My Christmas Top Pick of Childrens Books for Early Readers for 2016

My Top Selection of Books perfect for Christmas for early readers

LITTLE GREY RABBIT'S CHRISTMAS BY ALISON UTTLEY
CHILDRENS 6+
First published in 1929 this new edition will continue to capture the hearts of children. The woodland animals are preparing for Christmas but when a special gift is lost in the snow can they find it? Magical illustrations by Margaret Tempest will delight anyone who's a fan of Beatrix Potter bringing to life the charming festive story. A talking snowball, tobogganing by moonlight and a magical Christmas tree makes a perfect bedtime story for the holidays.

ISBN 9781783706723 HB Templar Publishing £5.99

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

DAVE PIGEON BY SWAPNA HADDOW
CHILDRENS 5+
Dave and his sidekick Skipper are two pigeons on a quest to defeat the most evil cat in town. Told in first person and punctured with hilarious cartoon like illustrations from the talented Sheena Dempsey the two squabbling birds tell the story of their adventures making it perfect for early readers. Children will love these two irreverent heroes but who will win Mean Cat or Dave Pigeon? You will have to learn Pigeonese to find out!
ISBN: 9780571323302 PB Faber & Faber £5.99

COLIN THE CART HORSE BY GAVIN PUCKETT
CHILDRENS 5+
An hilarious rhyming tale about a cart horse who's bored with his usual hay so decides to try out the other farm animals food with some rather explosive results! At first the farmer is delighted with Colin's 'super manure' but when it becomes rather toxic the army have to step in. Wonderful for reading out loud with funny illustrations that will have kids and adults roaring with laughter. A sure fire hit from this talented Welsh author.
ISBN 9780571315437 PB Faber & Faber £6.99

SOPHIE'S SQUEAKY SURPRISE BY HOLLY WEBB 
CHILDRENS 6+

This book is a little bundle of cuteness that deals with bigger issues. Sophie has moved to Paris and is being bullied in her new school. Then she meets Josephine, a new friend who happens to be a macaroon loving, tutu wearing guinea pig who lives under the Sacre Coeur!! A delightful adventure with characterful illustrations by Clare Elsom that will warm your heart. Perfect for beginner readers while exploring themes of moving house and making new friends.

ISBN 9781407154329 PB Scholastic £4.99

A PIGLET CALLED TRUFFLE BY HELEN PETERS
CHILDREN 6+
Jasmine secretly saves an unloved piglet from death but their growing bond is put under pressure when Truffle is discovered and her future questioned as a suitable pet. A terrible storm allows Truffle to return the favour and maybe even save her own bacon! Accompanied by the charming illustrations of Swansea born illustrator Ellie Snowdon this warm and authentic story about life on the farm has huge appeal for Dick King-Smith fans and animal lovers alike. 
ISBN 9780857637734 PB Nosy Crow £6.99

CAPTAIN PUG BY LAURA JAMES
CHILDRENS 5+

Adventures of a pug trying to be brave and find his owner, Lady Miranda. Deciding the best way is to become a Captain of a ship he boards many different vessels while trying to overcome his fear of water and indulging in his passion for jam tarts!! A delightful sea faring adventure series for young readers that is charming, funny and a stand-out debut. Perfect for fans of Claude and Squishy McFluff

ISBN: 9781408866368 PB Bloomsbury Publishing £5.99

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