Trying to decide what the “something to read” item of your children’s want, need, wear and read Christmas list should be this year? Gill Hart from Lincoln independent book shop Lindum Books suggests a few of her favourites…
A Boy Called Christmas – Matt Haig (Canongate, £6.99 paperback, 9781782118268)
A magical Christmas story for children of all ages from Matt Haig, best known for his adult fiction and as the author of Reasons to Stay Alive, his recent best-selling memoir about anxiety and depression. This is the story of a little boy called Nikolas who grows up to be Father Christmas. The jacket tells us; “You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas. If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. (Because this book is FULL of impossible things.) Are you still reading? Good. Then let us begin…” The illustrations by Chris Mould bring Nikolas and his friends to life perfectly. It’s an evergreen story that will be enjoyed by grownups as well as children and is likely to become part of family tradition to be read every Christmas.
The Girl who Saved Christmas – Matt Haig (Canongate, £12.99 hardback, 9781782118572)
Following the story of A Boy Called Christmas, Matt Haig brings us the story of Victorian chimney sweep, Amelia. When Amelia wants a wish to come true she knows just the man to ask – Father Christmas. But the magic she wants to believe in is starting to fade and Father Christmas has more than impossible wishes to worry about. Upset elves, reindeer dropping out of the sky, angry trolls and the chance that Christmas might be cancelled. But Amelia isn’t just any ordinary girl, as Father Christmas is going to find out. If Christmas is going to be saved, he might not be able to do it alone.
Little Grey Rabbit’s Christmas –Alison Uttley (Templar publishing, £5.99 hardback, 9781783706723)
If you are looking for something more traditional, this is a beautiful little gift book to keep for many Christmases to come. Since publication of the first Little Grey Rabbit book in 1929, the series has become a classic of children’s literature, capturing the hearts of many. The popularity of Alison Uttley’s magical stories and Margaret Tempest’s lively illustrations meant that generations of children grew up with Grey Rabbit, Squirrel, Hare, Moldy Warp and little Fuzzypeg. These lovely versions of four favourite original titles will bring the world of Little Grey Rabbit to a new generation.
Squishy McFluff: Secret Santa – Pip Jones (Faber, £5.99 paperback, 9780571302567)
A lovely little Christmas story about Ava and her cat Squishy. Pip Jones continues to give her quirky twist to everyday experiences in this warm and humorous series. The jaunty rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud and Ella Okstad’s gorgeous, distinctive illustrations will help more confident readers learn to read by themselves for the first time.
Call Lindum Books in Lincoln’s Bailgate on 01522 262374 for further information.
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