Flora and Fern: Wonder in the woods by Sarah, Duchess of York. Illus. by Denise Hughes
New Frontier, 2024. ISBN: 9781923145085. (Age:3+) Recommended.
Fern and Flora aim to put on a Christmas party for all their friends. Fern is delighted as he knows Flora is an excellent organiser. They wander together through the woods, calling on friends and neighbours. Large bags are taken to collect the many things they need to make up decorations for their house. They find mistletoe and fir cones to add to their bag. They will drag these back to the house, ready to add to the house but find less in the bag than they thought. They check the bag and find a hole in the bottom. They find berries but some are a little hard to pick, so they carefully tug them from the bush, but waken the hedgehog that lies asleep beneath ht bush. A chase ensues. He chases them away and they race back home. The house is wonderfully decorated. On Christmas Day all their friends come to celebrate the day, marvelling at the decorations in the house. Many presents are shared and Baz brings along a plate of gingerbread biscuits.
A lovely cheery presentation of all the things that Christmas means for us all. Friends get together, food is shared, presents shared, rooms decorated. Looking at the colourful illustrations reveals all the images expected at Christmas: fir trees, decorations, presents, gingerbread biscuits, ivy, mistletoe, stars, and kids will have a great time seeing these on every page.
Being a northern hemisphere book, snow and cold are the order of the day, which younger readers will enjoy looking at each image filled page.
And classes will enjoy making the gingerbread biscuits from the recipe on the last page.
Everyone knows that giraffes can't dance- that is unless you are Gerald!
Gerald was a tall giraffe Whose neck was long and slim, But his knees were awfully bandy And his legs were rather thin.
After being laughed at by the other animals who all seemed to manage their limbs well, in the iconic Giraffes Can't Dance, Gerald had lost his confidence until he had a conversation with a wise cricket who told him that sometimes you 'just need a different song'. And now, here he is, swaying his neck, shaking his tail and kicking his hooves as he grooves along to the cricket playing Jingle Bells on his violin and all the other animals join in.
Jingle Bells would have to be one of the first Christmas songs that many of our little ones learn and so they will delight in following both the text and the pictures in this new adventure for Gerald. Written to the tune of the traditional melody they can join in, predict the rhymes and just generally delight in its playfulness. But best of all, they will be able to join Gerald on the dance floor and move to the beat of their own drum.
Sheer delight.
Themes Christmas, Giraffes, Dancing.
Barbara Braxton
The brightest Christmas star by Laura Motherway. Illus. by Deb Hudson
It’s the star’s best time of the year, Christmas Eve, when it will shine as brightly as it can. It watches over the families doing things together as Australian families do. As each page is turned, we see children around Australia involved in the customs we all hold dear at this time of the year. The children on the farm have set up some storage bales of hay with fairy lights, children play cricket at the beach with their families, all kitted out in Christmas hats ready for a picnic. In the town’s main street, shops have fairy lights and banners, trees have lights festooned in the branches, people are buying their last-minute presents, children sing for passersby. At school, children make wrapping paper, at home, they bake Christmas biscuits, to wrap for presents, some presents are given to those who do not have one, and all the while the star twinkles overhead.
When the day is over, and all are in bed, the star watches, as it has done for generations. It shines brightly now for the passing reindeer and sleigh, as children dream of what tomorrow may being.
The illustrations show an array of Christmas customs and experiences. Bells, stars, presents, a Christmas tree, wrapping paper, Christmas lights, Christmas stockings, Christmas bon bons and so on, encouraging readers to share those things their family does at Christmas.
This is a happy verse story about the night sky in Australia at Christmas time which encourages children to predict rhyming words and say the lines along with the reader.
Themes Christmas, Family, Stars, Verse.
Fran Knight
On the hunt for Santa by Lesley Gibbes and Stephen Michael King
Working Title Press, 2024. ISBN: 9781922033109. (Age:3+)
One snowy day, three friends set out for the North Pole. Hare has a honey pot, Cat a candy cane and Pig has a plum pudding. They begin their perilous journey, tramping through ice and snow and over the crystal lake. They come to the Chasm Bridge guarded by a troll. But do they give up? No, they keep on going, Hare with the honey pot, Cat with a candy cane and Pig with a plum pudding. They bravely keep on their path, despite the sounds of the wolves they can hear in the snow.
Where could they be going questions the text, asking readers to think about the focus of their brave journey. They finally get to their destination, passing a sleigh with an empty sack, and a group of reindeer, quietly chewing their grass.
Readers by now will have worked out where the trio is headed and receive the news gladly. The very idea of Father Christmas is enough for kids to get excited, and in reading this story, they will think of another aspect of Father Christmas, the quiet time after the rush of delivering all the presents.
A wonderful sequel to Scary night sees three intrepid friends, setting out to deliver a happy Christmas Day to Santa after his work on Christmas Eve. Vibrant illustrations will keep eyes glued to the pages as they see the trek the animals make, disregarding their own safety to wish Santa a Happy Christmas.
Themes Father Christmas, Christmas, Animals, Journeys, Humour.
Fran Knight
Socks: A kid's Christmas Lament by JD McPherson Anika Orrock
Walker Books, 2024. ISBN: 9781536237023. (Age:3+)
Christmas morning has dawned and while the family is still asleep, a little boy sneaks downstairs to peek at what is under the tree. He picks up a gift from his mother to his and gives it a shake, and, unable to resist, opens it. But...
This is the worst gift I ever got! It doesn't beep or buzz or bop or rattle in the box! Why'd they waste the paper on a lousy pair of SOCKS?
Where is the haunted pirate schooner? The pool-size trampoline? The laser sword, the Action Man, the bathtub submarine? Despite having been extra good and kind, even bribing Santa with money stapled to their Christmas letter, it seems socks are all that is under the tree this year!
This is definitely a Christmas story with a difference - both in theme and presentation - a print version of the song of the same name, and includes a QR code that allows the reader to listen as they read. But rather than just the audio of the original, this has visual interest with illustrations that depict the boy's frustrations perfectly, with a variety of techniques used that express his frustration and add depth to the words. Unlike the song though, this takes the story a few steps further and there is a happier ending than a grumpy, ungrateful kid.
It's Christmas and it's time to decorate the tree. But where is the star for the tip-top ? As they search, Spot himself goes missing. Where can he be?
It's over 45 years since English author Eric Hill noticed his toddler son was fascinated by lifting up a paper and peeking at the picture underneath and thus conceived this series of stories about a puppy in a lift-the-flap format, first published in 1980. Even though it is 10 years since his death in 2014, his stories are still being published and republished as their simplicity and interactivity continue to fascinate new waves of little people, because just as I introduced my little one to the stories way back then, so he did for his girls and now it won't be long before they share it with their children. Such is the power of stories that invite the reader to not only be an active participant in their reading but also be able to retell themselves the story without adult help.
If we draw on our knowledge of Cambourne's Conditions of Learning, then we know that one of the prime motivators of being a reader is the expectation that we will succeed and thus being able to tell yourself a story without adult intervention is very powerful. So as our little ones draw on what they already know about Christmas and put it together with the simple text, clear illustrations and the fun of discovery this one is a winner for sharing in these days as the anticipation grows.
In the bush Christmas always starts with a lucky dip from Mrs Roo's pouch and this year all the little animals have discovered musical instruments, perfect for tootling and banging and tinging as they march down to the beach for the Christmas party.
"I wish we had a Christmas tree," Little Wombat muses, and suddenly, after they have been rolling and jumping in the sand, they did. Not only that, there was Santa and a reindeer ... and a very clean beach.
Little Wombat and his friends are fast becoming a preschool favourite series as not only are the creatures familiar and seemingly the same age as they are, they do the sorts of things that little ones do while there is always a subtle message to gently absorb as they read - this one about being aware of how we treat our beaches. Despite being an Englishman living in England, Fuge's illustrations capture Little Wombat and those in his world perfectly with just the right blend of anatomical correctness and whimsy.
While our little ones are no doubt seeing the traditional pine tree being decorated for this festive season - whether it is real or fake - it is an opportunity to think about how else they could make a Christmas tree from what is around them. They might not have an echidna with a spiky back, but it only takes a little imagination... At the same time, older siblings might like to investigate why we have trees at all, as well as what inspired them to be decorated. From seemingly simple books can come lots of learning... this one is going in my to-keep collection.
Themes Wombats, Christmas.
Barbara Braxton
Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling. Illus. by Ziyi Gao
Fans of the Harry Potter books will be thrilled to collect another book, this time a picture book celebrating Harry’s first Christmas at Hogwarts. The text is taken from Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, with plot spoilers omitted, and it is beautifully illustrated by Ziyi Gao. The enticing cover shows Christmas trees, decorations, candles, bonbons and the high windows of the Great Hall and immediately draws readers in, making them want to peruse the delight of Christmas at Hogwarts.
The book begins with the opening sentences of Chapter Twelve: “Christmas was coming. One morning in mid-December, Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow.” Readers first catch a glimpse of Hogwarts through the eyes of a great white bird and then the warm glow of light in the Great Hall. After that they can follow Hagrid carrying a huge Christmas Tree and join Harry and Ron spearing food on a toasting fork and opening presents. Harry’s amazement at receiving an Invisibility Cloak that had belonged to his father is heartwarming. Gao’s colourful illustrations bring alive the expressions on the faces of all the friends and staff reminding readers of the joy of giving and receiving presents.
This book is perfect for a family to share at Christmas, an ideal present for lovers of the Harry Potter series and a gorgeous introduction to Hogwarts.
Themes Christmas, Harry Potter, Wizardry, Magic.
Pat Pledger
Snow Bunny's Christmas show by Rebecca Harry
Nosy Crow, 2024. ISBN: 9781805131076. (Age:2-5)
Snow Bunny and her friends Mouse, Fox and Bear, live in the forest, and as Christmas draws near, they decide to put on a show. As they build a stage, and put up lights and curtains, each thinks about what their act might be. Snow Bunny has ideas for each of them, but just as she begins to think of what she might do, the audience begins to arrive. There is no time for her to do anything but introduce the other performers.
At the end, while Mouse, Fox and Bear are receiving the accolades, Snow Bunny feels a bit left out but then...
As school concerts and other performances are in full swing, there are going to be those who are disappointed that they might not have the spotlight they desired, so this is an excellent (and original) opportunity to show them that it takes a team on the stage and behind it to put on a show, and one can't happen without the other. It's also a timely reminder to acknowledge the back-stage folk who work so hard as well as remembering that there are those who prefer to be back-stage and respecting those feelings. Ask me how I know...
Themes Christmas, Concerts.
Barbara Braxton
The Magic Faraway Tree: A Christmas adventure by Jacqueline Wilson
A second offering from Jacqueline Wilson that is inspired by the stories about the Magic Faraway tree written by Enid Blyton. This time the children – Milo, Mia and Birdy - who were introduced in the first book, stay at the cottage beside the Magic Faraway Tree in winter for a Christmas holiday. They soon find all their friends at the top of the tree and are excited to see new lands arrive each time they slip out of the cottage to visit the tree. They enjoy the Land of Sunshine where they play on the beach, swim with mermaids and have a lovely beach picnic. The land of the Frozen North presents some interesting experiences, such as meeting friendly bears, arctic foxes and running away from terrifying wolves, not to mention seeing Santa’s reindeer fly out of danger. Each land they visit presents new experiences and new challenges and the Land of Toys is so appropriate for this story set at Christmas time.
This book is perfect for reading as a bedtime chapter book for younger children as it uses simple language and contains a selection of small illustrations. The font is larger than most books this size making it ideal for young independent readers as well.
Crammed with 250+ pages of Christmas-themed jokes, riddles, (possibly unfactual) facts and tongue twisters this book is a must for joke book lovers over the holiday season. Approachable for young ones and actually not as terrible or annoying as the title makes out, this is a follow on title to Warning! These jokes will annoy everyone you know. Joke books are perfect to get reluctant readers engaging with text and the simple language and uncluttered format of this will keep them going. Is there a better way to get young ones reading, chatting and laughing together over the summer holidays than a new joke book all about their favourite time of the year?
Imagine... it's Christmas Eve and you're tucked up in your bed when something wakes you. It's Santa Claus leaving something special for you. What would you do?
Lie there quietly? Pretend you're still asleep? Or jump up and pepper him with questions like, "Did you read my letter?" "Did you wipe your shoes?" and make him choose between cats and dogs. Would you offer to play your recorder, follow him up the chimney and hitch a ride in his sleigh? Because that's what happens to the little girl in the story - she wakes up and there is Santa, right at the end of her bed!!!
While the text is written entirely in the little girl's incessant and numerous questions - and anyone with experience of a curious child demanding answers now, will hear her - the story is carried in the warm 'fuzzy' illustrations that hover between dream and reality so the reader is transported along on the adventure - because who wouldn't want to be - but left wondering if indeed, it really happened. Santa's expressions are many and one wonders if he is pleased to have company on his trip or if he wishes she had stayed at home - or maybe he is glad that she is such a chatterbox and he doesn't have to answer! .
We know little ones always have lots of questions, and they often from left-field or places that only a child's mind goes, so how much fun would it be to ask them what they would ask Santa if they found themselves in this little girl's situation. And then have them imagine what Santa's answers would be.
Stories like these not only reignite the excitement of Christmas that is building in our little people but also the joy in sharing stories with them as we are drawn into the magic and imagination.
Delightful.
Themes Santa Claus, Questions.
Barbara Braxton
Clementine's Christmas by Annie White
New Frontier, 2024. ISBN: 9781923145061. (Age:3+) Recommended.
Three wonderful romps with Clementine walking, having a bath, and finding a treasure have been published for younger audiences to much hilarity (Clementine’s walk, Clementine’s bath and Clementine’s treasure). A very large, energetic dog, Clementine loves her family and wants to help with their Christmas preparations. We meet the family putting up the Christmas tree, decorating the room and sitting the presents, already wrapped and named, under the tree. Granny sits in the background knitting while Clementine looks on. As the family takes the children upstairs to bed, Granny finds that she has lost her purple wool. Clementine helps Granny find it, wrapping everything with purple wool. Granny finds her ball of wool, and in picking it up joyously pulls over the tree and all the presents. Together they put back the tree and the decorations, while Granny puts the names onto the presents. All good fun, readers will love laughing along with the mayhem on each of the pages, predicting the rhyming word at the end of each four line stanza.
Kids will love predicting what might happen on Christmas Day after Granny and Clementine have put things back together again, and laugh with the family as each receives the present with their name on it.
The verses are accompanied by lovingly drawn illustrators, showing a close family getting ready for Christmas, the day when many families spend time together.
Young reader will love spotting all the accoutrements of Christmas shown in the illustrations.
Clementine will win lots of hearts, and the inappropriate presents received by family members will cause much mirth.
The teller of small fortunes by Julie Leong (Malaysian Chinese American fantasy author) is one of those rare books that plods along at the same rhythm and pace as Laohu the mule, who is a full on important character himself as he pulls the wagon with "Teller of small fortunes" painted on the side, accompanying our hero Tao in her constant travels from village to village. It is a tale of travel, small adventures and of friendship. It is a grown up version of the coming home stories of childhood. It is about leaving home, finding home and returning to home.
In this Euro/Asian rural, medieval fantasy world, our main character Tao is an immigrant. She is an outsider who is distinctly different in appearance and language to those who she meets on her travels. She is Shinn but she speaks Eshteran - the language of the world that she visits. Her..."foreign features - dark,hooded eyes;tawny skin;and black hair twisted up into a loose bun..." mark her as an outsider but she explains to suspicious villagers that she meets on the way that she comes from the faraway empire of Shinara as a humble traveller and teller of small fortunes. It is not apparent what Tao is escaping from but it seems that she has a power beyond what she is prepared to display and is in someway marked as special. Whether she is escaping danger or expectation from her past or a responsibility or acceptance of her true self is a question. She is solitary, lonely, defensive and bristly, keeping to herself until other travelling companions are thrust upon her. Together with Mash, an ex-mercenary, Silt, an ex-thief, Kina, a baker and a magical cat, Tao encounters danger and learns to trust and believe in family. Her past is chasing her and choices have to be made.
The teller of small fortunes is a refreshing read in its quietness and gentleness. There is fierce emotional content but it is tempered by Leong's warm, steadying authorial voice. The characters and their relationships with each other are slowly and carefully revealed and developed. There is no lack of humour to boot.
This is the outstanding prequel to R.A Spratt's bestselling series about the circus-performing pig who is also a brilliant nanny. Packed full of wit and vocabulary to die for, this delivers on all the levels that the original series is loved for. Beginning with her life as a young piglet in a teeny tiny sty along with thirteen identical fourteen-uplet sisters (and one black-sheep brother) we learn the intricate details of how she came to be a circus star and then eventually a nanny. Readers love the complete wackiness of these stories and this is no exception - there is a ringmaster who dishes out chocolate cupcakes laced with a sleeping tonic, a Russian bear who is the most spectacular ballet dancer and an elephant with an atrocious memory. R.A Spratt is wonderful at not writing down to her younger audience - she gives them everything, including complex jokes and references that make these books a delightful read for both children and adults. There is an entrance point for everyone and multiple levels of understanding that demonstrate just what a master of language she is. There is wonderful tragedy and unbelievable immorality, reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events. At the end of the book is a glossary of her siblings, a translation of useful Russian phrases (for translating Boris) and a recipe for emergency chocolate muffins. Those already familiar with Nanny Piggins with adore this prequel, but it is also a wonderful introduction to her (and R.A Spratt) and will no doubt lead new readers to the rest of the series.
