My List of Favourite Christmas Picture Books This Year 2016

My Top Selection of Christmas Picture Books this year. A mix of new and classic titles perfect for little ones in their Christmas Stocking 

1. THREADBEAR BY MICK INKPEN 
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Threadbear feels very sorry for himself because the squeaker in his tummy doesn't work. Frog suggests he asks Father Christmas to help and so starts a wonderful adventure about following his hopes and dreams. This classic story, accompanied by Inkpen's familiar illustrations, is full of gentle humour and sensitivity. As we follow the little bears adventure to magical places we are disarmed by his loving and bold character and determination. Full of Christmas cuteness. 
ISBN 9781444924053 PB Hodder Childrens £6.99

2. RAVEN CHILD AND THE SNOW WITCH BY LINDA SUNDERLAND
PICTURE BOOK 4+
A fairytale of a close knit family who live in the shadow of an icy glacier, home of the Snow Witch. When Anya's mother is stolen by the Witch she must make the treacherous journey to save her with the help from an injured raven and an Arctic fox. Dramatic and striking artwork by talented artist Daniel Egneus captures the poignant and magical story of a determined child who will do anything to keep her family together. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781783704194 PB Templar Publishing £7.99

3. SNOWFLAKE IN MY POCKET BY RACHEL BRIGHT
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Young Squirrel has never seen snow before and wants to share the experience with his wise old friend, Bear. When Bear becomes sick Squirrel tries to find the perfect snowflake for him. A tale of love, friendship and a reminder that the most precious things in life are transitory moments to be treasured. Gorgeous paper cut art work by Yu Rong captures the dichotomy of the wintry landscape and warm loving home. Enchanting. 
ISBN 9781406371819 PB Walker Books £6.99

4.LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE BY JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE
BOARD BOOK 2+
This beautiful story about a little Christmas tree standing alone in the forest is perfect for this time of year as we all are getting ready to decorate our own. A lift-the-flap exploration of nature, children will delight in discovering all the animals that arrive as the day unfolds. Can you find the fox behind the hedge or the owl above? With sturdy pages and foiled decorations shimmering throughout this will captivate the very young.
ISBN 9781783704583 HB Big Picture Press £10.99

5.SPROUTZILLA VS CHRISTMAS BY TOM JAMIESON
PICTURE BOOK 3+

Jack loves everything about Christmas. Except for one thing: he does not like Brussels sprouts.When Jack's parents bring home the largest sprout he has ever seen, things are about to get out of control. Sproutzilla is the meanest, greenest Christmas ruining vegetable ever and now he's heading straight towards Santa! It's up to Jack to save Christmas, and there's only one way to do it ...He'll have to eat the sprouts! Sproutzilla vs. Christmas is Tom Jamieson and Mike Byrne's first picture book with Macmillan.Their strikingly bold and funny story about a rampaging sprout will convince even the most reluctant eaters about the importance of eating their vegetables

ISBN 9781509822782 PB Macmillan £6.99

 Stars

6.VELVETEEN RABBIT BY MARGERY WILLIAMS ILLUSTRATED BY SARAH MASSINI
PICTURE BOOK 3+

An enchanting new edition of the timeless classic story about a little toy rabbit who wanted to be real. Its universal message of love and friendship will resonate with old and young while being enthralled by Sarah Massini's sensitive and evocative new illustrations paired with the original text. This sumptuous book with it's foiled cover will make the perfect gift for Christmas and something to treasure and share.

ISBN 9780857636966 HB Nosy Crow £14.99

7. .ELLA BELLA BALLERINA AND THE NUTCRACKER BY JAMES MAYHEW

CHILDRENS 4+

The perfect introduction to a festive favourite and a treasure for little prima ballerinas everywhere. This is one of a delightful series, written and illustrated enchantingly by Mayhew, that explains famous ballets through a a young dancer, Ella Bella. This time she twirls into a magical world of dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Some great ballet facts are at the end, especially useful if any kids are going to see the ballet on stage.

ISBN: 9781408314081 PB Hachette Children's Group £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHRISTMAS CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS DEC 10-11

My Christmas books and stocking fillers for this week include a determined little bear, a young penguin with attitude, a wonderful Christmas Theatre and an award winning Victorian fantasy thriller. All in my weekly chilrens book review column in The South Wales Evening Post every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy

THREADBEAR BY MICK INKPEN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Threadbear feels very sorry for himself because the squeaker in his tummy doesn't work. Frog suggests he asks Father Christmas to help and so starts a wonderful adventure about following his hopes and dreams. This classic story, accompanied by Inkpen's familiar illustrations, is full of gentle humour and sensitivity. As we follow the little bears adventure to magical places we are disarmed by his loving and bold character and determination. Full of Christmas cuteness.
ISBN 9781444924053 PB Hodder Childrens £6.99

PENGUIN PROBLEMS BY JORY JOHN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Its not easy being a penguin you know! Its freezing, you could be eaten at any moment and how can you find your mother when she looks like every other penguin? With bold adorable illustrations by Lane Smith this follows the adventures of a young penguin with serious attitude. Maybe it's time he learnt to appreciate what he has and discover that really home is where the heart is. A wintry gift for a cold night
ISBN 9781406375992 HB Walker Books £11.99

SLOT TOGETHER THEATRE BY ANNA MILBOURNE
CHILDREN 6+
A chance for children and adults to be inspired by two classic Christmas shows. Including scenes, characters and a book of clear instructions you can put together a theatre and tell the story of the Nutcracker Ballet and Shakespeare's Midsummer Nights Dream with music. Simply slot the sturdy pieces together and the step by step guide with script and cast will be perfect for budding thespians and dancers to put on some great entertainment for the family.
ISBN 9781474916172 HB Usborne £25

THE LIE TREE BY FRANCES HARDINGE
YOUNG ADULT 13+

This Victorian fantasy thriller, which won the Costa Book of the Year, is beautifully brought to life by former children’s laureate Chris Riddell and his evocative illustrations. The captivating story of Faith who, trying to solve her disgraced fathers murder, discovers the mysterious Lie Tree. It thrives only on lies and in return will reveal truths. But Faiths quest for answers leads her spiralling into untold danger from which she may not escape. Darkly menacing and captivating.

ISBN 9781509837557 HB Macmillan £12.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHRISTMAS CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW DEC 3-4TH

My Christmas books and stocking fillers for this week include a little squirrel trying to catch a snowflake, a lonely Christmas tree, a very naughty kitten and a festive romance. All in my weekly column in The South Wales Evening Post every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy

BOOK OF THE WEEK

SNOWFLAKE IN MY POCKET BY RACHEL BRIGHT
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Young Squirrel has never seen snow before and wants to share the experience with his wise old friend, Bear. When Bear becomes sick Squirrel tries to find the perfect snowflake for him. A tale of love, friendship and a reminder that the most precious things in life are transitory moments to be treasured. Gorgeous paper cut art work by Yu Rong captures the dichotomy of the wintry landscape and warm loving home. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781406371819 PB Walker Books £6.99

LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE BY JESSICA COURTNEY-TICKLE
BOARD BOOK 2+
This beautiful story about a little Christmas tree standing alone in the forest is perfect for this time of year as we all are getting ready to decorate our own. A lift-the-flap exploration of nature, children will delight in discovering all the animals that arrive as the day unfolds. Can you find the fox behind the hedge or the owl above? With sturdy pages and foiled decorations shimmering throughout this will captivate the very young.
ISBN 9781783704583 HB Big Picture Press £10.99

THE CAT WHO ATE CHRISTMAS BY LIL CHASE AND THOMAS DOCHERTY
CHILDREN 5+
This hilarious little tale will resonate with anyone who has had a kitten for Christmas. Inspired by real life experience Jingles the kitten is very naughty. He knocks over the Christmas tree, shreds the presents and then there's a very juicy turkey to tempt him. The family are so cross he runs away. Can they find him? A special section is filled with Christmas facts, jokes and activities perfect for giving as a gift.
ISBN 9781510200821 PB L B Kids £5.99

WHAT LIGHT BY JAY ASHER
YOUNG ADULT 13+
Sierra's family divide their time between Oregon and California with their Christmas Tree business. Every year for the holidays she leaves her friends behind but this time, when she meets Caleb, Sierra doesn't miss them so much. Should Sierra get so attached to him when she is leaving so soon? Is his bad reputation true? Will her family really have to sell up? A great stocking filler for romantics this Christmas that will have hearts racing.
ISBN 9781509840762 PB Macmillan £7.99

CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS BOOKS IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST NOV 26-27

This week my for my childrens book review column in The South Wales Evening Post I have picked a tale about the life of a little stray dog, a stuffed rabbit who wants to be real, a book of riddles and a chilling murder in the welsh hills. All great stocking fillers and presents for Christmas. 


BOOK OF THE WEEK

A DOG'S LIFE BY ANN M. MARTIN
CHILDRENS 9+

A heart warming tale of the life of a stray dog told from her perspective. We follow Squirrel from abandoned puppy into adulthood, her friends and foes, loves and losses, until she finds a place she can call home. Its an emotional rollercoaster and I defy anyone not to fall in love with this brave and steadfast little mutt. Perfect for dog lovers and highlights why a dog is for life not just for Christmas.

ISBN 9781474906470 PB Usborne £6.99

VELVETEEN RABBIT BY MARGERY WILLIAMS ILLUSTRATED BY SARAH MASSINI
PICTURE BOOK 3+

An enchanting new edition of the timeless classic story about a little toy rabbit who wanted to be real. Its universal message of love and friendship will resonate with old and young while being enthralled by Sarah Massini's sensitive and evocative new illustrations paired with the original text. This sumptuous book with it's foiled cover will make the perfect gift for Christmas and something to treasure and share.

ISBN 9780857636966 HB Nosy Crow £14.99

THE CURIOUS GUIDE TO THINGS THAT AREN'T BY JOHN D. FIXX & JAMES F. FIXX
CHILDRENS 7+

Thought provoking riddles about a range of things you can't see, touch or hear and yet they still exist. Can you guess what they are? There is one riddle for every letter of the alphabet so you will have enormous fun trying to figure out the engaging clues and then on to the next page to learn about the answer. Ideal for families and the class room as well as a great stocking filler.

ISBN 9781633221765 HB Walter Foster JR £8.99

MURDER IN MIDWINTER BY FLEUR HITCHCOCK
CHILDRENS 9+

When Maya becomes a witness to a violent crime she has to hide in rural Wales until the police have caught the perpetrator. Trapped in the farm in a snow storm is she still safe or has she been discovered? A nail biting crime novel for middle grade readers and an exciting introduction for this genre. This atmospheric thriller will keep you guessing to the end, perfect to curl up with on a winters night.

ISBN 9780857636386 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW NOVEMBER 19-20

This week in my childrens book review column I have picked a book of Christmas cards to make your own and great for creative kids, a picture book about a turtle in a dilemma, a mystery that only a young Sherlock Holmes can solve and an epic fantasy for fans of Harry Potter and Narnia. 

BOOK OF THE WEEK

THE COLOURING BOOK OF CARDS AND ENVELOPES: CHRISTMAS BY REBECCA JONES
CHILDRENS 7+
One of a great colouring and craft book series in association with The National Trust. The twenty four Christmas cards, envelopes and stickers are decorated with festive scenes including snowmen and robins ready for you to personalise with your own colours. There is also a companion book of Christmas gift boxes, including three recipes for ginger bread, peppermints and truffles that you can make and fill when assembled. Perfect holiday fun for the whole family.
ISBN9780857637260 PB Nosy Crow £9.99

WE FOUND A HAT BY JON KLASSEN
PICTURE BOOK 3+
Two turtles find a hat in the desert. It looks good on both of them but which one should have it? A finely observed tale of friendship, sharing and generosity of spirit. Their shifting eyes say so much with so little you really feel the turtles emotions as one fights his need for the hat. A visual comedy in three parts will amuse with its deadpan humour. Really heart warming finale to the acclaimed hat trilogy. Quietly profound and very special.
ISBN 9781406347517 HB Walker Books £12.99

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE DISAPPEARING DIAMOND BY SAM HEARN
CHILDREN 7+
The first of the Baker Street Academy series this is perfect for Sherlock fans. Young Watson has arrived at a new school and is befriended by Martha Hudson and a certain Sherlock Holmes. When an infamous diamond goes missing on a school trip it's up to them to solve the crime. Or will bully Moriarty try to scupper their investigation? Told through cartoon strips, blog entries and detective notes this will have every super sleuth hooked and on the case!
ISBN 9781407161846 HB Scholastic £8.99

THE KINGS REVENGE BY PHILIP WOMACK
CHILDRENS 11+
The epic conclusion to The Darkening Path trilogy. Friends Simon and Flora must face one final challenge in the land of the Broken King. Failure means losing their siblings forever and never returning home. With shades of Greek myth, Arthurian legend and Grimms fairtyales this classic fantasy adventure with its myriad of colourful and magical characters will cast a spell over you. For fans of Harry Potter and C.S Lewis and appealing to boys and girls.
ISBN 9781909991309 PB Troika Books £6.99

CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR REMEMBRANCE IN THE SOUTH WALES EVENING POST

A selection of childrens books for Remembrance reviewed for The South Wales Evening Post. Including the World War I bear who inspired Winnie the Pooh, a Narnian adventure set against World War II, the true story of the First World War's Footballs Battalion and a picture book explaining the concept of war and peace to the very young,

This review can be found in the weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post Nov 12-13th

BOOK OF THE WEEK

FINDING WINNIE BY LINDSAY MATTICK
PICTURE BOOK 4+
The real life story and inspiration of Winnie the Pooh. When soldier and vet Harry finds a real bear cub at a station in 1914 he decides to keep her and takes her to war where she becomes a much loved mascot. This delightful story, charmingly illustrated by Sophie Blackall, describes their wonderful relationship and later how Christopher Robin met Winnie in London Zoo. It is made especially poignant with photos of the 'real Winnie' at the end.
ISBN 9781408340240 PB Orchard Books £5.99

GREEN LIZARDS VS RED RECTANGLES BY STEVE ANTONY
PICTURE BOOK 4+
An accessible way to explain to children about war and peace. Green lizards disagree with the red rectangles which escalates, through lack of communication, into a terrible and long fight. The strong colourful visuals cleverly symbolise the power struggles between both sides until they call a truce when someone questions their actions. It shows the futility of war and how it is better to talk however different the opposite sides are. An excellent book for class discussion.
ISBN 9781444920116 PB Hodder Childrens £6.99

THE SECRET HORSES OF BRIAR HILL BY MEGAN SHEPHERD
CHILDRENS 8+
When Emmaline, alone and traumatised, is evacuated to a countryside hospital during World War II she discovers a secret. There are winged horses living beyond the mirrors and only she can protect them. Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis's Narnia and Michael Morpurgo books it explores friendship, love and loss. Wonderfully illustrated by Levi Pinfold his atmospheric paintings of horses and war time life will captivate history, art and animal lovers alike and make a wonderful gift.
ISBN 9781406367584 HB Walker Books £12.99

OVER THE LINE BY TOM PALMER
CHILDRENS 9+
Jack is about to live his dream as a pro footballer but its 1914 and soon is heading to the front line. This movingly true story of the Footballers Battalion paints a vivid picture of life in the trenches including the filth, the rats and loss. It also tells of courage, friendship and honor. A gripping read for those interested in history and football as well as reluctant readers. There are also teacher resources for class discussion to accompany.
ISBN 9781781125861 PB Barrington Stoke £6.99



ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER OR IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS ONLINE CLICK THE TITLE TO GO TO WWW.HIVE.CO.UK

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEW COLUMN NOV 5TH-6TH

 My picks for my childrens book review column this week include a snow bound fable of love, a treasury of animals, a compendium of fascinating worldly facts and a deliciously naughty chocolate plot. My review is in the Weekend section of The South Wales Evening Post. Enjoy!

ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER OR IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS ONLINE CLICK THE TITLE TO GO TO WWW.HIVE.CO.UK

BOOK OF THE WEEK

RAVEN CHILD AND THE SNOW WITCH BY LINDA SUNDERLAND
PICTURE BOOK 4+
A fairytale of a close knit family who live in the shadow of an icy glacier, home of the Snow Witch. When Anya's mother is stolen by the Witch she must make the treacherous journey to save her with the help from an injured raven and an Arctic fox. Dramatic and striking artwork by talented artist Daniel Egneus captures the poignant and magical story of a determined child who will do anything to keep her family together. Enchanting.
ISBN 9781783704194 PB Templar Publishing £7.99

A FIRST BOOK OF ANIMALS BY NICOLA DAVIES AND PETRA HORACEK
PICTURE BOOK 3+
A celebration of the amazing and enormous variety in the animal kingdom. This sumptuous volume brings to life its true wonders through the lyrical text of Nicola Davies and atmospheric illustrations of Petra Horacek. From the whale shark to the tiny hummingbird, the speeding cheetah to the languorous sloth this is an absolute delight for little animal lovers. A book to treasure and inspire a new generation to hopefully protect and conserve these amazing creatures.
ISBN 9781406359633 HB Walker Books £14.99

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN DEEPEST OCEAN BY PAGE TSOU
CHILDRENS BOOK 6+
A visual feast of a compendium that will open your eyes to the extraordinary world we live in. Do you know which is the longest living animal? The oldest tree? The biggest storm? Discover all the answers in this fascinating large format book of visual comparisons with beautifully detailed illustrations that have a vintage and contemporary flavour. For fans of Animalium, Maps and future David Attenboroughs! Indulge your curiosity.
ISBN 9781783704842 HB Big Picture Press £14.99

THE GREAT CHOCOPLOT BY CHRIS CALLAGHAN
CHILDRENS 8+
The chocopocalypse has arrived and soon there will be no chocolate in the world! Following a trail of clues will Jelly and her Gran uncover a fiendish plot that could deprive the nation of their favourite treat and avert disaster? Or will the villain, Garibaldi leave them with a bitter taste in the mouth? This wonderful Roald Dahlian adventure presents an assortment box of hilarious and eccentric characters that will be devoured by little chocolate lovers everywhere.
ISBN 9781910002513 PB Chicken House £6.99


ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSELLER OR IF YOU WISH TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS ONLINE ALSO GO TO WWW.HIVE.CO.UK