Happy Christmas Reading 2017
Going into a bookshop at this time of year is like going into an old-fashioned sweet shop, says Books for Keeps editor Ferelith Hordon, the shelves are full of gorgeous, mouth-watering treats.
Presents for the very young
No batteries, no switches, there’s nothing to go wrong in a book for baby or toddler, just endless pleasure. Even so, a bit of activity is great especially if it involves noises. Bim, Bam, Boom by Frédéric Stehr and Say Zoop by Herve Tullet hit the mark here; bright board books that demand the reader noisily joins in. If a bit more play is wanted then Dear Zoo Book and Puzzle Blocks is ideal, reintroducing an old favourite and adding nine sturdy cubes too illustrated with Rod Campbell’s much-loved characters. What about a story? One that chimes with the season is the lovely One Christmas Wish from Katherine Rundell and Emily Sutton. Here a young boy’s Christmas is changed when he finds a set of magical Christmas tree decorations. Full of humour and adventure and with delightful illustrations, this is a book that will become a favourite for many Christmases to come. Then there are the Christmas books that bring familiar friends into the house – Mick Inkpen’s Wibbly Pig is always welcome, and he is having a ticklish Christmas in Tickly Christmas Wibbly Pig. Lauren Child’s Lola knows exactly what she wants for Christmas; it must be A Dog with Nice Ears. Her parents are adamant “Absolutely NO dogs”. Lola, however, has a way of getting what she wants. As ever this is visually inventive and verbally dextrous. It is good to make new friends. A Christmas for Bear by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton introduces a grumpy bear and an eager mouse. The tree has been decorated, the food prepared but where are the presents? Mouse is anxious – does Bear mean it, there will be no presents? The gentle humour of the text finds a perfect accompaniment in illustrations that bring the characters to life. Older siblings will enjoy Chris van Allsburg’s classic The Polar Express now in a new anniversary edition accompanied by a CD, the story read by Liam Neeson.
For under the tree
The noise, tinsel, even chocolate can get a bit overwhelming; time to retire with a good book. Here is a sackful of suggestions, no wrapping paper required, bringing laughter, adventure, friendships.
The Wild Fluffalump, a new book by Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway transport its young audience to the sunshine of Africa. Vibrant colours and a catchy rhyming text bring real warmth to the story. What is a Fluffalump? It’s puffy, fluffy, wriggly and squeaky. The animals make suggestions, but none of them gets it right – though the illustrations provide clues making this a fun book to read with the young. Another book to share is Singing in the Rain. There is a CD to encourage singing along as well as the chance to read for oneself. However it is the lively, joyous illustrations by Tim Hopgood that will establish this as a family favourite. Another destined to become a favourite is The Adventures of Egg Box Dragon by Richard Adams of Watership Down fame and illustrated by Alex T Smith. Egg Box Dragon may be made of cardboard but he has a very special skill – he can find things and when there is a royal crisis, Egg Box Dragon can help. Here is a lively story perfectly illustrated, delightful bedtime reading. Already firm favourites at bedtime, Shift McGifty and Slippery Sam have a particularly festive adventure in their new collection – Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam – Jingle Bells in which they help out Father Christmas himself. Sparkling text and illustrations, an irresistible duo – no wonder these books are so popular with children. A new character sure to win fans is Mr Penguin, created by Alex T Smith. Adventurer and Penguin, part Poirot, part Indiana Jones, he tackles his first mystery in Mr Penguin and The Lost Treasure, and great fun it is too. For older children winter nights provide the perfect time for that new book. Jessica Townsend catapults us into adventure with Morrigan Crow in Nevermoor, beautifully packaged, sparkling with imagination, while Aubrey and the Terrible Ladybirds combines a serious message about the environment and a young hero who can talk to animals. For an exciting mix of history and magic, Witchborn by Nicholas Bowling is another to grip the imagination. No magic but a very contemporary dilemma and an absorbing read comes from Gill Lewis in Sky Dancer while the stylish Optimists Die First introduces two very different protagonists with humour and realism.
6 Books for Keeps No.227 November 2017
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