The Christmas Carrolls

Mel has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She followed her passion for writing into university, and after graduating with a Creative Writing degree, she set up her own company at the age of 22 and ran creative writing after school clubs for children aged 7+. A few years later, she developed Authorfy: an online platform that brought children all over the world closer to their favourite authors. Mel's first book, The Christmas Carrolls, published in October 2021.

Selom Sunu's characters are at the heart of everything he creates. He has worked with Disney TVA, CBeebies, Jellyfish Pictures, Nexus Studios, Three Stones Media and UPPERROOM Productions. He lives in London with his wife and daughter, and loves singing, playing football, creative writing (poetry), acting and board games.

'A Christmas book about kindness and cheer to make even Scrooge's heart melt' Dame Jacqueline Wilson

"As warm and cosy as drinking hot chocolate in your favourite Christmas jumper. A festive feast of fun." Maz Evans, bestselling author of Who Let the Gods Out

'Funny and loveable story'- Woman & Home

'This will put a smile on your face and a lump in your throat' - Daily Mail

'Saturated with festive fun'- Irish Times

'Hilariously silly, this super-seasonal debut will have readers chuckling' - Metro

"As warm and cosy as drinking hot chocolate in your favourite Christmas jumper. A festive feast of fun." Maz Evans, bestselling author of Who Let the Gods Out

'Fizzing with energy and festive cheer, The Christmas Carrolls is a heart-warming must-read for the Christmas period. Mel's writing sparkles like the star on top of a Christmas Tree.' Jennifer Bell, author of The Uncommoners trilogy

"The Christmas Carrolls is just fabulous! I laughed solidly throughout the whole thing. It's gloriously festive, brilliantly funny and utterly endearing, too. I loved it." Abi Elphinstone, author of The Unmapped Chronicles series

"Well known in the children's book world as the creator of Authorfy, Taylor-Bessent makes her debut with the story of the world's most Christmassy family. Full of festive giggles and a message about what really matters." - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller

'It's a very impressive debut effort from Taylor-Bessent' - Financial Times

'This is a festive treat. Holly and her family are delightful in their obsession - and with spreading cheer. There is a lot of humour in their enthusiasm, but, importantly, there is an acknowledgement that not everyone has family to spend Christmas with, or even celebrates it at all. Readers will also enjoy the exploration of how to be a good friend and whether to change yourself to fit in.' Book Trust