Joyous Adventures Await in Holiday Reads
“Bunnies in a Sleigh” by Philip Ardagh & Ben Mantle, Walker – The mischievous bunnies lend Santa a hand in a chaotic Christmas Eve, vividly depicted in Mantle’s vibrant illustrations.
“The Snowman and the Robin” by Michael Foreman, Scholastic – A heartwarming twist on the classic Snowman story, where a little robin shows the snowman the wonders of the human world.
“Giraffe and a Half” by Nicola Kent, Andersen – This sunny tale teaches an inspiring lesson about embracing uniqueness and overcoming differences.
“How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?” by Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen, Walker – A whimsical exploration of the absurdity behind Santa’s Christmas Eve magic, perfect for reading aloud.
Heartwarming Tales of Compassion and Growth
“What You Need to Be Warm” by Neil Gaiman, Bloomsbury – Illustrated by leading artists, Gaiman’s timely book explores the fundamental human need for comfort and shelter while supporting a cause.
“Red is Home” by Emma Bettridge & Josephine Birch, Graffeg – Red the dog faces a new home and proves that with love, challenges can be conquered.
“Mouse and Mole: Boo to the Who” by Joyce Dunbar & James Mayhew, Graffeg – An endearing friendship story with charming illustrations, teaching optimism and conquering fears.
Engaging Reads for Young Minds
“D is for Dog” by Em Lynas & Sara Ogilvie, Nosy Crow – An entertaining way to learn the alphabet through the antics of dogs, perfect for first-time readers.
“Gigantic” by Rob Biddulph, Harper Collins – A tale of how being small can be powerful, beautifully conveyed through stunning underwater artwork.
“Geoffrey Gets the Jitters” by Nadia Shireen, Puffin – A delightful exploration of childhood anxieties and overcoming worries, coupled with a giggly guide to different jitters.
Captivating Adventures for Young Adults
“Ours from the Tower” by Sally Nicholls, Andersen Press – A tale of three teenage girls and their contrasting fates, woven with wit against the backdrop of feminist frustration.
“Thieves’ Gambit” by Kayvion Lewis, S&S – A thrilling narrative of a teen entering a secretive competition to save her kidnapped super-thief mother.
“Play” by Luke Palmer, Firefly Press – Explores the battles of teenage boys against their own problems, diving deep into themes of masculinity, loss, and peer pressure.
Mesmerizing Stories Across Genres
“You Could Be So Pretty” by Holly Bourne, Usborne – A powerful look at societal obsessions with image and a surprising, thought-provoking twist.
“Whale of a Time” selected by Lou Peacock, Nosy Crow – A collection of funny poems guaranteed to bring a smile to faces of all ages, curated from diverse poets.
“Gods and Monsters” edited by Ana Sampson & illustrated by Chris Riddell, Macmillan – A treasure trove of old and original mythological poetry, beautifully illustrated.
Enthralling Tales in the World of Fiction
“The Puppets of Spelhorst” by Kate DiCamillo & Julie Morstad, Walker – A polished gem with a trunk of puppets leading to an absorbing drama.
“The Ice Children” by M.G. Leonard & Penny Neville-Lee, Macmillan – A suspenseful eco-drama perfect for cozy winter nights, drawing on traditional tales like The Snow Queen.
“The Wonder Brothers” by Frank Cottrell Boyce, Macmillan – A madly magnificent adventure involving a disappearing tower, aspiring magicians, and astonishing secrets.
Fascinating Non-Fiction & Educational Gems
“Britannica’s Encyclopedia Infographica” by Andrew Pettie & Conrad Quilty-Harper, Britannica Books – An informative volume packed with engaging infographics, perfect for the curious minds of all ages.
“A Really Short Journey Through the Body” by Bill Bryson, Puffin – A fun adaptation of Bryson’s bestselling book, taking young readers on a journey through the wonders of the human body.
“Where Are You Really From?” by Adam Rutherford & Adam Ming, Wren & Rook – An intriguing study delving into race, ancestry, and thought-provoking questions on stereotypes.
Captivating Adventures for Young Readers
“A First Book of Dinosaurs” by Simon Mole & Matt Hunt, Walker – A vivid picture book using funny poems to introduce children to simple facts about dinosaurs.
“Island of Whispers” by Frances Hardinge & Emily Gravett, Two Hoots – A stunningly illustrated gothic fantasy exploring themes of death, grief, destiny, and identity.
“The Rescue of Ravenwood” by Natasha Farrant, Faber – A breathless adventure involving a rambling old country house, brave children, and a fight against a developer’s threat.
Whimsical and Engaging Reads for All Ages
“How to Spaghettify Your Dog” by Hiba Noor Khan & Harry Woodgate, Bloomsbury – A fact-packed, funny book exploring complex physics concepts in an entertaining way.
“In the Shadow of the Wolf Queen” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Orion – A dark adventure weaving myths and natural phenomena in a captivating narrative.
“Foxlight” by Katya Balen, Bloomsbury – A beautiful story of two sisters on a daring adventure, seeking their mother with the help of a wild fox.
Engrossing and Powerful Stories
“Oscar’s Lion” by Adam Baron & Benji Davies, Harper Collins – A sensitive yet funny exploration of grief, fear, and unexpected friendships, starring a boy and a lion.
“Impossible Creatures” by Katherine Rundell, Bloomsbury – An imaginative tale of a portal to an enchanted world and the cost of its protection.
“The Shadow of the Wolf Queen” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Orion – A dark adventure blending myths and natural phenomena in a gripping narrative.