When an old man moves into the street, no one takes much notice except Liv, who immediately identifies him - with his big belly and white beard - as Santa.

Her parents are embarrassed and say she mustn't call him that. 'Why not? That's his name.'

Liv makes a close bond with Santa and discovers that he's very good at mending things, in his workshop, wearing his baseball cap. Soon people from all over the neighbourhood are bringing him broken objects to repair and Liv helps him, as his 'elf in training'.

One day Santa isn't in his workshop and he doesn't answer a knock at the door. While Liv's parents think he must be fine, she knows he's not and finds Santa isn't well. Liv rallies all the neighbours to help make Santa better. After all, it's almost Christmas Eve.

This is a wonderfully joyful story with cheery illustrations and a positive message for a modern take on the magic of Santa and Christmas, as well as building community, working together, getting to know your neighbours and cross-generational friendships!

This is Harriet Howe's second book - I also loved her debut children's picture book 'Tiger's Last Roar'.