Christmas Bookstore

There are glimpses of what Santa gets up to in this selection as well as how some people deal with loss, adversity or just make the best of whatever they are given. Great ideas for presents to give yourself or others! Debbie

Emily Brown and Father Christmas
Cressida Cowell & Neal Layton (Hodder Hb)

Emily and her rabbit, Stanley, were surprised to be interrupted on Christmas Eve by a cry for help. Even more surprising was the discovery of Father Christmas dangling from the roof by a rope, despite using the latest climbing equipment. She managed to cleverly rescue him, quietly suggesting he might try dropping magically down the chimney, and went back to bed. Another call for help found him stuck on her roof as his turbo- whatsit and jet-thingummy sleigh had broken down. This time Emily saved the day by showing him some flying reindeer, but his troubles were not over. What could it take to persuade him he didn’t need to be modern? It all left him feeling unwell and Emily and Stanley had to make sure the children of the world were not let down — using old fashioned magic! This is a very funny picture book with cute illustrations adding to the story.

All Aboard the Voyage of Discovery
Emily Hawkins & Tom Adams (Wide Eyed Hb,)

A fascinating way of revealing the truth behind great historical inventions that have developed and improved our ways of communicating. It is 1927 and as you travel on the ‘Voyage of Discovery’ ship you will stop at different places and periods of time where an important invention started. The ship’s projectionist has planned a movie event, but has lost rolls of film. He needs your help to find them and has left clues  at each stop. Look at each scene, full of graphic details, lift the flaps to help the crew decipher the clues and unravel the mystery. From Ancient Egypt and hieroglyphs, it is amazing how our ability to communicate has developed. This book is a fun, interactive way of discovering how it happened.

Magical Myths and Legends
Chosen by Michael Morpurgo (Oxford Hb)

This beautifully presented book, full of colourful illustrations and large print is the perfect introduction to some well known heroes, ancient gods and beasts from around the world such as Robin Hood, King Arthur, Hercules, Thor and Icarus. See how Mulan defied tradition and dressed as a boy to fight in the Emperor’s army; how Icarus disastrously ignored his father’s advice; the clever trick that caused the Giants Causeway in Ireland; how Sir Gawain learnt a valuable lesson in pursuit of the Green Knight and many more short stories, all entertaining and simply told.

Winnie and Wilbur: The Santa Surprise
Laura Owen/ Korky Paul (Oxford)

While writing her letter to Santa, Winnie starts to wonder who gives him presents. Unable to think of anyone she decides it is up to her and Wilbur. Enlisting the help of local school children and the school secretary for ideas, they soon have lots of presents for Santa, but how to get them to him? Using all her ingenuity and a touch of magic, Winnie, Wilbur and a homesick polar bear (don’t ask!) set off in a flying train for the Pole. What could possibly go wrong? Well, knowing Winnie and the chaos that usually surrounds her, quite a lot! See what occurs in this latest hilarious, reckless adventure with my favourite well meaning, nutty witch. Large print and colourful, lively pictures on every page make this perfect for beginner readers, but great for all abilities.

Santa’s Wonderful Workshop | STAR READ!!!
Elys Dolan (Oxford)

When Santa learns next year will be the busiest yet he knows he has to make early preparations. Luckily February sees the arrival of some old friends from the South Pole to help, although the elves say they are making more trouble than toys. So Barry is put in charge of the penguins and Santa takes time off to join the reindeer’s dance troop. This leaves the elves to try some new creations which leave Santa less than enthusiastic. Problems continue throughout the year such as the break down of the Present-O-Matic, then the heating leaving everyone with ‘flu and many helpers are arrested in October. Despite all this, everything is ready for the big night — or is it? You will have to read this hilarious, madcap picture book to find out. The written story is lots of fun, with loads of interesting characters including mischievous penguins, tutu wearing reindeers and a less than responsible Santa. To add to that each double page shows a scene full of different activities providing lots to discuss and making you want to keep returning to it to find out more.

Lavinia and the Magic Ring
Bianca Pitzorno (Catnip)

Poor Lavinia, cold and hungry, trying to make a living on the streets selling matches but being abused or ignored. Awoken at midnight from a foody dream by a beautiful lady who asked for a light, Lavinia lit a match for her even without being paid. The woman turned out to be a fairy who wanted to repay Lavinia’s kindness with a magic ring. Her excitement dwindled when told the ring didn’t grant wishes, just turned things into poo! What good was that? The fairy told her it would be very useful if she used her intelligence, and, with thought, that’s just what she did, completely changing her life. However she took things too far. See how she used her powers and how it led to a possible disaster in this thought provoking story full of funny moments with some serious undertones. Medium length novel with fair size print and some pictures.

The Button War
AVI (Walker)

1914 in a Polish village a small group of boys are constantly daring each other. Small things at first, until Jurek, an overbearing member who wants to take control, dares them to obtain buttons from soldier’s uniforms - the one who gets the best will be I charge. They start with Russian soldiers living in barracks nearby, but as they leave, other nationalities come bringing the war to the village, Jurek escalates the dare. It stops being fun and turns very dangerous. The others want to stop but Jurek won’t and they are afraid of the consequences if he wins - justifyingly as it turns out. Written in the words of one boy, the terrible effects of war on innocents is vividly painted whilst showing danger doesn’t only come from expected sources. Powerfully written, there are places when you almost can’t bear to read on, not sure you want to know what happens next, but sure you need to. It is an emotional, thought provoking ride with plenty of poignant moments that will keep you gripped to the end. Medium length novel for older readers - not for the squeamish.

The Girl, the Cat and the Navigator
Matilda Woods (Scholastic)

Expecting a son after six daughters, Oona’s arrival is a big disappointment to her father. Largely ignored by the rest of her family, Oona dreams of going to sea with her father, but like most things this is only open to boys. Going to school was another boys only occupation, but Oona found a way to sneak in and learn to read and educate herself. After a prediction of an early hard winter, Oona’s dad is about to set sail to the north to hunt whales while her mother takes her daughters south to find husbands. Unable to contemplate this, Oona stows on board her father’s ship coming out when it is too late to be taken back. At first she is treated badly by all except Haroyld, the navigator, until an act of bravery is appreciated by her father and it seems her greatest wish has come true. It is funny how circumstances can change what you think you most desire and Oona has to decide what is really important to her. This is an exciting story, full of adventure that makes you question people’s pre-conceived ideas.

Skycircus
Peter Bunzl (Usborne)

Sad that her father thinks a business party is more important than her birthday, Lily can’t resist an intriguing invitation to a Skycircus show. Her enjoyment of the acts, especially to see other hybrids perform, is short lived when it becomes obvious this is a trap and she, Robert and Malkin are kidnapped by an old foe. Seeing how badly all the performers are treated by the horrible owners, the friends wonder what they plan for Lily and are horrified when it is clear her life is in danger. They need to escape, but it is a race against time and they will need all the help they can get, but will they be able to get the performers, both hybrid and human, onside? This latest Cogheart Adventure is another exciting read, full of gripping twists and turns. You don’t have to have read the others to enjoy this one. It might make you think about how you look at others, especially those who are different in some way. Full length novel.