Operation Nativity

by Jenny Pearson

When Oscar and Molly rush outside to investigate a crash in the night, they're not expecting to find a dazed Angel Gabriel wandering around their grandparents' back garden. And they're certainly not expecting to find themselves in a race to save Christmas.

But if they don't track down a missing shepherd, wise man, donkey and the actual Mary and Joseph, who've all crash-landed in Chipping Bottom, not only will Christmas cease to exist, but they will too. Operation Nativity is on.

Genres: Christmas, Middle Grade, Humor

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2022

About the author

Jenny Pearson is a technical writer and an artist who loves to write and draw. She enjoys working with kids, whether it's engaging them with arts and crafts activities, helping them learn basic concepts, or just inspiring cute moments. With loads of patience, sunny smiles, and a healthy dose of kindness, almost any day can be a great day.

Reviews

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible heartwarming Christmas story full of faith, heart, & even humor. When Oscar & Molly rush outside to investigate a crash in the night, they're not expecting to find a dazed Angel Gabriel wandering around their grandparents' back garden. And they're certainly not expecting to find themselves in a race to save Christmas. But if they don't track down a missing shepherd, wise man, donkey & the actual Mary & Joseph, who've all crash-landed in Chipping Bottom, not only will Christmas cease to exist, but they will too. Operation Nativity is on. I enjoy all Christmas reads pretty much, but it was so refreshing & just plain AWESOME to finally read a Christmas story that involves what Christmas is really about. It’s not about presents or “Santa”. The true meaning of Christmas & why it’s celebrated is in here, as well as great further meaning of what’s important-again, it’s not the presents, but spending time & making precious memories with the ones you love. How precious life itself is, the meaning of life/death, & just cherishing those moments & holding them close. The author does all these themes/messages in the perfect way for MG readers, & weaves the perfect amount of humor throughout with the most endearing & lovable characters-Including our MC Oscar, & his bold & fearless little sister Molly, who is a riot lol. This is an atmospheric Christmas read full of real Christmas truth/magic, family, humor, adventure, & incredible messages. Along with the stunning cover, the book is full of just as stunning illustrations throughout by Katie Kear that bring the story to life before your eyes. HIGHLY recommend. 💜

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Operation Nativity is such a fun and heartwarming Christmas Nativity story for children with fun, engaging illustrations. When Molly and Oscar hear a crash outside and rush out to investigate, they're shocked to see Angel Gabriel walking around the back garden in a daze. They end up racing against the clock to find a wise man, a missing shepherd, a donkey, and Mary and Joseph and save Christmas! If they fail, not only will Christmas itself no longer exist, but they won't either.
Through all the fun antics and happenings throughout the story, the reader learns not only the true meaning of Christmas but much, much more! This is a fun read for any child full of Christmas festivities and fun to get into the festive spirit.

[Molly Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

It made me cry at the end! When the grandad dies it was so SAD!!!!

[Dani (piggindani_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Majestiful (it’s a real word ask Molly! Lol)
This has to be one of the most hilarious & heartwarming Christmas books I’ve read.

It’s your traditional nativity story but with a fabulous & unique twist and comes with a delightful array of characters that will have you smiling & laughing throughout especially the beautiful Molly. Molly is adorable from the clothes she wears to the things she says & does, she is just pure joy and innocence. My favourite character by far.

It’s also a story about family. Not just the fun of spending the festive season together but the stresses that that can bring too. It’s an honest portrayal of when families come together. (I’ve even had a Lady Lucifer in my life, too! Lol)

I won’t lie, you will cry but I promise, as heartbreaking as it is, it will also fill you with love & happiness.

Oh, and how can I forget the illustrations? Amazing! They capture the pure joy and fun of the story in a quirky and fabulous way.
It’s brilliant having those characters (especially Molly) come alive on the page. Love them! ♥️

A beautiful Christmas must read for the entire family.
Thank you, NetGalley & Usborne Publishing, for this Crimbo-tastic arc.

[Steffi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oscar reist mit seiner Familie zu seiner Großmutter, um dort am alljährlichen Krippenspiel teilzunehmen und Weihnachten zu feiern. Doch plötzlich steht der echte Erzengel Gabriel vor ihm, der versehentlich samt Maria und Josef, den Hirten und den heiligen drei Königen durch die Zeit gereist ist. Nun liegt es an Oscar Weihnachten zu retten.

Ich fand die Geschichte und Oscars Abenteuer unglaublich unterhaltsam. Ich fand die Vorstellung, der durch die Zeit reisenden Figuren sehr witzig und es kommt dadurch auch immer wieder zu sehr lustigen Situationen, bei denen ich mehrmals wirklich lassen musste. Auch Oscars Schwester Molly, die jeden Tag ein anderes Kostüm trägt, habt mich des öfteren zum schmunzeln gebracht.

Die Suche nach den einzelnen Figuren ist dabei sehr abwechslungsreich und manchmal auch abenteuerlich. Zusätzlich bekommt man so ein wenig über die Ursprünge von Weihnachten erzählt.

Für mich war das Buch eine sehr gelungene Unterhaltung.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when Angel Gabriel goes a bit too much overboard with his announcements and ends up (with the whole cast) in England in 202x?


This was just a fabulous read to read during Christmas! I was planning on reading it during Christmas and I started then, but haha, my mind just was more in the manga mood. But I did manage to read it around Christmas so that is a win.

In this hilarious book we meet Oscar and Molly who are about to go to their grandparents for Christmas. Oscar and Molly are eager, their parents not so, and we quickly find out that grandma is a bit too enthusiastic about Christmas, especially with making a play. And there is no saying no to grandma. I have to say I was a bit worried that it would be too much, but in the end I did like the play and I also could understand why grandma was extra gung-ho on making it perfect this year.

But the play is not the only thing that Molly and Oscar have to do this year, oh no. There is something big happening. Namely an angel named Gabriel took his announcement duties for Christmas a bit too far (like how some people go very far to reveal the gender of their babies) and ends up not in Bethlehem or the right time but in England in 202x. Yep. And it is up to Oscar (and Molly) to find not just Mary, Joseph, but also a donkey, a shepherd, and one of the wise men. Yup. It is a scavenger hunt, only now with some more severe consequences when one isn’t able to find everyone on the list. Because if just one person isn’t found.. BOOM no more Christmas. No more correct time line. You can imagine that Oscar (and Molly) are going to try to do everything they can to find everyone and save Christmas (and Oscar isn’t just doing it because he loves Christmas he has a very more personal reason to go for it). It really made me giggle seeing Oscar and Molly hide every person they find in one of the many bathrooms that their grandparents house has, trying to make sure that they look normal in case someone pops by accidentally. Yes, normal. Especially in the case of Angel Gabriel. You know, people tend to react a bit funny when people have haloes and wings, the real kind.

Of course, the scavenger hunt/journey isn’t easy. They have to make excuses, sneak away, steal a lawnmower (yes really), and more. It really gets exciting and tension rises.

I have to say I was at first a bit worried about Oscar and Molly’s cousins, but they really weren’t so bad. I actually liked them at the end of the story.

Oh, and next to OMG we need to save Christmas there is some heaviness. Because grandpa isn’t feeling too well… and may not have that long to live. Yep. There is a dark cloud hanging over this family and we see that Oscar especially struggles with it and that he hopes that maybe Angel Gabriel can help out.

Molly was, as always with little siblings in story, a bit hit/miss. I really liked her at times, but other times I just found her very annoying. Also didn’t like how she kept popping out secrets, I mean, I get it, she is a tiny girl, but you would think that at one point she knows that she should keep quiet.

The book is also filled with delighted fun illustrations by Katie Kear! Which makes the story even more alive and more silly (especially during some scenes I was happy with the illustrations added, they made me laugh even more).

All in all, I would highly recommend this fun Christmas chaotic story featuring turkeys, angels, a donkey, crazy family, and tons of fun to all!

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Chris Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a proper Christmassy treat
'Operation Nativity' by Jenny Pearson & glorious illustrations from Katie Kear.
It had me Ho, Ho, Ho-ing all the way.
Definitely feeling merry, warm and festive.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was laugh out loud funny. Just loved reading this and was brilliant

[I _teach_muggles · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Christmas! Shepherds watching flocks by night, angels singing in choirs of exultation, Mary and Joesph trekking to Bethlehem. Well at least that’s how the story goes right? However, things have all gone a bit awry in Jenny Pearson’s festive-filled, Christmas cracker.

Mum can’t think of anything worse than spending Christmas with her in-laws at Barlington Hall and having to participate in the family nativity performance. But given it is the centenary nativity celebration and with grandfather unwell, mum has relented and the whole family are traipsing off to Chipping Bottom and the stately home of Lord and Lady Cuthbert-Anderson.

Things take an unexpected turn on the first night when Oscar and Molly discover a confused Angel Gabriel out on the lawn. The self-proclaimed ‘chief announcer’ of important news has inadvertently catapulted himself and some significant biblical friends into the twenty-first century and there’s going to be a massive problem if he cannot get everyone back to where they need to be by Christmas eve. Fail to do what’s needed and there’ll never be a Christmas again! Worse than no carrots, no Rudolph, no roast dinner, no carolling, no movies and no chestnuts roasting on an open fire…mum and dad will never meet and that will mean no Oscar and no Molly. Will the kids be able to help an angel in a pickle and fix this merry mess…

I have been saving this for the festive season and what an absolute belter it is. Jenny Pearson is the queen of hilarious and heartfelt storytelling and she delivers a tree-mendous story that is a must read over the holidays. She gets kids, she gets families and she gets Christmas, capturing all of the chaos, arguments and family fun that everyone can relate to.

Fun and touching, Operation Nativity is a rollicking adventure to save the first and every other Christmas that will have you laughing until your belly hurts and quite possibly shedding a tear or two. A fast-paced plot, fabulous characters (big shout-out to Molly who’s honest outbursts are seen as nothing more than wild imagination), and plenty of entertaining black and white illustrations by Katie Kear will have readers ho-ho-hoing their way from beginning to end.

Saving the fate of Christmas is no easy task for Molly and Oscar who find themselves balancing family activities with a madcap treasure hunt. Watching the kids sneaking around the countryside to locate Gabriel’s friends is absolutely hilarious and there are plenty of hijinks that ensue. If helping the time-travelled gang understand modern day life wasn't hard enough, there’s the small matter of hiding an angel, a shepherd, a wise man and a turkey in the bathroom. When the kids are not involved with their madcap, fun-filled festive treasure hunt they are rehearsing and perfecting their roles in the actual nativity performance, baking cookies and making mince pies with mum, carolling for the neighbours and trying to come to terms with the news that this is likely to be their Grandfather's last Christmas.

As with all of Pearson’s stories, there are deeper themes and meanings that pull at the heart strings. This time she addresses the importance of making memories, appreciating family, cherishing loved ones, death, and offers the timely reminder that it is not about the presents under the tree, it is about those that sit with you around the tree that matter most.

Jenny brings plenty of ‘joy to the world’ and her latest treat is more than just a stocking filler. All everyone should want for Christmas is this book.

Recommended for 8+.

With huge thanks to Usborne and NetGalley for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

[CorniHolmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Der 11-jährige Oscar kann Weihnachten kaum erwarten, denn dieses Jahr geht es zu seinen Großeltern väterlicherseits, um in deren riesengroßen Anwesen mit der ganzen Familie Weihnachten zu feiern. Während sich Oscar und seine kleine Schwester Molly riesig über die Einladung freuen, hält sich die Begeisterung ihrer Mutter sehr in Grenzen. Ihr graut es vor Omas berühmten Krippenspiel, welches sie jedes Jahr veranstaltet. Bereits kurz nach ihrer Ankunft beginnen sich die Ereignisse zu überschlagen. Erzengel Gabriel hat es irgendwie geschafft, sich selbst, Maria, Josef, die Heiligen drei Könige und einen Hirten ins 21. Jahrhundert zu katapultieren – aus Versehen, versteht sich. Nun stecken sie alle in der Zukunft fest, irgendwo verstreut in Hampshire. Oscar, Molly und Gabriel müssen die Verlorenen schleunigst wiederfinden und zurück nach Bethlehem befördern. Ansonsten wäre Weihnachten für immer verloren! Ob ihre Rettungsmission wohl gelingen wird?

Ein neues Buch von Jenny Pearson und dann ist es auch noch ein Weihnachtsbuch? Da stellte sich mir gar nicht erst die Frage, ob ich es lesen möchte. Bereits ihre Einzelbände „Die unglaubliche Wunderreise des Freddie Yates“ und „Frankie und die Liste der unbezahlbaren Wünsche“ waren Highlights für mich und mit dem hier vorliegenden Werk ist nun ein weiteres dazu gekommen.

Wer gerade auf der Suche nach einer schönen Weihnachtslektüre ist, die einen nicht nur bestens unterhält und mitreißt, sondern auch berührt und nachdenklich stimmt, ist hier genau richtig.
Jenny Pearson schafft es einmal mehr, tiefere Themen mit einem herrlich schrägen Humor zu vereinen. Mit viel Witz, Charme und Herz lässt sie Oscar die Geschichte aus der Ich-Perspektive erzählen. Schon nach wenigen Seiten ist man am Schmunzeln und hat Oscar und seine Familie fest ins Herz geschlossen. Vor allem die kleine süße, aufgeweckte Molly ist einfach zum Gernhaben und zaubert einem immerzu ein Lächeln ins Gesicht. Die weiteren vielfältigen Charaktere sind jedoch nicht minder gelungen, kommen – typisch Jenny Pearson – überaus liebenswert-schrullig daher und sorgen immer wieder für die urkomischsten Situationen. Es macht richtig Freude, sie alle zu begleiten und gemeinsam mit ihnen ein völlig verrücktes Weihnachtsfest zu erleben.
Zum Ende hin wird es dann auch noch emotional und ein bisschen traurig, was dem Ganzen aber keinem Abbruch tut, im Gegenteil. Denn Jenny Pearson zeigt dadurch, wie wichtig es ist, gemeinsame Erinnerungen zu schaffen und seine Familie zu schätzen – ganz egal wie verschieden alle auch sein mögen. Sie erinnert daran, worauf es an Weihnachten wirklich ankommt – dass es nicht um die Geschenke geht, sondern um das Zusammensein mit seinen Liebsten. Die zahlreichen humorvollen schwarz-weiß Illustrationen von Katie Kear sind das Sahnehäubchen obendrauf und setzen das Erzählte perfekt in Szene.

Fazit: „Vom Himmel hoch und rein ins Chaos. Wie Oscar und Molly das Weihnachtsfest retteten…“ ist eine lustig-turbulente und warmherzige Geschichte über die wahre Magie von Weihnachten und den Wert von Familie. Ein wunderbares Weihnachtsbuch für alle ab 10 Jahren, das jede Menge gute Laune und Festtagsstimmung garantiert. Ich kann auch dieses Werk von Jenny Pearson nur empfehlen, mir hat es großen Spaß gemacht. Von mir gibt es 5 von 5 Sternen!

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exuberant – possibly full-on – young comedy read. This Christmas, much against his mother's wishes, young Oscar and younger Molly will be experiencing the holidays at a certain grandmother's – the father's parents are hosting their annual nativity show, and the old biddy is a bit of a harridan when it comes to directing that, much like everything else in life. Also making their way there are some other characters – and so, when Oscar is finished coming on like all three "Outnumbered" children at once he can get down to resolving the issue that Gabriel the angel has gubbered things up, and landed Jesus, Mary, a wise man and Steve the shepherd nowhere near Nazareth or Bethlehem, but this family's country pile instead.

What we have is one of those books librarians have to drag out for a month or two, or a novel you buy and then shelve with general fiction as if it will be looked at any other time of the year. It won't, for it definitely is a Christmas special. And it's really hit a mother-lode, somehow, of being very flippant and fast-and-loose with the whole Christmas story, yet respectful of it – it's a knock-about adventure concerning making-sure-of-the-birth-of-Christ drama that, in not gallivanting about with Santa and elves and whatnot still provides all the fun of a seasonal read but also thoroughly honours the truth of the back-story. If you think this is at all sacrilegious, think again.

It packs the laughs in – well, titters at most for us adults, I guess. As I say, I certainly saw a precedent in the quippy, worldly-wise-before-their-time children we have here. But writing-wise, that is not really controlled enough. At the start of his first scene Gabriel cannot get his head around a child in a Gruffalo onesie, only for him to cope with slang like "holibobs" without batting an angelic eyelid just pages later. As I say, it could feel a touch OTT, and the amount of foreshadowing over the first few chapters is bonkers.

But you know what? Forgetting the time of forgiving, and all that, this is actually really good fun. There has seldom been a more inventive race-against-time plot, the characters – even if they might merge into the one voice – are great fun to be with, and the closing chapters are ridiculously effective, so much more so than I would have ever expected.

So, yes, I would certainly declare this a seasonal smash – and while full-length prose Christmas books is not a shelf I have experienced much of, this is probably my favourite. Full-on action, nicely quippy chapter titles, and a perfect combination of drama and schmaltz-free sentiment, this is as close to five baubles as makes no difference.

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced, rollicking adventure with a nod to the original Christmas story that will keep everyone guessing and laughing. Well-drawn personalities, a typical family-holiday scenario and a totally unexpected time-travel twist lead the reader on a merry chase along the village laneways, fields, farms and through the corridors of Oscar and Maddies’ ancestral Barlington Hall as they hunt madly for the severely misplaced Nativity characters. There’s plenty of mystery in the central story, but the background family drama offers nearly as much mayhem, and a hilarious array of relationships. The plight of Oscar and Maddies’ grandfather adds a very moving thread to the tale, and his sense of humour and fun is exemplary. Understanding how the Archangel Gabriel and his first Christmas cohorts got here (the contemporary year) in the first place is nothing compared to working out how to get them back (or finding them in the Hampshire village surrounds.) And keeping them all a secret from noisy cousins, concerned and stressed parents, a dictatorial grandmother intent on creating the perfect Christmas pageant and a contentious neighbour intent on ruining it…well, that will be quite a feat, if they can pull it off. The touching, yet somewhat maddening relationship between Oscar and little Maddie is wonderful. Oscar just wants to save Christmas (and their existence) and discounts Maddies’ ridiculous ideas…and she just won’t follow his directions, but seems to be more clued in as to what is going on, despite her outrageous notions. What’s a brother to do? All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Operation Nativity…and it’s so appealing, the entire family willed be captivated page after page. The wonderful black & white illustrations capture all the action and add to the laughs. Slightly irreverent, rather oddball in many ways, filled with family, festivity, dramatic turns; well-written, heartfelt and hilarious; this is a unique twist on the traditional Christmas tale that will win your heart…and the entire season.

[Ellie Dunne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
-
I found this book on Goodreads last year and thought it looked like such a fun read for the Christmas season, so I was very happy to find it on Netgalley. It was the hilarious middle grade read I was hoping for, with a festive twist that made it unlike other Christmas books I've read!

Oscar isn't thrilled to be staying with his (incredibly posh) grandparents for Christmas- especially his nativity-obsessed grandmother who won't rest until she puts on the best show in Chipping Bottom. But when the Angel Gabriel crash lands outside his window and announces the cast of the real life nativity, including actual Mary and Joseph, are lost and need to be recovered before Christmas Eve, Oscar and his sister are pulled along on an entertaining mission to save Christmas.

I love a good middle grade Christmas read, and this was unlike anything I've read before in that it focused on the nativity instead of the typical Santa Claus story (which I also love, don't get me wrong). This premise intrigued me, and meant it shot to the top of my Christmas TBR this year.
First and foremost this book was hilarious, which I think will help entice a lot of young readers to it- if I still worked as a librarian then this would be top of my list to purchase. I really enjoyed the cast of characters who were each unique. including Oscar's extended family and the nativity characters who were fantastically well developed. I thought the story was paced well, the discoveries of each missing character were spread throughout the story without it getting boring in between. The author did a good job of integrating this with the time Oscar was spending with his family, despite so much going on it didn't feel like any aspect of the story was ignored. I liked the illustrations throughout the book, I just wish there had been a few more of them. The ending was surprisingly emotional, and brought a tear to my eye!
I must admit this story wasn't as engaging as I'd hoped, it took me a while to get through because I simply wasn;t enjoying it enough to want to pick it up every day. It also lacked a little of the magic feeling I usually get from children's Christmas books, which are the reasons why I didn't rate this book higher.

I am glad I read this festive book and would definitely recommend it, particularly to children who enjoy authors like Tom Fletcher and David Walliams.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ebook copy of this title!

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a christmassy middle grade read to go alongside Step-father Christmas and this came in a ‘buy one get one half price sale’ at Waterstones, and given the stunning sprayed Christmas light edging and the premise of a fantastic story, I couldn’t pass this up.

It draws you in right from the get go and you’re immediately launched into the lives of Oscar and a very lovable Molly, a brother and sister duo who end up embroiled in trying to save Christmas ….

With the greatest Christmassy vibes and an adventure to get stuck into, this book was like a warm, happy, Christmas hug.

The fate of Christmas lies in their hands and there’s a nativity (both real and in play form) to save. The Angel Gabriel may have gotten a bit over enthusiastic in his announcement of the coming of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus and catapults himself, a wise man, donkey, a shepherd and the all important Joseph and Mary into the future. They need to find their way back, but first, they need to find them…

Oscar and Molly were both great characters and I loved their dynamic. It was great and one I’ll definitely reread in the future and possible every Christmas! It was a little heavy at the end but written incredibly well but there would be a slight trigger warning for grief - it was brilliantly handled.

Such a thoroughly enjoyable book and glad I read this as my Christmas read!

[Agapanthus.books.100 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're after a really fun read on the last run up to Christmas, then Operation Nativity by Jenny Pearson is definitely for you!

When Oscar and Molly head to their grandparents for the festive period, little did they think that the fate of Christmas would be in their hands.

It all goes wrong when Angel Gabriel's powers go a little off kilter and he ends up transporting himself, Mary, Joseph, Wise man Balthazar, shepherd Steve...and a donkey... two thousand years into the future, and right on to Oscar's doorstep.

As Oscar's grandparents prepare to put on the greatest village nativity play of all time - with all his family in the cast - Oscar has a nativity dilema of his own, as he and Molly attempt to round up the time travellers and get them back to Bethlehem in time for the real birth of baby Jesus.

This is such a humourous read with laugh out loud funny moments, as the various characters end up in a variety of crazy capers and comical escapades, many illustrated by Katie Kear.

With a very poignant ending, Jenny demonstrates what is really important over the festive season. A cracking read!

[Denise Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jenny Pearson’s books and this was no exception. It’s the heart warming story of an extended family coming together for the Christmas holidays. However, unbeknown to the adults, the real angel Gabriel has used a little too much of his power and has accidentally time travelled Mary, Joseph, a wise man, a shepherd and a donkey 2000 years into the future. It needs Oscar and his little sister Molly to find and reunite them all if they are to save Christmas.

My favourite character was Molly. I loved the way she repeatedly told the adults exactly what had been going on and they repeatedly ignored her. Oh the perils of being young! This added a lot of humour to the story.

I enjoyed the parallels between the family staging their own nativity, intersecting with the original nativity story. A message about the importance of family and cherishing memories of dearly departed loved ones makes this a charming festive story.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Oscar and Molly rush outside to investigate a crash in the night, they're not expecting to find a dazed Angel Gabriel wandering around their grandparents' back garden. And they're certainly not expecting to find themselves in a race to save Christmas.

But if they don't track down a missing shepherd, wise man, donkey and the actual Mary and Joseph, who've all crash-landed in Chipping Bottom, not only will Christmas cease to exist, but they will too. Operation Nativity is on.

A fabulously funny and heart-warming Christmas story. It's a fast-paced children's adventure story that this particular adult adored! Molly's antics had me laughing out loud and Oscar's engagements with the angel Gabriel were incredibly funny but towards the end brought a tear to the eye. I was reading an ecopy and don't feel I got the benefit of the wonderful illustrations so a hard copy is definitely on my Christmas list.

My thanks to NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I read by Jenny Pearson was The Boy Who Made Monsters. That book is filled with exciting and heartwarming moments, this book is no different. Operation Nativity is a hilarious and memorable story about children who are on a quest to save Christmas. I must be honest, but I found that some parts were a bit crazy, but that made the book even better, and a pleasure to read.

My favourite character in this book is Molly. This is because I love her enthusiasm and joyful personality, not forgetting her cute little outfits!

I would recommend this book for anybody, no matter if you are a little child, just learning how to read, or someone who has been reading for ages, this book will bring joy and laughter. Also, just because this book is Christmas themed, it doesn’t mean you have to read it at Christmas, I read it in Spring and enjoyed it immensely!

HAPPY READING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and amusing book about saving Christmas that also has an underlying message about losing a loved one.
Oscar is having to visit his grandparents for Christmas at their grand house in the country, where he must perform a family version of the Nativity. The only issue is, the real Angel Gabriel has made a slight error and has brought Mary and Joseph to the future, so whilst the family Nativity is on, Oscar has to try to save Christmas by rounding up the real Nativity stars.
I loved Oscar and Molly, their relationship with their parents and how they jumped into helping save Christmas. The jokes were funny and the side characters lovely too.
I wasn't expecting the sadness part of the book, so it felt a bit jarring alongside the rest, but it had a good message, so as long as you know going in you should be OK.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful festive story!! Poor Oscar has a huge task on his hands - he has to help the angel Gabriel to locate Mary, Joseph, Balthazar, Steve (he's a shepherd!) and THE donkey in order to get them back to their own time because otherwise THERE WILL BE NO MORE CHRISTMAS!!! Amusing capers soon ensue but the story has much to say about the real meaning of Christmas - it's not just about the gifts, it's a time for family, helping others and traditions. The angel Gabriel has some very wise words to say on the subject of grief too, you will swing between chuckles and 'oh I appear to have something in my eye' with this MG tale.

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly touching story, centred around Oscar and Molly, two children participating in their grandmother’s famous Christmas Eve nativity performance. Always a bit tedious, this year is a bit different when Oscar finds himself having to rescue Mary, Joseph, Angel Gabriel and Steve the shepherd, oh and a donkey called Donald and Grandma. Turkey.

A great little read for younger children, mine are 8 and 6 and the book is suitable for both ages.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, Jenny has written an absolute beauty here. This made me laugh out loud and cry (on the bus!). The perfect thing I needed for this festive season - an adventure to save the first (and every) Christmas! I loved the characters in this so much. This has such incredible messages about Christmas, family, love and kindness. I just want to hug this book so much.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully fun and touching story of a boy called Oscar who after a visitation from the Angel Gabriel has to save Christmas. This isn’t easy as various members of the nativity scene have been scattered about Chipping Bottom! It was a lovely festive story which made me laugh but was also quite sad too. Really enjoyed it!

[Barbara Ridley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can thoroughly recommend this book! Yes, Yes I know it’s a children’s story but it had me hooked within the first few pages read with a student at school (I’m a school librarian) so what else could I do, but sneak it home in my bag Friday evening to read.

An absolutely amazing Christmas read with a surprisingly touching ending, I have devoured it!

[Manic Booksy Dreamgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was quite a cute festive book and it did have me really chucking at some parts.

Weirdly enough though I was really put off by how posh the characters were. Couldn't help but think about all the working class kids who wouldn't be able to relate to this and I did make the note "POSH NONSENSE" several times.

[Jacaranda21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Hilarious, entertaining and heartwarming with a wonderful sense of mischievousness woven into the traditional nativity story. Loved the writing, chuckled at every chapter title. Loved Grandpa, and thought his illness and passing was sensitively written in. Characters all brilliant, go Molly! Feeling very festive.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight! It was nothing like I expected, which made it even more fun. It was full of humour and witty comments, which made it perfect to read for an adult as well. It got me into the perfect Christmas spirit. Can highly recommend this!

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Christmas book everyone needs to read. It just had all of the messages and feelings that come with such a magical time of year. Loved the humour throughout and feel everyone needs a Molly in their life!

[Dreximgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I got into this I really really enjoyed it. I loved the quest/rescue element and the characters were very fun. I especially loved the dialogue and laughed out loud at some points (as well as allowing a tear or two to escape too)

Fab Christmas read :)

[Laura Rowlands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started Christmas 2022 but too busy to finish it and couldn't face a Christmas story after the event so put it away until Christmad 2023 and needed to finish it to find out how it ended so read the end the first week in January 24!