Author: Lloyd, Cariad

For National Curriculum Key Stage 2

Published on 23 October 2025 by Hachette Children’s Group (Hodder Children’s Books) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 304 pages
198 x 129 |

When Lydia Marmalade makes a wish on the most magical night of the year, little does she know the chaos she’s about to unleash. Could one simple wish start a . . . wish-tastrophe?’Christmas magic – a book only Cariad could write with such beauty and relatability!’ Giovanna FletcherOne winter evening, Lydia Marmalade arrives at Lady Partridge’s mansion. She has nothing to her name except her sausage dog, Colin, but she’s determined to make this her new home.

Lady Partridge isn’t at all keen to make Lydia part of the family. If Lydia doesn’t behave herself until the end of the winter season, she’ll cast her off entirely. And now her mother’s gone, Lydia doesn’t have anywhere else to live.

Helped (and often hindered) by a mischievous winter sprite, a grumpy butler and a hungry Colin, Lydia makes a wish on the most magical night of the year. Sometimes you just need magic to light the way forward . . .

The hilarious new Christmas story to read with all the family, from comedian and writer Cariad Lloyd with gorgeous illustrations by Ma Pe. Perfect for fans of A Boy Called Christmas and The Christmasaurus.

*Previously published in hardback as The Christmas Wish-tastrophe*