There were more than a few puzzled people on Sunday night when Fenwick's Christmas Window theme was revealed as Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf, with many people having no clue who Clarice Bean is.
The window of the Newcastle department store is famous for being a festive attraction year after year, with themes in recent years including The Snowman, Beatrix Potter and 2021's Shaun the Sheep. There have been a few opinion dividing Fenwick's Window displays over the years - no-one mention the Aliens! And it would be fair to say there have been a few question marks on this year's window, chiefly - who is Clarice Bean?
All eyes were on Fenwick' s official YouTube channel just after 6.30pm on Sunday evening as the traditional in-person unveiling, known for gathering huge crowds on Northumberland Street, was once again shelved in favour of an online reveal, with just a few invited guests allowed to see it in person.
READ MORE: Fenwick's Window 2022 theme revealed as Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf
It was the job of Clarice Bean author Lauren Child to introduce proceedings, as she talked about the scenes in each window, to a huge reaction from those watching.
Who is Clarice Bean in Fenwick's Window?
Clarice Bea, is the brainchild of writer Lauren, most famous for her Charlie and Lola stories. The Fenwick's display, told over eight different windows, trying ‘exceptionordinarily’ hard to save her family’s Christmas and stop the Christmas spirit completely floating away.
Clarice is the focus of a whole series of books from Lauren, first released back in 1999. They have been the staple of many youngsters' school days and stories include Clarice Bean, That's Me" and "What Planet Are You From, Clarice Bean? Clarice's family also feature in the books snd in Fenwick's Window. Her relatives include younger brother Minal Cricket Tuesday, Marcie Tuesday (her older sister, age 14), Kurt Tuesday (her older brother, age 16), her father, her mother, her grandfather, and her grandmother.
Talking about Clairice Bean: Think Like An Elf, author Lauren said: "“I wrote Clarice Bean, Think Like an Elf during the 2020 lockdown. It was a response to the uncertainty of that time and the isolation many were suffering. I wanted the story to hold at its centre those things we came to value even more deeply: family, friends, community, and the importance of reaching out and searching for the good."
She added: " It is incredible to me to have this story told across the windows of such an iconic family-owned store, and for Clarice Bean to be part of the Fenwick Christmas tradition.”
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