It's been extra busy in our house this year with new jobs, new schools and all sorts going on. That's made it even more important to find those quiet, cosy moments to read and relax. But even though we may not have got through as many Christmassy books as we usually do, we still have some fabulous recommendations, including some with a wintery rather than festive theme.
Picture books:
Yeti's Don't Exist by Kate Thompson and Loretta Schauer
Published by: Bonnier Books (Templar), 7th November 2024
In three words: Yeti's, Humour, Rhyme
This beautifully illustrated book, complete with MAPS, is such a wintery delight that we just had to include it. Iggy, the yeti, has to be the cutest picture book character of 2024 and, after becoming completely immersed in his adventure, we are now ending the year with a yeti-themed New Year's Eve party...
Have you heard the news?
You've been BAMBOOZLED. . .
YETIS DON'T EXIST!
The Dragon With the Blazing Bottom at Christmas by Beach
I have to confess that, although coming across them many times, I have never actually read a Jeremy Strong book and neither have my children. I'm now hugely regretting this because Fox Goes North is as stunning as the front cover - breathtakingly beautiful and heartbreakingly poignant. Naturally, the story is made even more poignant by the fact that this was the late Jeremy Strong's final story which he wrote whilst facing terminal cancer...
Standing with her suitcase, Fox feels that something extraordinary is about to happen. It totally is for, suddenly, over the horizon trundles a house on wheels, pulled by Moose, driven by Bear and navigated by Toucan. As Fox joins their party and heads off in search of the Northern Lights, this journey proves to be one to remember. But who will return?
This story reminded me very much of my favourite chapter book series, Rabbit and Bear, by Julian Gough and Jim Field, and The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. Like Rabbit and Bear, it's a totally gorgeous and very funny animal story, with perfectly drawn characters, which offers truthful and thought-provoking observations of life. However, in light of what the author was no doubt experiencing in his own life, Fox Goes North, offers up a slightly more complex storyline, packed with some difficult questions and a raw beauty and emotion which, for me, aligned it with Charlie Mackesy's bestseller.
If that makes the story sound heavy, then don't worry, it's not. Jeremy Strong handles the themes in the novel with the lightness of snow, balancing the story with brilliantly executed humour - aka llama and toucan and Little Owl - so that it's perfect for the age-group. Every character is memorable, the visual descriptions of the landscape are stunning and the illustrations just complete a perfect package. This is a book of the year for me and a new timeless classic which should be shared in as many classrooms and homes as possible.
Middle Grade
The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever by L D Lapinski
We loved the first instalment of this last year and, in our opinion, this sequel is even better. This is my reluctant middle reader's favourite festive find and she devoured it whilst smiling all the way through. There's something about L.D Lapinski's writing in this series that is just so light and readable and we found ourselves absolutely racing through the pages...
Harper's family unit has changed beyond recognition. Not only is her mum's partner Father Christmas but now she and Will have a new baby sister, Yula. But soon it becomes apparant that Yula has inherited some of her father's magic. How on earth can they keep their Christmas secret underwraps now?
With one foot firmly planted in reality and the other foot playing with very fun fantasy, this story is the perfect mix for readers who, like my middle reader, are not keen on high fantasy. The text is accessible and akin to a Lottie Brooks type narrative but with the added addition of some Christmassy capers. Yula is just an adorable addition to the series and so are the elusive gingerbread figures. Tosie Mistle also makes a fab 'Dolores Umbridge' baddie and then there's all the cosy descriptions of food and the relatable issues that come with most families - working parents, change, new relationships and feelings. I particularly loved Harper's struggling emotions as she works out what Nick means to her and the lovely conclusion.
Top marks for a quick, fun, Christmassy read.
Sprouts by Sibeal Pounder
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