What Is The New Amanda Owen Christmas Book For Children From Puffin?

Looking for a brilliant Christmas book for the children that isn't just the same old story? It can be tricky finding something that feels fresh, exciting, and properly festive. Well, a new collection of stories is coming that swaps sleigh bells in the city for the sounds of a real-life farm in the middle of the stunning Yorkshire countryside.

The nation's favourite shepherdess, Amanda Owen, is releasing her very first children's book, and it's packed with tales straight from her family's adventures. Published by Puffin, this book promises a peek into a Christmas that's a bit different, full of animals, snow, and plenty of family fun. It's a collection of festive stories that feel real because, well, they are.

So, what's the book all about then?

The book is called Christmas Tales from the Farm, and it's set to be released in hardback on 11 September. It's a collection of short stories aimed at children aged around 7 to 11. What makes these stories special is that they're all inspired by the actual life of Amanda Owen and her nine children on their massive 2,000-acre hill farm, Ravenseat, in North Yorkshire. It's not just fiction; it's a slice of their incredible life, turned into magical Christmas tales. Kids can expect to read about all the animals that call Ravenseat home.

There are stories featuring everything from sheep and goats to horses and chickens. Imagine reading about a runaway reindeer causing a bit of mayhem on the moors, or some very special chickens finding a new home just in time for the holidays. One of the stories even follows a clever sheepdog on a mission to find something important lost in the deep snow. These aren't just any animals; they are characters based on the real residents of the Owen family farm, making the adventures feel incredibly genuine. This book is the first of seven planned books from Amanda Owen with Puffin publishing, which will include a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and even picture books for younger children.

A peek into life at Ravenseat

Fancy a look into what real life is like on a huge farm during Christmas? It's not all sitting by the fire with a hot chocolate, that's for sure. Amanda Owen gives a little glimpse into the magic and mayhem of a Ravenseat winter. Amanda says: "Winter, and Christmas in particular, is a special time of joy and adventure at Ravenseat. Whether that's discovering animals who have come to the farm to shelter from the weather, like the barn owls, or the festive family traditions we've followed for years, like our own version of the Winter Olympics or when my sheepdog Kate and I had to play a chilly game of 'hide and sheep' in the deep snow."

Just imagine that! A family Winter Olympics on a sprawling Yorkshire farm sounds like the best kind of festive fun. These charming stories, brought to life with illustrations by Becca Hall, capture the spirit of the countryside. They show how much fun life can be when a big family and all their animals muck in together to make the season special. It's a heartwarming look at a unique family life, where adventure is found in every snowy corner of the farm.

Who is the Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen?

For anyone who hasn't heard of her, Amanda Owen is a bit of a legend. She's a real shepherdess, a mother to nine children, a TV star, and a Sunday Times bestselling author. Not bad, eh? Originally from Huddersfield, Amanda left city life behind for the wild, rugged landscape of Ravenseat. She's a first-generation farmer who has completely embraced the challenges and joys of countryside life.

Her family's life was the subject of the hugely popular TV series, Our Yorkshire Farm, which was watched by over 3 million people in the UK and shown in more than 20 countries around the world. Since then, she's had other successful shows, including Amanda Owen's Farming Lives in 2023. Her latest series, Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids, which launched in October 2024, became the highest-rating series of the year for the channel. On top of her TV work, Amanda is a bestselling author of five books and a popular public speaker, with a new theatre show planned for winter 2025. With a massive following on social media, her down-to-earth take on farm life continues to connect with people all over the world.

And who brought the stories to life?

A book for children is only as good as its pictures, and these stories have been illustrated by the brilliant Becca Hall. Becca is a full-time illustrator who grew up in the beautiful Lake District, so she knows a thing or two about stunning British landscapes. After spending years among the hills, she moved to the Cornish coast. Her experience is perfect for capturing the feel of a Yorkshire winter. Becca has illustrated loads of children's books and also creates maps and designs for giftware.

She even designed a special Harrods bag for the King's coronation! Becca is passionate about helping others get into drawing, sharing tutorials online to inspire people of all ages. Her charming illustrations for Christmas Tales from the Farm are sure to make the stories of the sheep, the farm, and all the animals even more magical. It's clear that the combination of Amanda's real-life stories and Becca's art will make these books a festive favourite.

A word on Puffin books

The book is being published by Puffin, which is a name most people will recognise. Puffin is the biggest children's publisher in the world and has been a massive part of children's reading for decades. In 2025, Puffin will be celebrating an incredible 85 years of publishing children's books. Since starting in 1940, Puffin has become home to some of the most famous authors and characters in the world.

Think of names like Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson, and Malorie Blackman, or characters like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Puffin is all about publishing stories that spark the imagination, and they are always on the lookout for new talent. This new series from Amanda Owen fits right in, offering children stories that are both magical and rooted in real life. Getting a book published by Puffin is a huge deal, and it means Christmas Tales from the Farm is in very good company.