A Christmas book is always a welcome gift and, as many book lovers will tell you, such a book can become a lifelong friend and favourite. The Barrow Book Lovers are no exception to this and can all recall a special book, given by a special person, which still holds pride of place on their bookshelves.
With a little help from friends, family, young Rhyme Timers etc. the Book Lovers have put together some ideas which we hope will make welcome additions to this year’s Christmas stockings.
Laura Pearson
For the youngest book lovers in your life (up to 7 years old)Meerkat Christmas by Emily Gravett - Who doesn’t love a meerkat? This is a witty and warm exploration around the globe in search of the meaning of Christmas. It’s interactive along the lines of the Jolly Postman and just as much fun.
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jefferson - A young boy sets about making his dream come true - to have a star of his very own. The story and illustrations allow young imaginations to take fight.
Usborne 1st Encyclopaedia - Explore the environment, seasons, weather and nature with your enquiring young book lover with a perfect balance of beautiful illustrations and facts.
For the little readers in your life (8-12 years old)Stepfather Christmas and The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever by LD Lapinski – These books, about two kids who suspect their mum’s new boyfriend might be Santa, have twenty-five chapters so you can read one each day in December. Who wouldn’t want a bookish advent calendar.
A Box Full of Murders by Janice Hallett – The author of The Appeal has turned her hand to writing for children with great success. When Ava and Luke uncover a box of papers in their attic, they find themselves trying to solve a historical murder case.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff Kinney – This is the twentieth instalment in the Wimpy Kid series, which is wildly popular with girls and boys. It’s Greg Heffey’s birthday and he’s planning the ultimate party, but of course there are disasters.
For the teen book lover in your lifeAgatha Oddly detective series of books by Lena Jones (11 years+) - The Secret Key, Murderer at the Museum and The Silver Serpent are all guaranteed to keep your teen book lover on the edge of their seats with the intriguing detective work by a 13-year-old sleuth with a passion for solving puzzles.
Collins “Be You” series by Penny Alexander and Becky Goddard Hill - Lots of practical ideas for boosting confidence and therefore happiness. A book to change the world of the anxious young book lover in your life.
The Twisted Tales Advent Calendar - Disney (11+) A selection of tales, colouring, notes and art for fans of the Twisted Tales books or those new to the stories. Perhaps a gift to give early in December.
The Names by Florence Knapp– This extraordinary novel takes the question of what’s in a name to new extremes as the reader follows three different lives a person might have when given three different names.
59 Minutes by Holly Seddon – What would you do with your last hour at the end of the world? This fast-paced thriller follows three women who are trying to get back to their families before it’s too late.
A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 by Bill Bryson – This is a revised and updated version of the bestselling popular science book of the century. It explains things such as why Pluto is no longer a planet and why we still don’t know what most of the universe is made of.