Something a little special

Children’s book reviewer CAROLINE FRANKLIN’s Christmas pick

I can’t do better than to agree with a 10-year-old who described it as ‘awfully entertaining’. And so it is

FOR many of us there is much that is undecided about Christmas, even at this late stage. Where will we be? Who can come and see us? Is the turkey too big? Is that present too small? Have I got enough cards? What if … and so it goes on. I wish you luck with all those things, but one thing I can do is tell you about some wonderful children’s books which would make great gifts. How can anyone resist a book which has on its cover: ‘Introducing the world’s most famous illusions and 20 step-bystep magic tricks to try at home’?

(Dorling Kindersley £14.99 HB) is a big, beautiful book which is perfect for all aspiring magicians aged nine and upwards. Starting with the history of magic, sorcery and witchcraft, it moves on to facts about famous magicians such as Harry Houdini. One of his extraordinary tricks was to create an orange tree, make it blossom and then distribute oranges to his audience. No instructions for this are included for the young magician, but there are plenty simpler ones to mystify the family, together with fascinating information on such vital things as the right wand to have. Bound to be a winner of a present.

Children’s Book of Magic The Snowflake (Harper Collins £12.99 HB)

is a beautifully-written story for a very young child. The tale of the small snowflake’s journey from the clouds (where he wanted to stay) to the moment when he arrives on the top of a small girl’s Christmas tree is gently charming and would be a treat to share with a small person who is excited about all things Christmassy. The pretty blue and silver cover of

(Usborne £14.00 HB) is an introduction to the stories of some of the most famous ballets. It includes the stories of such classic ballets as Coppelia, The Firebird and La Fille Mal Gardee and several more, all accompanied by enchanting colour illustrations by Yvonne Gilbert Nanos. Complete with a pink bookmark, this is a book which is absolutely certain to delight any young ballerina aged eight and upwards or to please those children who just enjoy a good storybook. It’s a safe bet that the story of a gorilla called Gertrude, a boy named Eric and his Uncle Sid plus various animals who live in Uncle Sid’s sitting room will be a smash hit with fans of

this

Illustrated Ballet Stories David Walliams

Code Name

Christmas. In Bananas (Harper Collins £14.99 HB) it is 1940, Britain is at war and bombs falling all over London make it difficult for the animals in zoos. Gertrude is Eric’s very favourite, that’s VERY favourite, animal and he is determined to get her to a place of safety. He and Uncle Sid think up 10 plans, discard them all and decide to use a barrage balloon to save her. They make it to the coast where they can hide, but whilst doing so they uncover a Nazi plot which means they will have to be very brave. Another triumph for the author who has discovered exactly how to write books which children love. There are 100 beautifully coloured pages in 100 Birds To Fold and Fly (Usborne £8.99 HB). Ideal for children of nineplus who like doing things, the tear-out sheets will keep them busy for some time as they create super-fast darters, soaring gliders, stunning swoopers and graceful drifters.

Clear instructions are given for each category and nothing else is needed except taking care to do the folding correctly. Simple, colourful and easy, the house will be covered in flocks of paper birds in no time.

Everyman Books Children’s Classics

are beautifully produced and your true bookworms will want to keep them on their shelves long after other books have been passed on to charity shops. Some of the best-loved children’s stories are available for children of 10-plus who have reached the stage of wanting to read everything in sight. Newly-published this year is the tale of the little orphan girl who lives with her grandfather in the mountains. 140 years after its first publication, Johanna Spyri’s Heidi (Everyman Books £12.99 HB) is brought to life again, this time enhanced by charming colour illustrations by William Sharp. Gustave Dore supplies the multitude of black and white illustrations which accompany the story of The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen (Everyman Books £10.99 HB). First published in 1785 and written by Rudolf Erich Raspe, the baron’s adventures include dancing a hornpipe in the stomach of a fish which has swallowed him, saving his horse which has been cut in two by a portcullis – oh! and visiting the moon a couple of times.

Either book would make a very special present for the lucky child who receives it.

The Christmassy cover of Tinsel – The Girls Who Invented Christmas

(Bloomsbury £9.99 HB) heralds a story about two girls plus a horse who decide they want to do something about making sure every child has a present at Christmas.

The best way, they decide is to go down the chimney to deliver it. Sound familiar? Blanche Claus, her best chum Rinki and Rudy the horse, plus a boy called Santa, a grumpy fairy called Carol and a Christmas tree called Eggnog set out to achieve their dream. It’s hurray for all feminists as they achieve it after a thrilling sleigh ride, masses of mince pies and in spite of the unpleasant Mr Krampus. A fun book just right as a present for the nine-plus at this time of year.

Finally, a book which promises 80 fun activities for families, enough to keep everyone for busy for the next year. The

Pocket Book of Garden Experiments

(Bloomsbury £14.99 HB) carries the Royal Horticultural Society logo and is full of colour.

The aim is to inspire us all to grow things, from flowers to trees and this book is packed with information (why do leaves change colour), ideas for things to do (build a thermometer, make a fossil, grow a grassy monster) and how to make a phototropism box (look it up!) using a cardboard box, a potato and some sunshine. Written by Helen Pilcher it has a wealth of things for the family to do together. Good for families, good for the environment, good for the child of 10 plus who is given this book as a present.

PS: And if you’re looking for a small Christmas present, consider Trouble on

(Faber and

Planet Christmas Faber £6.99 PB).

I can’t do better than to agree with a 10-year-old who described it as “awfully entertaining”. And so it is. From the moment Lucy Blitzen the young reindeer appears in the Trubshaw kitchen to say they are needed on Yule-1 to help Father Christmas, things are fast, furious and very funny. What a gem from Kate Saunders for any child aged eight or more.

In spite of all the difficulties, I wish you all a very, very happy Christmas.