ON WINTER mornings, when frost lingers on the grass and the sky stretches wide and pale, Salisbury Plain has a quiet magic all of its own.

It is this sense of wonder that Wiltshire children’s author Benji Barkley has captured so warmly in his latest book The Lost Presents of Wiltshire.

Benji, who lives locally with his wife, daughter and their energetic border terrier, has long drawn inspiration from the landscapes on his doorstep.

Few places spark the imagination quite like Salisbury Plain – its rolling chalk downland, ancient tracks and iconic landmarks that seem to whisper stories from centuries past.

In Benji’s festive tale, that timeless landscape becomes part of a Christmas adventure.

The story begins with a mishap high above Wiltshire skies, when Patch the dog accidentally startles Santa’s reindeer, scattering presents across the county.

Young heroes Ollie and Rosie must race against time to collect them, journeying through familiar towns and landmarks.

From Beji’s new book The Lost Presents of Wiltshire.

While readers travel far and wide, the spirit of Salisbury Plain looms large – a reminder of the county’s deep history and shared heritage.

For local families, the book feels like a love letter to home as children can recognise places they may have walked, driven past, or explored on school trips, and see them transformed into snowy scenes filled with excitement.

The rhyming text makes it ideal for bedtime while detailed illustrations invite young readers to linger, spot landmarks and ask questions.

An illustrated map shows all 23 locations visited and a playful “Did You Spot?” section encourages children to revisit the story again.