Fleur Hitchcock

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Christmas Joy – Picture books and more.

This year has proved to be a bumper year for festive stories, whether they are about the traditional holidays, or just about the winter season.

Macmillan, 9781529095708

“The Spirit of Christmas” by Nancy Tillman is a charming board book that embodies the spirit of Christmas.  It is written in verse and reads in a similar vein to “The Night before Christmas”.  The important bit at the end reminds us that the festive season is all about those we love and sharing that feeling.

Macmillan, 9781529087055

“What the Ladybird heard at Christmas” by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks reveals how the ladybird and her friends foil a burglary on Christmas night; despite being very small  they are not helpless and turn the tables on the nasty burglars.  Yet another great story told in rhyme and part of a series featuring the ladybird.

Happy Yak, 978071126828

“The Big Christmas Bake” by Fiona Barker and Pippa Curnick takes “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and turns it in to something quite different.  There are children, penguins, dancing hippos and a wide assortment of amusing participants.  A brilliant read for younger children

Andersen Press, 9781839130335

“Tiny Reindeer” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is a joyous celebration of Christmas which leaves a lovely warm feeling when you read it.  Tiny reindeer just wants to be able to help, but he is too small to do any of the jobs the others do.  Santa asks him to read through the last of the children’s letters and then Tiny discovers one that he thinks he can help with.  We join him as he hopes to make a little girl’s dream come true.

Little Tiger, 9781801040129

“The Christmas Department Store” by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Hoang Giang reminds us that we don’t need to give expensive gifts to show we love our family and friends at this season.  When Benji is drawn into the magical store, he discovers the perfect presents for his family and it is all about feelings, memories and showing love.  A wonderful message for all of us.

Frances Lincoln, 9780711262935

“Kid Christmas of the Klaus Brothers Toy Shop” by David Litchfield is a brilliant story about the origins of Christmas and how the young Nicky Claus, who works in his uncles’ toy shop wants to bring gifts to children who usually miss out.  As always with David Litchfield the illustrations are fabulous and the story is full of magic and Christmas spirit.

Nosy Crow, 9781839944994

“We disagree about this tree” by Ross Collins features our favourite Mouse and Bear as they try and decide how to celebrate Christmas.  Decorating the tree is a bone of contention, with neither of them wanting the same as the other.  However, as with all real friendships, they eventually find common ground and enjoy each other’s company around the final tree.

Walker Books, 9781406397673

“Through the North Pole Snow” by Polly Faber and Richard Jones brings us a very different take on the story of Father Christmas.  It tells the tale of a young fox trying to find something to eat in the snowy wastes of the far north.  When he falls through the snow, he finds himself being rescued by an old man who lives in the snow covered house.  Several months follow, until spring arrives and they are able to get out into the newly refreshed landscape.  As the year progresses we begin to guess who the old man is, but it is a wonderful surprise when the fox finds himself helping Father Christmas deliver gifts around the world.

Owlet Press, 9781913339494

“The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince” by Ian Eagleton and David Ortu is a stunning interpretation of the Snow Queen, but in this story we have a very inclusive variation on the story.  The young woodcutter, Kai, lives alone and spends his days carving wonderful statues, in the hope that people will pass-by and see them, but no one does. Then one Christmas eve he is visited by the magical Snow Prince, who is brought to life for one night every year.  What follows is a story of friendship, love and hope.  The ending should leave you feeling a warm glow inside, despite the snow and ice.

Owlet Press, 9781913339449

“Where Bjorn belongs” by Samuel Langley-Swain and Mirna Imamovic tells the story of young Arthur who loses his beloved toy polar bear and writes to Father Christmas asking for a new one for Christmas.  Magic happens when he discovers a real baby bear in his garden at Christmas and despite his mother’s misgivings they look after the bear, until it starts to be too big.  Arthur asks Father Christmas to look after Bjorn and of course his request is granted.  However this is just the start of a wonderful friendship between a boy and a bear.

Scallywag Press, 9781912650989

“The After Christmas Tree” by Bethan Welby is the paperback edition of this delightful book about a small tree that is forgotten after the Christmas festivities are ended.  Young Brian decides to try and save it, but he needs a bit of magical help from the wildlife to make things happen.

Bloomsbury, 9781526632210

“We’re going on a Sleigh Ride” by Martha Mumford and Cherie Zamazing is a take on the favourite rhyme featuring a bear and a family.  This version has Father Christmas and a sleigh full of gifts and toys as they visit children around the world.  The story is fast, furious and full of fun, with lots of lift-the-flap options, to see what presents are hidden underneath.

HarperCollins, 9780008413361

“An Odd Dog Christmas” by Rob Biddulph It is Christmas Eve and Odd Dog has still not found a present for her friend.  But when she sees a sign about the festivities she follows it and finds herself  helping  pull the sleigh for Father Christmas, as Dasher is not well enough to be part of the team.  Odd Dog also learns that simple gifts ‘from the heart’ are better than expensive gifts.  A delightful rhyming story featuring a favourite canine and with the author’s signature illustrations

Graffeg, 9781913134846

“Gaspard’s Christmas” by Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew is the fourth in the series about the fox called Gaspard, and based on a city fox who visits the author’s garden.  This is a timely reminder that many people face homelessness and hardship, especially at this time of year and we all need to do what we can to help. Beautiful illustrations, as always, from James Mayhew; making this a new classic for this season.

Penguin, 9780241488898

“Jim’s spectacular Christmas” by Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler is a story aimed at those who are just beginning to read for themselves, or who can enjoy  a slightly longer story. Jim, the hero, is a dog who lives at the Victoria and Albert Museum as the unexpected pet of Sir Henry Cole.   The illustrations are by the legend that is Axel Scheffler and really bring the Victorian period to life, as we see Jim deliver the first Christmas Card to Queen Victoria. The book is not divided into chapters, but it would be possible to have sections to be read over several days. A lovely story, full of Christmas spirit.

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Older Reads

Usborne, 9781803705033

“Operation Nativity” by Jenny Pearson  puts a whole new twist on the story of the nativity.  When the Angel Gabriel gets things wrong, he ends up in 2022 and so do the shepherds, wise man and even Mary and Joseph.  It is up to the children Oscar and Molly to try and find all these characters and somehow get them back to the correct time and place, so that the Christmas story actually takes place.  It is a brilliantly funny story that deserves a place in every Christmas collection.

Macmillan, 9781529041613

“The Grumpus: and his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan” by Alex T Smith takes this anti-hero and help him discover the warmth and meaning of Christmas.  This is the third year that Alex T Smith has given us such a fantastic story and he just keeps getting better and better.  The illustrations are amazing and the characters will touch your hearts.  However, I don’t think that the love of brussel sprouts is going to be increased anytime soon.  (they are the Grumpus’s favourite food!!)

HarperCollins, 9780008334307

“Virtually Christmas” by David Baddiel and Steve Lenton  shows what happens when we allow computers and technology to take over our lives.  Father Christmas is no longer real and everything is done with AI and robots.  How Etta and Monty go on a quest to find the real Santa and bring back the true meaning of Christmas makes for a fun-filled adventure that I loved.

Scholastic, 9780702315879

“Humbug, the Elf that saved Christmas” by Steven Butler  turns our idea of Father Christmas  and his helpers on its head.  Forget about the factory and house from “Santa Claus, the movie”, this North Pole has a hierarchy of elves and when you are part of the ‘poo burning team’ then that is it, for generations and you don’t even get to eat any mince pies.  Humbug wants to change things, but it is not going to be an easy task.  A brilliant story where the elves have a language all of their own.

Simon & Schuster, 9781398515819

“Secrets of a Christmas Elf” by Ben Miller is the second story featuring Holly Christmas (yes her dad is Father Christmas) and in this tale Holly finds herself in a race against time, as her father is kidnapped and the festivities are fast approaching.  Can she  save the day as well as all of her family.  This is a fast and furious story full of action, as we follow Holly’s pursuit of the villains.

Farshore, 9780755503742

“The Christmas Carrolls: The Christmas Competition” by Mel Taylor-Bessant and Selom Sunu sees the famous Christmas Carrolls in a race to prove that they are the most festive family in the land.  This time they are in competition with a family called Klaus, who are determined to prove that they are the most Christmasy.  The problem is that they are very wealthy and will stop at nothing to win the competition.

Nosy Crow, 9781839945908

“Murder at Snowfall” by Fleur Hitchcock is the fourth (?) in her series of murder mysteries for middle grade readers.  I must admit that I am biased as I have known the author for years, as part of the Bath group of children’s authors.  If you love Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine then you will definitely enjoy these books.

 

 

 

A couple of other books to have on your radar are these

“Elf Road: An Epic Christmas adventure” by Jacqui Hazell   Nowness books, 9780995726864

“The Christmasaurus Cracker” by Tom Fletcher.  Puffin, 978-0241624456

A Happy Christmas to everyone.

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Spring has definitely Sprung!

Faber & Faber, 9780571337804

“Hayley, the Hairy Horse” by Gavin Puckett and Tor Freeman is a delightful story for younger readers in which a horse is kidnapped for her tail hair, because it is perfect for violin strings.  It is colourfully illustrated and has plenty of laughs to keep a young reader totally engrossed in the story

ZaZaKids & Troika, 9781909991897

“Spot Guevara: Hero Dog” by Zaro Weil and Katy Riddell is set in New York City and is the story of a young puppy, Spot, who has been separated from his mother and siblings.This follows his adventures as he tries to find them, in what is a very big City.  There are ups and downs, heroes and villains  and above all there is the indomitable spirit of the young puppy.  It was a truly uplifting story with a happy ending, but with potential for more adventures.

Nosy Crow, 9781788004695

“Clifftoppers: the Arrowhead Moor Adventure” by Fleur Hitchcock  can only be described as a ripping yarn as the young heroes find themselves trying to stop a jewellery robbery.  This definitely harks back to stories that many of us remember from our youth; although I must have been one of a small number of children who did not read Enid Blyton, because she was not stocked by our local library service.

Nosy Crow, 9781788000413

“We Won an Island” by Charlotte Lo is another story that harks back to a more laid back past, although there is plenty of action and adventure in this story.  When the children win a competition to gain an island it is very timely as their parents are about to be thrown out of their flat, due to non payment of their rent.  However life on a Scottish island has its challenges, not least having enough money to live on and the children come up with some exciting and very  interesting plans to try and make a success of their new life.

Faber & Faber, 9780571346301

“The Secret Starling” by Judith Eagle follows the adventures of the young heroine Clara after she is abandoned by her Uncle (and Guardian).  With the help of a young boy, Peter, she heads off to London to try and find out how her mother died and where her unknown father might be.  This is a lovely middle grade story with a fascinating twist at the end.

Little Tiger, 9781788950329

“The Golden Butterfly” by Sharon Gosling has a real sense of theatre about it, Victorian Theatre to be precise.  When her grandfather the Magnificent Marko dies his funeral is interrupted by a stage magician called Thursby who is searching for a magic trick called ‘The Golden Butterfly’. Luciana  and her best friend Charley decide to go to London to try and solve the mystery of this trick.  This is a wonderfully atmospheric story, with a real message about women being equal and the struggle that they have often had to be accepted.

David Fickling, 9781788450218

“Dragon Daughter” by Liz Flanagan is a real treat for those who love fantasy and dragons in particular.  When Milla witnesses a murder she also saves a small bag that appears to contain four eggs, only these turn out to be very special indeed.  How Milla and her friends bond with the four baby dragons and save them from the plotting of the ruling Duke makes for a truly exciting and magical story.  It is definitely a story to savour and recommend.

Bloomsbury Education, 9781472955999

“Golden Horsemen of Baghdad” by Saviour Pirotta is set in medieval Baghdad;  a complete change from the ancient Greek setting that the author is so well known for.  The young hero Jabir has to help his family survive after the death of his father, but their landlord is determined to throw them out of their home.  Can Jabir use his skill as a carver in order to make money and save his family, or will the evil landlord succeed?  This is a super story that introduces children to a culture that they might not be truly aware of.

“POG” by Padraig Kenny is a magical stand-alone story about two children (and their father)who move to their mother’s childhood home after her death.  They are struggling to come to terms with their grief and find that the appearance of a small very hairy individual might help them.  There is a very subtle underlying theme which has the story coming somewhat ‘full circle’.  It is an extremely thought provoking read.

Chicken House, 9781910655986

“A Witch Come True” by James Nicol is the final ? instalment of this magical series for young people.  Arianwyn has been taken to their hearts, so there will be great rejoicing that things seem to have worked out in the end.  However our heroine has to undergo even more tribulations in this final book before we can say that all is well.  This series is hopefully going to become a classic and I am delighted by the hint from the publisher that more adventures could be possible.

Chicken House, 9781911077008

“Against all Gods” by Maz Evans is the final book in this series featuring the Greek Gods.  Elliot is still trying to get his mother back from Hades and prevent his home being bought by the evil Patricia Porshley-Plum.  Everything seems to be going wrong and even the gods seem lost about what to do.  The book had me veering between laughter and tears, in the same way that a roller-coaster goes up and down, but it was worth all of the emotion.  What a brilliant series in the way it combines the serious and the silly.

Macmillan, 9781509871223

“Kat Wolfe Investigates” by Lauren St John and Beidi Guo is the story of a young girl  who moves to a small seaside village in Dorset when her mother takes up the role of local vet.  She starts animal sitting as a way to earn pocket money, but doesn’t expect to find that there are mysterious goings on in the local area.  Before long Kat finds herself caught up with possible spies, the army and the British secret service.  It is a great adventure for those who love mysteries.

OUP, 9780192771568

“The House of Light” by Julia Green is set in a dystopian culture that feels as if it is on the Scottish coast or Islands.  The people are tightly controlled by officials and armed police and there appears to have been a major ecological disaster in the past.  Bonnie’s mother had left several years before, in an attempt to find a better place, leaving her daughter with her Granda.  When a boy called Ish has his boat beached near her home it brings the idea of leaving closer to being possible.  This is a story to make you think about the world we are creating and what the future could mean for our grandchildren.  Yet another superb story from a wonderful writer.

 

This has been just a look at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to new books this spring.  Whilst looking through my collection I found another great selection of books that I have really enjoyed over the winter months.  I hope to be able to bring them to you in the next few weeks, but before then I am off to the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Conference, so there are bound to be even more titles to go on my TBR pile.

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It must be Christmas!

Well, for the last couple of months we have been showered by lists of books that we should be reading this Christmas and I thought that as in previous years I will pick a few of the ones that I have really enjoyed.  Yet again it has been quite a bumper year for Christmas stories and this year they cover a large range of genres as well as age ranges.  So let us start with those for what is now termed the ‘independent’ reader.

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Puffin, 978-0141369723

“Mistletoe and Murder” by Robin Stevens is the latest in her series about the two young sleuths Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong.  I have been an avid reader of all her works and this definitely lives up to the superb standard of the others.  Daisy and Hazel find themselves spending Christmas in a Cambridge college and then they become embroiled in a murder enquiry which really tests their skills.  Robin Stevens has used her love of ‘Golden Age’ crime to link this story to the works of Dorothy L Sayers and in particular to ‘Gaudy Night’ which is set in an Oxford College.  As the girls might say, this is a “really spiffing read”.

2016-12-03-15-45-51

Macmillan, 978-1509832583

“The Road to Ever After” by Moira Young is a total change from her earlier work and is for a slightly younger audience.  It is the story of young  Davy David who scrapes out a living in the  small  town of Brownvale and re-creates pictures of angels on the ground.  Life changes when the mysterious Miss Flint hires him to driver her to an unknown house on the coast, despite the fact that he is only 13 years and cannot drive.  What follows is a magical journey, with unexpected consequences. There is a sense of being on a quest as well as there being a nod in the direction of “A Wonderful Life”.  This is a story to re-read and treasure and I know it will be with me for a long time.

2016-12-03-15-47-27

Canongate, 978-1782118572

“The Girl who saved Christmas” by Matt Haig is the follow on to last year’s best seller “A Boy called Christmas”.  Whilst the central character  is still Father Christmas, this book is set at a later period.  People are beginning to not believe in Father Christmas and the magic is starting to disappear.  It needs someone who really believes, to save the day; but even she is beginning to have doubts.

2016-09-11-11-01-39

Nosy Crow, 978-0857636386

“Murder in Midwinter” by Fleur Hitchcock.  When Maya thinks she might have seen a murderer, the police send her to stay with her aunt in Wales.  But the danger follows her in this exciting story.

2016-12-03-15-47-43

Puffin, 9780141373324

“The Christmasaurus” by Tom Fletcher is about a dinosaur searching for his identity and a young boy who loves dinosaurs and Christmas; add a nasty villain to the mix and get set for a fantastically magical adventure

2016-12-03-15-45-41

Simon & Schuster, 9781471159800

“Winter Magic” edited by Abi Elphinstone is a collection of seasonal stories curated by Abi.  the authors are a range of the top children’s writers that are in the UK today.  They include Piers Torday, Michelle Magorian, Jamila Gavin and Lauren St John.  There is bound to be something for everyone in this collection

2016-12-03-15-46-36

Hodder, 9781444926491

“Santa Claude” by Alex T. Smith.  When Claude accidentally locks Santa in handcuffs and can’t find the key (don’t ask)  he faces the problem of trying to deliver all of the presents himself.  This is a great story for those who are just beginning to read by themselves or who want to share with others.

 

With picture books we are always inundated by a host of new titles every year, however there are also some favourites that make a welcome re-appearance.  I have included some that have come back this year and which I have not written about on previous years.

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Simon & Schuster, 9781442496736

“Click Clack Ho! Ho! Ho!” by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin.  This is the Christmas offering about the animals on farmer Brown’s farm and how they ‘cope’ with Christmas Eve and the arrival of Santa. As usual it is extremely funny and will be a great read.

2016-12-17-13-05-00

Scholastic, 9781407109053

“The Lion, the Unicorn and Me” by Jeanette Winterson and Rosalind MacCurrach.  This is a truly beautiful rendering of the Christmas story which really touches the heart.  A absolute classic of the future.

2016-12-18-10-21-23

Floris books, 9781782502944

“Mary’s Little Donkey” by Gunhild Sehlin and Helene Muller.  This is a story of the Nativity for younger Children.  It is translated from the Swedish and then it has been abridged.  The illustrations are sympathetic to the tale and evoke the feel of the occasion.  A lovely version to read to young children.

2016-12-17-13-04-43

Puffin, 9781780080116

“Otto the Book Bear in the Snow” by Katie Cleminson is the magical story of two book bears whose book is borrowed from the library and then left whilst the readers go on holiday.  But the bears need to get back to the library for the Christmas party, unfortunately things do not go as planned, so will they get back in time?

2016-12-03-15-46-02

Puffin, 9780141373706

“Dream Snow” by Eric Carle.  A delicious little lift the flap book about preparing for Christmas on a farm.  It is great for recognizing the animals and getting into the festive spirit.

2016-12-18-10-21-00

OUP, 9780192747372

“Winnie and Wilbur meet Santa” by  Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul. When Santa gets stuck in Winnie’s chimney he asks her and Wilbur to help him deliver the rest of the presents.  They have a great adventure but also lots of problems, so in the end Winnie uses a bit of magic to make sure that all the presents are delivered.  As always the illustrations are sumptuous and this time there is a pop-up at the back, which is sure to be a great hit with everyone.  I particularly like the use of Greek for names etc in the pictures, I wonder how many children will recognize the language?

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Bloomsbury, 9781408859155

“Robin’s Winter Song” by Suzanne Barton is a beautiful story of the Robin discovering Winter for the first time and seeing what a great time he can have with his friends.  The illustrations are positively jewel-like and add to the sense of joy and excitement about the time of year.

2016-12-03-15-44-22

Walker books, 9781406365955

“The Christmas Eve Tree” by Delia Huddy and Emily Sutton is the story of a small and unloved Christmas tree that was saved from destruction by a young  homeless boy and of the joy at Christmas as people gather around the tree to sing carols and to forget the problems of their everyday life.  The ending shows that there is always hope and we need to believe in the goodness of people around us.  There are beautiful illustrations with a feel of the 1960s to them, which really adds to the atmosphere of the story.

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Simon & Schuster, 9781471119989

“The Storm Whale in Winter” by Benji Davies is the second story about a young boy called Noi and the young Whale that he had rescued in the summer.  This is a winter’s tale and a wonderful coming together of man and nature to save one another.  It is a simple but very heart warming story.

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Red Fox, 9781782955504

“Lucy and Tom at Christmas” by Shirley Hughes have, together with “Alfie’s Christmas”, become symbols of what we might call a traditional Christmas.  It was first published in 1981 and the world has changed a great deal since then.  However the story gives a lovely sense of family, friendship and the meaning of the occasion.  Sometimes it is nice to wallow in nostalgia and think of the simple enjoyments of life.

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David Fickling, 9781910200803

“Coming Home” by Michael Morpurgo and Kerry Hyndman (illust.)  is the story of a Robin as he migrates to his winter home, all the time thinking about his partner who should be waiting for him.  It is full of trials and tribulations but also kindness and hope.  Definitely a story full of the meaning of  Christmas.

 

I can’t believe it is only a week until the big day but I am sure that there is still time to do a bit of reading or to get some stocking fillers for the family.  I know I will be reading some of these stories to my grandson when he comes to visit and i might even treat myself to a re-read of one or two favourite stories.  The Christmas season has definitely started as I was telling Christmas stories in my local primary school last week and I have also been to a performance of Messiah.  There is just “The Muppet Christmas Carol” to go and then all will be ready.  Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and enjoy your reading.