The (multiple) books of Christmas

Bev Humphrey
Accessit Library trainer, Library consultant, and host of the SLA’s ‘Book Chat with Bev’.

Hi everyone I hope you are enjoying some festive reading at the moment! For me Christmas means family and the hopeful possibility of some bookish gifts and I love it when I can give books as gifts and tie the two together. If you are hoping to do the same here’s some suggestions you might find useful:

For very young children

That’s Not My Reindeer
(978-1409556046)

The latest in this very popular touchy feely series , with different textures to stroke, starring a very cute reindeer and his white mouse friend.

Usborne Slide and See Christmas
(978-1805076759)

Sturdy, brightly coloured board book with charming illustrations and a slider to explore on every page.

For toddlers who like a giggle

Santa Needs a New Bum
(978-0702338779)

The next one in the already very popular New Bum series, this story will have kids in fits of merriment.

Has Santa Been?
(978-0702330957)

Poor Santa enjoys all the lovely drinks that children leave for him but he never has time to spend a penny! The story ends with a patch of suspiciously yellow snow , which is sure to bring laughter.

For ages 9 -12 who love classic children’s books

Charlie and the Christmas Factory and Other Stories
(978-0241618776)

So many fabulous children’s authors have written short stories for this anthology and children will be delighted to meet old friends from Dahl’s books.

Christmas Classics 8 Book Collection
(978-1802634969)

This set of simplified classics works as a great introduction to well know stories , Little Women, The Nutcracker and Christmas Carol for example.

For ages 9 – 12 who like funny books

The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever
(978-1510113053)

This is the second festive themed title from LD Lapinski, the first being Step Father Christmas , and this story has the same blend of humour and feeling that leaves you feeling warm inside.

Sprouts
(978-1526639462)

Imagine it being Christmas every day……all that lovely food! Not so lovely when you end up having sprouts every day though. A fun, magical adventure and I’m sure this will be as popular with young readers as the author’s previous title, Tinsel, is.

Young Adult festive romcoms

Some Like It Cold
(978-1035027842)

I’m told by my friends who are school librarians that this one is just flying off the shelves and I’m not surprised. Cosy small town romance stories are very popular at the moment and when you add Christmas into the mix it just enhances everything.

Stay Another Day
(978-1786541086)

Although not newly published I loved this tale of three siblings going home for the festive season with secrets being revealed and old rivalries resurrected. I love Juno Dawson’s sly humour although be warned, this one does have fruitier language than some.

For Booktokers

Spectacular
(9781399721523)

Following on from the Caravel series this festive themed novella is sure to be on many booktokers wish list and the hardback is indeed a thing of beauty, with gorgeous illustrations by Rosie Fowinkle.

Carrie
(9781399731294)

Obviously not a festive story but this special 50th anniversary edition is just stunning and has pride of place on my bookshelf. It has an introduction by Margaret Attwood and foiling on the cover that seems to just glow.

For book lovers of any age

At Home in a Book
(978-0241665794)

This amazing book allows you to peep into the homes in nine classic stories , introducing them to younger readers and proving nostalgic to those of us who have already roamed the rooms in our imagination.

The Incredible Pop Up Bug
(978-1800784130)

There can be only one word to describe this book and that is ‘WOW’! A large format book packed with intricate, colourful illustrations and pop ups with tons of information. I was blow away by it (and I don’t like bugs!)

I hope you have found some ideas to add to your shopping lists but I did run a webinar for the School Library Association recently with most of these titles featured and many more besides, you can watch it here.

Wishing you all a very bookish, cosy festive season , however you celebrate, I would like to follow the Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod and spend Christmas Eve curled up reading but I doubt I will be able to!