Having a word with the kids...
Give gift of brilliant books this Christmas with CHARLOTTE HEATHCOTE and SARAH KINGSFORD ’ S pick of the best new stories for children
PICTURE BOOKS THERE’S A GHOST IN THIS HOUSE Oliver Jeffers HarperCollins, £20
This atmospheric tale follows a young ghost hunter and the mischievous ghosts that hide from her. Parents will enjoy this beautifully designed book as much as their children.
AN ODD DOG CHRISTMAS Rob Biddulph HarperCollins, £12.99
It’s Christmas Eve and Odd Dog needs the perfect present for her friend – time is running out. But the best gifts don’t come from the shops, they come from the heart.
CHRISTMAS STREET Jonathan Emmett and Ingela P Arrhenius Nosy Crow, £14.99
This ingenious, vibrant book opens out to form a 2.5m-long, double-sided high street where children can lift the flaps and peek inside the shops.
THE ADVENT CALENDAR BOOK COLLECTION Usborne, £19.99
With a book behind each window, this collection of classic fairy tales counts down to Christmas with a mini library to enjoy for years to come.
7+ THE CHRISTMAS PIG JK Rowling Little, Brown, £20
Jack’s toy pig DP has been by his side through heartbreak and upheaval so, when DP is lost on Christmas Eve, Jack sets out to rescue him. A hopeful, heartwarming adventure.
THINK LIKE AN ELF Lauren Child HarperCollins, £14.99
Clarice Bean’s family is planning a quiet Christmas but Clarice loves a big get-together. So she decides to ‘think like an elf’ and spread goodwill across the neighbourhood. A festive read with eyecatching illustrations.
WISHYOUWAS Alexandra Page Bloomsbury, £12.99
Wishyouwas is a ‘Sorter’, small, furry, and dedicated to tracking down missing letters. When Penny catches him in her uncle’s post office, she is drawn into the Sorters’ battle against the Royal Mail rat catcher. It’s a firstclass festive adventure.
THE BOOK CAT Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy Faber & Faber, £12.99
TS Eliot wrote a poem about a stray cat called Morgan who made a publishing office his home. Here, Morgan and his feline friends must escape London when wartime bombs start falling. A charming read that grown-up cat lovers will pounce on too.
9+ EDDIE ALBERT AND THE AMAZING ANIMAL GANG
Paul O’Grady
HarperCollins, £12.99
Ten-year-old Eddie has a special gift: he can talk to his animals. His aunt shares his talent and the pair get caught up in a case of animal theft in this caper from TV presenter Paul O’Grady.
FLEDGLING Lucy Hope Nosy Crow, £7.99
A storm blows a cherub into Cassie’s bedroom and, with grim forces following close behind, a series of terrifying events are set in motion. Featuring angels, owls and family secrets, this is a thrilling historical mystery.
THE WARRIOR IN MY WARDROBE
Simon Farnaby
Hodder, £12.99
The co-writer of Paddington 2 and BBC comedy Ghosts returns with another adventure starring medieval wizard Merdyn and his 21st century descendant Rose.
When Merdyn’s arch enemy kidnaps Rose’s annoying brother Kris, the duo join forces to save him.
Expect madcap mayhem with brilliantly funny characters and an incontinent hamster.
THE BOOK OF STOLEN DREAMS David Farr Usborne, £12.99
When their father gives them a stolen book, Robert and Rachel must ensure it doesn’t fall into the hands of evil Charles Malstain.
They must track down the final page before Malstain does or he will rule forever in this page-turning magical adventure.
YOUNG ADULT A SINGLE THREAD OF MOONLIGHT Laura Wood Scholastic, £7.99
In Victorian high society, seamstress Iris and aristocrat Nicholas have joined forces to seek revenge against their enemies. But will love derail their plans? A sparkling escapist romance.
MERRY KISSMAS TO YOU Jenni Jennings Scholastic, £7.99
Friends Milly, Sam and Robert are usually Christmas super-fans but, this year, Milly has trouble at home, Sam is getting over her ex, and Robert wonders if he’ll ever find love. As they count down the days to the school Snow Ball, Christmas becomes a time of surprises in this feel-good romcom.
THE UPPER WORLD Femi Fadugba Penguin, £7.99
In this fast-paced adventure, Esso gets caught up in a gang war, while, 15 years in the future, Rhia is investigating her mum’s disappearance. Past, present and future collide in this mind-blowing, time-twisting thriller.
NON FICTION THE WORLD OF THE UNKNOWN: MONSTERS Carey Miller Usborne, £7.99
Children fascinated by the strange or scary will love these mysteries, myths and legends, from the Loch Ness Monster to the Abominable Snowman.
A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 25 CITIES
Tracey Turner and Andrew Donkin
Nosy Crow, £16.99
Travel the world with this collection of beautiful maps, telling the story of civilisation through the centuries. A treasure trove packed with fascinating facts and insights.
KAY’S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE Adam Kay Puffin, £14.99
Journey through the history of medicine and discover why patients once gargled with wee or pregnant women were smeared with pigeon poo. Disgusting and hilarious!
SUNDAY FUNDAY Katherine Halligan and Jesus Verona Nosy Crow, £16.99
Keep children amused with 52 imaginative activities, one for every Sunday of the year. This treasure trove of bright ideas is divided into seasons, such as making a mini garden for toys in spring, or creating decorations from twigs and twine in winter.
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVE MONSTER Andy Jones and Olaf Falafel Walker Books, £9.99
Inspire the next generation of novelists with this imaginative writing guide.
Children learn about structure, plot and description with prompts and challenges, all brought to life by Olaf Falafel’s funny and inventive illustrations.