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We have a fantastic bumper selection of children’s books for you this month that are perfect for entertaining kids of all ages over the holidays. Do keep an eye on twitter for a chance to win copies of some of the books featured.
Picture Books
Luna Loves Art by Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers (Andersen Press)
Luna is off to explore the art gallery with her class, but Finn doesn’t seem to be enjoying it at all. What can Luna do to help? This is a beautiful story about empathy, art and the different shapes and sizes that all families come in.
While We Can’t Hug by Eoin McLaughlin and Polly Dunbar (Faber & Faber)
Hedgehog and Tortoise are the best of friends, but it’s hard now they’re not allowed to touch. That is until Owl tells them there are lots of ways to show someone you care. My three year old really likes this sweet story from the bestselling team behind The Hug.
Like The Oceans We Rise by Nicola Edwards and Sarah Wilkins (Little Tiger)
This is a beautifully illustrated book that explores the impact people are having on climate change around the world. It celebrates the difference we can make as individuals and the work already being done by the international youth movement.
Karate Kids by Holly Sterling (Walker Books)
Even though she’s a beginner, Maya loves her weekly karate class. With a little hard work and focus, she hopes to become a black belt one day. It is written and illustrated by world class Karate athlete and sensei Holly Sterling. After reading this my five year old is desperate to start learning karate!
The Ride by Guilherme Karsten (Tate Publishing)
A surfer picks up his board and gets into his car, ready to head to the beach. But on the way he meets some people who would really like a ride. Will he ever make it to the beach? This is a fun, quirky story with striking artwork.
Young Fiction
Rocket Boy by Katie Jennings and Joe Lillington (Little Tiger)
Callum Grant knows lots of facts about space, but he doesn’t know what it would be like to set foot on Mars. That is until he builds his own rocket and sets off on an adventure. With colour illustrations throughout, my five year old loved this story.
Good Knight, Bad Knight and the Flying Machine by Tom Knight (Templar Publishing)
This is a highly entertaining story about cousins Godwin (Good Knight) and Berk (Bad Knight) as they embark on an adventure with their friends. It features a flying machine, marauding barbarians and a dragon with bad breath and has black and white illustrations throughout.
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Product on saleThe Little Museum: A children’s mystery adventureOriginal price was: £7.99.£6.99Current price is: £6.99.
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Product on saleThe Clock Thief: A children’s mystery adventureOriginal price was: £7.99.£6.99Current price is: £6.99.
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Product on saleThe Perfect FitOriginal price was: £6.99.£6.50Current price is: £6.50.
Mermaid School Ready, Steady, Swim by Lucy Courtenay, illustrated by Sheena Dempsey (Andersen Press)
Join Marnie Blue and her friend’s on a brand new underwater adventure at Mermaid School. When Marnie’s new, extremely strict PE teacher brings back Golden Glory sports day, one of her classmates is desperate to win. Can Marnie stop the cheater from ruining Golden Glory sports day for everyone? With black and white illustrations throughout.
Mr Penguin and the Catastrophic Cruise by Alex T Smith (Hodder Childrens)
Mr Penguin is looking forward to a nice relaxing luxury cruise and plenty of fish finger sandwiches. But despite the glamourous atmosphere, there turns out to be a stowaway on board and a mystery that needs solving. With plenty of humour, adventure and striking black and orange illustrations throughout, this is a really fun read.
The Blue Beyond by Jeanne Willis and Bethany Christou (Little Tiger)
Lana the butterfly fish dreams of leaving her lagoon and exploring the whole ocean, but when she gets her wish, she discovers just how very big the sea really is. A sweet story about bravery and friendship with colour illustrations throughout.
Children’s Fiction
Moon Dog by Jane Elson (Hodder Childrens)
Friends Delilah and Marcus couldn’t be more different. He’s big and she’s tiny but they share the same dream of owning a dog. When a mystery dog turns up in the empty house next door, Marcus names him Moon Dog and visits him every day. But when he discovers Moon Dog is in danger – can he and Delilah save him? This is a beautiful story about bravery and friendship.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed (Faber Childrens)
This remarkable graphic novel tells the true story of Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys who live in a refugee camp. This is an inspirational and powerful story that inspires both compassion and empathy.
The Time Travel Diaries: Adventure to Athens by Catherine Lawrence (Bonnier Books)
Alex and his friend Dinu have vowed never to time travel again – the rules of time travelling are pretty hard to stick to. But when their mentor makes them an offer they can’t refuse, they find themselves going back to the past, and having to face temptation all over again. This is the second book in Caroline Lawrence’s gripping new series.
The Ship Of Shadows by Maria Kuzniar (Puffin)
In her family’s taverna in Seville, Aleja has always dreamt of adventure. But she never expected to actually join an infamous female pirate crew. With a magical ship, secrets to uncover, treasure to find and plenty of action packed adventure (and feisty, swashbuckling pirate heroines), this is a brilliant read.
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Product on saleThe Little Museum: A children’s mystery adventureOriginal price was: £7.99.£6.99Current price is: £6.99.
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Product on saleThe Clock Thief: A children’s mystery adventureOriginal price was: £7.99.£6.99Current price is: £6.99.
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Product on saleThe Perfect FitOriginal price was: £6.99.£6.50Current price is: £6.50.
Teen Fiction
The Colours That Blind by Rutendo Tavengerwel (Hot Key Books)
Tumi is desperate to make the Zimbabwean national swimming team as swimming helps him escape the hatred that stems from his albinism. But fate has other plans. Instead he is forced to stay with his grandmother, Ambuya, and confront traumas from both of their pasts. This is a powerful, captivating story about racial hatred and forgiveness.
The Rules by Tracy Darnton (Little Tiger)
When a letter from Amber’s dad arrives, she has no choice but to go back on the run. He’ll stop at nothing to track her down, but as the person who taught her everything she knows, will she manage to evade him? This is a fast paced, action packed psychological thriller.
The Short Knife by Elen Caldecott (Andersen Press)
Now the Romans have left Britain, Mai has been kept safe from the invading Saxons by her Dad and sister Haf. But when Saxons arrive at their farm, her family is forced to flee into the hills and an uncertain future. This is a gripping read about a determined girl living in a dangerous, man’s world.
Non-Fiction
Press Out And Decorate Dinosaurs by Kate McLelland (Nosy Crow)
Perfect for keeping little ones busy over the holidays, this book has 20 stunning decorations for readers to press out and decorate. Ideal for dinosaur fans!
How Many Spots Has A Cheetah Got? Number Facts From Around the World by Steve Martin and Amber Davenport (Buster Books)
Did you know that bees have 5 eyes? If not, this fascinating book is for you! It’s packed with bright artwork and number facts about everything from animals, to planets and inventions.
I Am Not A Label by Cerrie Burnell and Lauren Baldo (Wide Eyed Editions)
Written by well know children’s presenter and writer book writer, Cerie Burnell, this is an inspiring introduction to 34 trailblazing disabled role models from around the world from athletes to activists.
How To Draw Disney Animals (Studio Press)
With simple, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions this book shows you how to draw and colour over 20 Disney animals from Baloo to Bambi.
Trailblazers: Harriet Tubman A Journey to Freedom by Sandra A. Agard (Stripes)
Harriet was born into slavery but ran away from her southern plantation in a dangerous journey that took weeks to complete. Once she was free she dedicated her life to helping others gain their freedom. This is an inspiring true story about her life and legacy.