The Call of Mektoub: An Enchanting Christmas Tale (Unabridged‪)‬

A wonderful Christmas story for all the family! Step into childhood with this magical tale of hope, believing, kindness and understanding…

The Call of Mektoub opens with one of the characters taking us back in time to December 1943, where, in a small village hall, a very special book was given to the elder of two sisters, the title of which was 'The Land of Never Grow Old’. One of the many delightful characters within it was a polar bear called 'Mektoub'. The book was loved and treasured by the younger sister, and handed down three generations until the present day, where it is now one of only a few copies still in existence.

On the 21st night of December, Father Christmas’s sleigh and two young reindeer are stolen by the villain from the old book, who was banished and thought to be forgotten. The antagonist’s arch-rival, Jack Frost, together with his little fairy assistant, Tweeny Bunting, set out on a mission to find the sleigh and return it to The Magical Lands of the North – before all the children stop believing! They enlist the help of a mother and daughter, who still have the old book in their possession.

'Mektoub' means ‘destiny', which calls upon Emma and Lucy to embark on an unexpected adventure that tests their courage, determination and resilience. In revealing their willingness to embrace kindness and compassion, we’re reminded of the wholesome stories of yesteryear and are invited to reignite the magic of childhood. As the story unfolds, Lucy’s father is amusingly detained by a mysterious old gentleman, whose identity is not revealed until the penultimate chapter!

'The Call of Mektoub' is presented in the style of an advent calendar, and the author invites you to read one chapter each night of December until Christmas Eve. It’s not just a story for children - it’s for everyone who has magic in their heart!

Narrated by Greg Marston, featuring a full character cast, it contains original music, soundscape and songs created by Helen S Michaelsen and Mektoub Musicians from all around the world.