Monty the Penguin finds new home at Seven Stories

Since 6^th November,  John Lewis 2014 Christmas advertising campaign, which evokes the magic of make-believe at Christmas through a child’s eyes, has been delighting the UK.

Set to the track 'Real Love', sung by Tom Odell and originally written and recorded by John Lennon, the heartwarming advert tells the tale of an unlikely friendship between a little boy, Sam, and his penguin friend, Monty.

Monty and Sam do everything together and the advert follows them playing happily through the year, from hide and seek to football. However as the winter months draw in, Sam begins to notice that Monty is sad and realises that he is longing for a companion. Knowing his friend so well, on Christmas Day Sam gives Monty the gift he has been dreaming of – a new penguin friend called Mabel.

Featuring the strapline ‘Give someone the Christmas they’ve been dreaming of’, Monty and Mabel have been created using complex CGI technology to look and behave exactly like real life Adélie penguins.

Craig Inglis, Marketing Director at John Lewis, said: “At John Lewis, this time of year is all about helping our customers create their dream Christmas. We hope this uplifting tale of Sam’s love for his friend Monty will remind people of the magic of Christmas through a child’s eyes and inspire them to think how they can make the festive season extra special for their friends and loved ones.”

Monty has been living in his Den in John Lewis Newcastle and has loved all the attention from customers.  Many photos and selfies have been taken and Monty's goggles have allowed children to enter a 360 degree virtual world to interact with Sam and Monty.  There has also been story telling, Christmas card making and the chance to hear Demott O'Leary read the children's book called 'Monty's Christmas' on the app version.  A proportion of all the proceeds from sales of the book will go to Barnardo's, John Lewis's 150th anniversary charity.

Once Christmas day has passed Monty will be looking for a new home so we are delighted that he will be moving to the Seven Stories National Centre for the Children's Books where he can continue to have fun with visitors there, old and young alike.

Lauren Regan-Ingram, Marketing and Digital Co-Ordinator for Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Monty to Seven Stories this winter and would like to say a big thank you to John Lewis. Monty and Mabel celebrate the magic of children’s imagination and creativity, which here at Seven Stories we aim to nurture through our immersive exhibitions and events programme.  Monty will be playing a role in our February Half Term activities in 2015 and we hope that you can all come and join in the fun!”