms will also have the chance to Meet the Author in the Mansion House on Sunday 7 December at 10am. Award-winning children’s author Jarvis will be giving a special reading of Mr Santa and leading a draw-a-long inspired by his festive picture book.
A family ticket costs £15 for an adult and child in advance, or £17 on the day – additional adults are £1 and £3 per child. All proceeds will help The Reader continue to support those who need it most through its Shared Reading groups across Liverpool and the UK.
The Christmas Trail includes a map and pencil for each child, together with a copy of Mr Santa to take home and keep. It starts at The Reader Bookshop, hot chocolate with all the trimmings and room hire available for groups.
More information and tickets are available here.
