INSIGHT
‘‘ School Libraries Group
Winter book choices T
HE past two years have been a worrying and upsetting time for many children and young people as well as for
adults and there’s never been a better time to encourage them to engage in mindful pursuits, of which reading is a very good example.
The effect on our brains in getting totally absorbed in a book is very calming, taking us away from our fears or allowing us to explore them in the safe confines of a novel. Humorous books are also great “medicine” for those children who are suffering with anxiety, laughing allows them to step away from their troubled feelings and feel joy in the moment. Author Nicola Morgan talks about “readaxation” or “reading to relax” as being a very effective form of relaxation which is not a luxury but is essential for good health (
https://tinyurl.com/t2tbnx3v) and her research on this is, as always with Nicola, well set out and makes perfect sense. Empathy Lab’s (
https://tinyurl.com/ w56echpv) excellent work on reading for empathy is extremely powerful and I’m sure we are all aware of the need for books that are not just windows – allowing us to see protagonists lives very different from our own – but are also mirrors, so that we can see our own life experiences and backgrounds reflected in our reading.
With that all said, if you are looking for book gifts for children you know, please do read on for suggestions:
0-5 year olds You Can – Alexander Strick and Steve Antony 9781913074609 This wonderfully inclusive, positive book was written not just for but also in large part by children via meetings held with the author, Alexander Strick. It is an incredibly empowering book for
34 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL
... getting totally absorbed in a book is very calming, taking us away from our fears or allowing us to explore them in the safe confines of a novel.
children , encouraging them to be their own individual selves whilst also thinking of others and accepting that we are all different – and we are all awesome!
An Odd Dog Christmas – Rob Biddulph 9780008413354 Rob Biddulph’s Draw With Rob online sessions were very popular during lockdown and this fab author/ illustrator gave so much pleasure to children robbed of many of their usual creative outlets at this time. The illustrations in Odd Dog Christmas are bright and colourful and the story makes the point that friendship is not just about the tangible gifts we can give our friends but is also about emotional support and caring.
Jingle Smells – Mark Sperring and Sophie Corrigan 9781526636812 Poor Jingle the skunk is very aware that he smells and advises everyone to hold their noses as he passes by. He feels that his pungent aroma is ruining Christmas for everyone but a close encounter with Santa and some naughty robbers shows him that he can use his smelliness for good. A lovely inclusive message in the story but also lots of giggles too make this a fun book to read aloud with accompanying nose holding.
6-11 year olds We All Celebrate! – Chitra Soundar and Jenny Bloomfield 9781910328675 Not all children prefer fiction to factual books and this gorgeously illustrated book would delight any fact lover with its fascinating information about traditions and customs throughout the world. As is indicated in the title, this is very much a celebratory book, and it’s a cheering, inclusive read.
The Very Merry Murder Club – edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens 9780755503681 A collection of thirteen winter
Bev Humphrey has been a Literacy and Digital Media Consultant for 11 years, after spending 10 years as a school librarian. She is Information Officer for SLG and also Social Media and Virtual Training Manager for the SLA.
www.cilip.org.uk/SLG.
mysteries, this is a great book to dip into over the festive season. The authors all have very different styles and this keeps the book fresh and interesting right up until the last page. A great range of characters are portrayed and the illustrations by Harry Woodgate complement the mysteries very well.
The Christmas Carrolls – Mel Taylor-Bessant 9780008520915 Holly Carroll and her family are totally obsessed with Christmas – they have a carol singing toilet , they spend their time creating festive themed inventions and they are continually trying to spread cheer all year round. When Holly moves to a new school however her classmates don’t seem to understand and think she’s just plain weird. I found this tinsel filled story just a delight to read, it made me giggle many times and definitely put me in the mood for mince pies and turkey!
I hope you have found the perfect book for you to give this Christmas here, after all the greatest gift you can give any child is to encourage them to love reading and to make it a lifelong habit. Warm winter wishes are winging their way to you from the whole SLG committee and I, may all your presents be bookish ones! IP
December 2021
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