Christmas Eve at the bookshop

“WHAT’S GOING ON NORMAN? YOUR BOOKSHOP HAS NEVER BEEN SO MESSY…”

Milla is just back home for Christmas when she finds out Norman’s historic bookshop is in a state of disastrous disrepair. The elderly owner no longer has the energy to maintain the bookshop: thus, a FOR SALE sign dangles sadly over the door. Milla cannot resign herself to seeing the closing of her beloved bookshop. So she decides to do something: it will be hard to help Norman and Thomas at the licorices shop, but Milla does not give up easily. And that’s when the small town community decides to band together around her and the bookshop…

A Christmas story that encapsulates all the magic and fragrant atmosphere of Liquorice on Roller Skates, but also a tribute to the importance of bookshops and the strength of a united community.

Key selling points:
–  a delicate story on the importance of bookshops and on the strenght of a community
–  cozy and relaxing atmospheres
–  stunning illustrations with animals
–  perfect for winter and Christmas

Author & Illustator:

Valentina De Pasca, lives and works in Milan. She holds a PhD in Art History and Medieval Archaeology. Her first picture book has been published in 2019.

Illustrations made by Benedetta Sala.

Publication: November 2025