Hoglets’ Christmas Magic by Lynette Cresswell

Christmas is on it’s way and we have been seeing plenty of Christmas stories being published this month in advance of advent, stockings and wrapped presents for young readers! Read on for a special Q&A with author Lynette Cresswell.

Tell us a little about yourself. (How did you get started writing? What do you do when you’re not writing?)

Hi, I’m Lynette and I’ve been writing for over thirty years. Having suffered a dysfunctional childhood, I was compelled from an early age to write stories that took me to another place. I created new realms and magical creatures influenced by stories such as the Faraway Tree and The Wishing Chair, written by Enid Blyton.

Years later I wrote stories for my own children. It gave me such a buzz to see their eyes light up when they realised they were one of my crazy characters. My husband could see how much joy writing gave me and bought me a laptop. He told me it was time to live my dream and write something substantial. I couldn’t wait and in 2012 published my first YA book Sinners of Magic.

When I’m not writing I tootle off to my static caravan in Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire. It’s a wonderful seaside town and my ‘happy place’. We’re situated right by the sea. I enjoy long walks along the prom, eating ice cream and paddling in the sea. I get inspiration for writing new stories there.

Is this your first book? How many books have you written prior (if any?)

This isn’t my first book. I’m a multi-genre author although Hoglets’ Christmas Magic is my first children’s book. I’ve written six novels and a compilation of short stories. I’ve published four fantasy books and two romance novels. Most of my short stories have won writing competitions and all my books are available on Amazon.

What genre is it, and what is it about?

Hoglets’ Christmas Magic is written for children aged 6+. It’s a delightful story which tells the tale of Prickles and Primrose, two adorable hedgehogs.

Book Blurb…

It’s Christmas Eve with the hoglets.

Prickles and Primrose are excited. That is until…

As they decorate the Christmas tree they discover the star for the top has shattered.

Not to be defeated – the brave hoglets set out into the wood to seek a substitute star but stumble across Santa instead.

What adventure will they encounter?

AND… what about the star?

If you love Winnie the Pooh you’ll fall in love with the hoglets, Prickles and Primrose, from

Briar Wood.

What or who inspired you to write this book?

My readers inspired me. I wrote Hoglets’ Christmas Magic as a free read a couple of Christmases ago. I uploaded the story onto my blog and the response was phenomenal. I received a mountain of messages and emails from parents and grandparents enquiring when the story would likely be published.

I can’t deny it’s taken oodles of blood, sweat and a pandemic to get the book published. Yet, now the hoglets are here, I’m glad I listened to my readers and took the plunge.

What writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?

Read books in the same genre you’re writing. This is key to success. Check out works by similar authors and note their style, motives, flow, and even their vocabulary. Look what’s current and what sells. Know your market and you’ll be one step ahead.

What do you enjoy most about writing and why?

Writing is escapism. The moment I put pen to paper I’m in another world, another time, another place. Writing is captivating and crafting something new is a wonderful feeling. I enjoy creating new characters and watching them grow. Writing is rewarding too.

List three interesting facts about yourself

I’m scared of Daddy-long-legs.

I’m partially deaf.

I love jam on toast!

What is your least favourite part of the publishing/writing process?

As an indie author it has to be uploading my latest release onto the website that prints my book. It’s always a faff. I also detest the rigmarole you have to go through to get you book uploaded onto KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing). It’s like having a baby though. Once you hold your book in your sticky mitts all the pain and stress melts away.

What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Please tell your friends, family, schools, hairdresser, window cleaner … anyone who’s willing to listen. Word of mouth is still the best way to make a book successful.

Buy Hoglets’ Christmas Magic as a gift.

Leave a review on Amazon so others can see how much you enjoyed the hoglets. Hardly anyone buys a book without reading reviews. I know I don’t.

What is your next project?

If the hoglets are successful, I’ll write another story about them. Last summer I wrote three chapter books so if readers are keen to take the hedgehogs to their hearts, there’s more.

What do parents say about Hoglets’ Christmas Magic?

‘Hoglets’ Christmas Magic is bursting at the seams with exactly this. I read this story to my 3 year old and 1 year old daughters and both of them were transfixed. The older one really engaged with the story and the younger one was drawn to the vibrant and striking illustrations.

As well as providing Christmas spirit in abundance, there’s a really admirable message at the heart of this story: Good deeds go rewarded.

Both Prickles and Primrose are excellent role models who are helpful and supportive to their parents and also Santa himself! Their adventure is charming and we will certainly be re-reading this story in the run up to the big day later this year.

Review by Stu Cummins

What do teachers say about Hoglets’ Christmas Magic?

‘This charming picture book tells the heart-warming tale of two hoglets, Primrose and Prickles as they search the wood for a new star to decorate their family Christmas tree.

What really stands out about this book is the lovely relationship between the two hoglets. These two little characters capture the readers attention and we genuinely want to find out what happens to them. Their individual personalities make them likable and relatable particularly for younger readers.

The book explores a range of themes which makes it a particularly good text for parents to read and discuss with their children, but also for teachers to use in a classroom setting. The start of the book sees the two siblings trying to decorate the Christmas tree and immediately raises the issues of sharing and taking turns, something which is familiar to children and which often requires addressing. Yet, the interaction between the two characters is very sweet and lovely and offers a good illustration of how children might navigate such situations.

Throughout the story the themes of teamwork and friendship between the two hoglets are further explored. These are really important issues for children which makes this book ideal for those aged 3-7 years old. It emphasises the fact that anything can be achieved but sometimes you might need to ask for help, (even adults). It’s an important lesson and one which is explored subtly but thoughtfully.

If you’re looking for a text that offers a range of possibilities for wider activities and further exploration (at home or in school), then Hoglets’ Christmas Magic will not disappoint. This book is ideal for KS1 and lends itself to a range of cross-curricular activities which would make it a brilliant class text to use during the later half of the autumn term.

This really is a lovely read with a wonderful Christmas feel.’

Review by Mummy Talks (Teacher)

Hoglet’s Christmas Magic Book Links:

Amazon link: Mybook.to/HogletsMagic

Waterstones: bit.ly/3yz7OxG

Google Play: bit.ly/3gl6iZ7

Kobo: bit.ly/3D5juuK

B&N: bit.ly/3z64UAX ;