The Christmas Raccoons Are Back!
By admin
Exmouth-based children’s author Chris McGuire is bringing a touch of festive nostalgia to readers this winter with the release of The Christmas Raccoons. Published by Cardiff indie publisher Candy Jar Books this beautifully illustrated, interactive storybook celebrates the 45th anniversary of the beloved 1980 TV holiday special that launched the hit animated series The Raccoons.
Candy Jar, which recently secured the rights to publish the official Raccoons books, delighted fans last year with three storybooks and one colouring book inspired by the Evergreen forest. But The Christmas Raccoons is where it all began - the pilot episode that started the global phenomenon.
Forty-five years on, Candy Jar and Chris McGuire are spreading Christmas cheer with a sparkling new edition perfect for kids, and nostalgic grownups alike! Fans old and new will fall in love with the Evergreen Forest’s most unforgettable residents: clever Raccoons Bert, Melissa, Ralph, and the scheming Cyril Sneer, plus his long-suffering son Cedric.
Award-winning author Chris McGuire, the creative force behind HannahOke, BAFTA-winning Me:TV, Emmy-winning Pet School for CBBC, and the recent Candy Jar children’s book Crooks and Nannies, brings the Evergreen Forest
to life with charming illustrations and seasonal QR-code videos.
Chris, who has already delighted fans with The Raccoons: Blast From The Past!, says: “The Christmas Raccoons is where it all began. Writing it felt like stepping into a snow-covered Evergreen Forest, full of holiday magic, warm-hearted laughs, and the timeless spirit of Christmas.”
In a forest shimmering with festive sparkle and winter charm, The Christmas Raccoons follows Bert and his friends as they uncover Cyril Sneer’s dastardly plan to chop down all the forest trees. With the help of Ranger Dan, his children Tommy and Julie, and their trusty sheepdog Schaeffer, the Raccoons discover the true meaning of Christmas, and save the Evergreen Forest in the nick of time! Themes of teamwork, kindness, and environmental awareness make this a story as relevant today as it was four decades ago.
Created by Kevin Gillis, the original Raccoons series became an international sensation, famous for its catchy theme tune Run with Us and heart-warming mix of comedy and adventure. Kevin Gillis says: “It’s incredible to see the magic of the Evergreen Forest alive and well forty-five years later. The Christmas Raccoons was where it all started, and it’s wonderful that a new generation can experience the charm, humour, and heart of these characters in this beautifully illustrated storybook.”
ITVX and BritBox UK have just renewed The Raccoons series and specials, while Pluto UK has just licensed the series for UK streaming. The restored and remastered Raccoons specials and series are now being picked up by broadcasters and streamers in over 40 countries worldwide - and that number is continuing to grow!
The Raccoons series of books, including the brand new The Christmas Raccoons, are being distributed by the Books Council of Wales, making them available from Gardners, Peters, Waterstones and your local independent bookstore. The Christmas Raccoons is also available worldwide on Amazon.
Issued by Candy Jar Books. Distributed by WebPR UK.
About Candy Jar Books
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk Candy Jar Books is an award-winning independent publisher based in Cardiff, UK, known for its diverse range of books and licensed titles. Alongside The Raccoons, Candy Jar is home to Ivor the Engine and multiple spin-off series from the world of Doctor Who. Further information about Chris McGuire: Chris McGuire is an Exmouth based author. Ex-children’s TV producer for CBBC, Nickelodeon and Disney. Launched Hacker the Dog at CBBC. Writes books for kids - most recently Crooks and Nannies: A N.A.U.G.H.T.Y. Beginning… published by Candy Jar Books. Chris’s book The Raccoons: Blast from the Past! was shortlisted for the prestigious Scribe Awards 2025. The Scribe Awards - International Association of Media Tie-In Writers