New Holiday Classic Illuminates Childhood Loneliness and the Power of Belonging

The Car That Almost Missed Christmas invites children and families to slow down, notice others, and rediscover the true magic of the season.
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Lake Chelan, WA - What if the grumpiest car in town almost missed Christmas ... and found something better? The Car That Almost Missed Christmas , a beautifully crafted holiday story from Pacific Northwest author Megan Johnson and 19-year-old illustrator Maya Cowan, invites readers of all ages into a magical, hope-filled tale about loneliness, connection, and the true spirit of Christmas.

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Beautifully bound, this high-quality coffee table keepsake pairs timeless storytelling with original local art. Set in the twinkling town of Whistle Stop, the story follows Milton Mufflebeck, a car known for running red lights, honking at everyone, and never slowing down. But on Christmas Eve, everything changes when Milton breaks down on the edge of town. With the help of an unlikely guide, Joe the Tow, Milton stumbles into The Great Alone and discovers that Christmas isn't about racing ahead, it's about slowing down, seeing others, and finding where you truly belong.

Why It Matters

Full of humor, heart, and holiday magic, The Car That Almost Missed Christmas speaks to kids and families at a time when joy and loneliness often coexist. According to the U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 report, nearly one in three children and adolescents experience chronic loneliness or social isolation, significantly increasing their risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Stories that foster empathy, kindness, and connection are more important than ever. Research shows that reading aloud to children not only reduces stress and anxiety, but also builds empathy, strengthens parent-child bonds, and helps young readers feel seen, valued, and less alone, making books like this an essential tool for families navigating these emotional challenges.

Who It's For

This book is perfect for:

Kids ages 6-12 who love unforgettable characters and beautiful illustrations

Families seeking a meaningful holiday bedtime story

Anyone who has ever felt lonely during the holidays

Fans of The Polar Express , The Little Engine That Could , and Cars will discover a new Christmas classic for their shelves.

About the Author

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Megan Johnson is a Pacific Northwest native, published author, speaker, and founder of CommonPlace, a nonprofit publishing house resourcing the under-resourced. She lives in Lake Chelan, WA, with her husband and three children.

About the Illustrator

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Maya Cowan, 19, is a Lake Chelan artist studying psychology and playing soccer at Arizona Christian University. She paints under the motto, "paint what you love."

Availability

The Car That Almost Missed Christmas is available for pre-order now through CommonPlace Publishing [https://commonplacepub.org/resources/p/ujw43d24tvz1157x8vofyibg4d3mfo].

Key Details:

* Official release date: November 21, 2025.Dimensions: 9.25" x 12"
* Pre-Order Price: $28.95 (Retail $35.95)
* Wholesale pricing available.
* Pre-order through CommonPlace Publishing [https://commonplacepub.org/resources/p/ujw43d24tvz1157x8vofyibg4d3mfo]

Learn more at: http://www.commonplacepub.org/childrens-shop

Complimentary press copies, author interviews, and illustrator features are available upon request.

Inquiries can be sent to Megan Johnson at meganjohnsonwrites@gmail.com

Media Contact
Company Name: CommonPlace Publishing
Contact Person: Megan Johnson
Email:Send Email [https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=new-holiday-classic-illuminates-childhood-loneliness-and-the-power-of-belonging]
City: Lake Chelan
State: WA
Country: United States
Website: http://www.commonplacepub.org/childrens-shop

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