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📂 Category: Books,Culture,Fiction
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The Great Christmas Tree Race written by Naomi Jones, illustrated by James Jones, Ladybug, £7.99
star always Climb up the Christmas tree – until the sparkling new decorations start racing. Who will win: lights, ornaments, snowflake or reindeer? A festive picture book with a fun kid’s twist.
The Boy Who Grew Dragons: A Christmas Delivery written by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sarah Warburton, Tumblr, £12.99
Thomas, Lolly and the dragons in Grandpa’s Garden love Christmas, but when a baby snow dragon hatches, his icy flurries make gift-giving impossible. Kids and dragons team up to find a solution in this charming and funny picture book introduction to the best-selling book series for children 5+.
Joy to the whole world! Written by Lucy Brownridge, illustrated by Sang Miao, Wide-Eyed, £14.99
With 144 hidden illustrations, this large, bright 5+ year-old book chronicles Christmas traditions in 10 different countries, including Ethiopia, India, Norway, and the Philippines.
This Is Not a Small Voice by Traci N Toddillustrated by Jade Orlando, Nosy Crew, £20
Featuring poems by Langston Hughes, Amanda Gorman, Maya Angelou, and other distinguished black poets, this anthology is dedicated to celebrating the black experience and writing, from shared struggle to domestic happiness—in the words of James Weldon Johnson, “Let our joy soar/High as the listening sky/Let it echo as loud as the rolling sea.” Orlando’s delicate, delightful illustrations complement the poems perfectly; A great set to share with children ages 6 and up.
The Other Father Christmas, written by Serena Holley, illustrated by Shehab Shamshirsaz. Story Mix, £14.99
Mikey Gramps used to be a great Father Christmas at the community center, but since Gran’s death, he’s lost his festive enthusiasm. When the real Santa retires and announces a contest to determine his successor, Mickey can’t think of anyone better qualified than Gramps… This adorable, all-around Christmas treat for 7+ has a peppy, Wonka-like feel.
“The Roots We Share” by Susie Dent, illustrated by Harriet Hobday, Puffin, £16.99
This wonderful picture book focuses on teamwork and communication, and ranges from obscure to well-known words and phrases, from “sobremesa” and “antipelargy” to “friend,” “serenity” and “cherish.” It’s sure to please word lovers ages 7+.
Snow by Mira Trehan, Walker, £14.99
Every day, Princess Karina digs through the enchanted snow, searching for something that might nullify the terrible wish that left her stranded alone in the kingdom of Mustamir. When a girl named Ella emerges from the real world, can she and Kareena face the ever-present dangers and join forces to set things right? A modern, fun and interesting winter fairy tale for children over 8 years old.
Robin written by Sarah Ann Jukes, illustrated by Lindy Vass, Simon & Schuster, £12.99
Eddie’s sister Scarlett has been sick for a long time, and sometimes he feels as if he is invisible. In the icy forest near his uncle’s house, a monster grows fueled by Eddie’s pent-up rage. But when a robin guides him to a strange wild girl named Mary, he gradually remembers how to be loud, take up space, and makes peace with his beast in this poignant and evocative story over 9 years.
Ghost of Tomorrow by Tanya Landman, Walker, £7.99
In the heatwave of the summer of 1976, 12-year-old Anna travels to stay with Auntie Em and her rowdy dog, only to find connection with another orphan girl through her dreams. As the visions intensify, Anna realizes she is being called back through time – will she be able to save Ettie’s life? This 9+ novel features vivid detail and sure-fire, engaging storytelling.
The Lonely Husky by Hannah Gould, illustrated by Levi Pinfold, HarperCollins, £14.99
Returning to the arctic landscape of her bestselling book The Lost Bear, Gould’s exciting new story follows her brave heroine April on a long-distance race across the tundra, equipped with only basic supplies, a brave team of huskies and Blaze, a rescued dog with a traumatic past who may be April’s best hope. Instantly compelling fun for 9+ readers who love animal adventures.
Phoenix Brothers by Sita Brahmachari, Oxford, £8.99
Amir faced an extraordinary struggle to survive his journey from Iraq to Britain; Now he and Mo, another unaccompanied refugee child, are trying to rebuild their lives. But when Amir enters a prestigious public speaking competition, not everyone wants to hear the story he has to tell. A spare and poignant story for children over 11, about courage, resilience and the bonds forged by adversity.
The Dark Moth by Kika Hatzopoulou, Penguin, £9.99
Six years ago, creatures of the Darkworld began invading ordinary reality, and Sashia became fascinated with an obsessive study of dark moths and other phenomena. Now the unthinkable happened and I was pulled person Out of the Dark: The princely Nugae, who wants Sascia dead… This complex, imaginative, young adult romance filled with intertwining timelines and star-crossed lovers, perfect for fans of Laini Taylor.
Frankenstein (MinaLima edition) by Mary Shelley, illustrated by Mina Lima, HarperCollins, £35
This luxurious, carefully designed edition of Shelley’s classic novel features paper-cut architectural elements such as intricate maps and open lockets, as well as haunting illustrations in shades of crepuscular blue and blazing orange.
All the Way Around the Sun by Xixi Tian, Penguin, £9.99
Stella doesn’t want to tour potential colleges with golden boy Alan Chow, her former best friend, who is now ignoring her at school. But when they set off on a forced road trip, Stella finds herself beginning to understand her family’s hidden grief — and discovers that she has more in common with Alan than she thought. A touching, expressive and gentle romantic story for young people about heritage, identity, and reconciliation with the past.
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