Mum, Dad and their three children are already dreading Advent because they remember last Christmas so well. Nothing was prepared in time, guests arrived too early and a pan of ischler cookies was burnt to a crisp. But this year everything will be different, decides ten-year-old Emma, and for a while it really does look like it will be a peaceful and happy holiday, thanks to careful planning.

But a well-meaning beggar asking for money at a pedestrian crossing throws all plans into disarray, and the situation becomes even more desperate than last year. Can they still have a good Christmas? Will they seek the sacredness of Christmas where they are supposed to?

HUBBY (Hungarian IBBY) award-winning Balázs Zágoni’s entertaining, touching and thought-provoking new book is illustrated by Melinda Szabó-Nyulász.