School librarian and regular Chic Little List contributor, Ruth Horsman, selects five wonderful wintry reads that make the perfect Christmas gift or stocking filler for kids age eight to 12. Don’t do you Christmas shopping without a quick read.
The Way Past Winter by
Kiran Millwood Hargrave
She's done it again! One of THE best young authors around at the moment and only on her third publication, The Way Past Winter is a magical Nordic treat of a book. Three sisters on a mission to rescue their brother, who mysteriously vanishes overnight, this book is very reminiscent of scandi folklore and is a fabulous adventure with some wonderful (and genuinely terrifying) characters throughout. More for the 10-12 age range, although I have recommended to some adults too.
Harry Potter: A Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts by
Matthew Reinhart
A 3D masterpiece celebrating Harry Potter's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from New York Times best-selling pop-up engineer Matthew Reinhart. I don't think you can ever be too old to enjoy an intricate pop-up book like this, I could spend hours looking at it. Definitely one for the Potter-head in your life - the detail is incredible. Age? Any. Although you'll want to look after this one so maybe not for the younger children.
A Girl Called Owl by
Amy Wilson
Thirteen-year old Owl has never met her father, and her mum is very mysterious when she asks about him. When Owl discovers strange frost patterns on her skin, she decides it's time to find out who he is. A strong female lead character who struggles with identity, friendships and an absent father - this is another book that borrows from old folklore and fairytales, bringing it to a modern setting. Again probably more towards the older age, so I'd say 10-12.
A Boy Called Christmas by
Matt Haig
An original take on the Father Christmas story, the tale of Father Christmas as a boy, and how he came to be the big guy himself. A good book to pack away with your decorations and read a chapter or two every night in the run up to Christmas. Like a lot of Matt Haig's books, this story handles bad times and sad times, mixing it up with lots of heartwarming humour. If you want a book that will give you that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling, this is it. Best for ages eight to 12 (although I will definitely be reading this to my seven year-old this Christmas)
There's A Yeti In The Playground by
Pamela Butchart
The latest from this wonderful author who wrote Attack of The Demon Dinner Ladies (a very popular book in our school). Laugh out loud fun, this tale follows Izzy and her friends who are excited when it snows at school as it means going home early. But then they hear strange noises coming from the playground and find a large, yeti-sized footprint in the snow. Funny, fast-paced and a little bit bonkers, like all Pamela Butchart books (and we love her for it). Great for ages eight to 12.