Author Sarah Webb has book recommendations for children of all ages just in time for Christmas.
1/ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by PJ Lynch (Walker Books)
2/ Maybe by Chris Haughton (Walker Books)
Set in a fiery red and purple jungle, Maybe is the story of three little monkeys who are told to beware of the tigers in the mango field but are determined to go there regardless. Age 2+.
3/ A Hug for You by David King, illustrated by Rhiannon Archard (Penguin Sandycove)
A hug in a book! King’s carefully written text and Archard’s illustrations combine to produce a very special book indeed. Age 4+
4/ There’s a Ghost in This House by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins)
A girl invites the reader inside her house and asks them to help her find ghosts. In this outstanding picturebook Jeffers uses translucent paper to make ghosts appear and disappear, great fun and fiendishly clever! Age 5+
5/ Rescuing Titanic by Flora Delargy (Wide Eyed Editions)
This lushly illustrated story of the ‘quiet bravery’ of the Carpathia, the small ship that rescued over seven hundred Titanic passengers, is beautifully written and a feast for the eyes. Age 7+
6/ A Field Guide to Leaflings, Guardians of the Trees by Owen Churcher and illustrated by Niamh Sharkey (Templar Books)
A deliciously illustrated guide to trees, as told by their little guardians, the ‘Leaflings’. With tiny books and lots of flaps to lift, it’s a real winner! Age 5+
7/ Rabbit and Bear: A Bad King is a Sad Thing by Julian Gough, illustrated by Jim Field (Hodder Children’s Books)
Rabbit chases off Wolf, who is trying to eat him. But little does Rabbit know there’s an even greater threat on the way and he’ll need Wolf’s help. The writing is full of depth and wisdom, and the illustrations are sublime. Age 6+
8/ Tabitha Plimtock and the Edge of the World by Erika McGann, illustrated by Philip Cullen (The O’Brien Press)
Tabitha is kind, brave and clever, but her family only see her as their Cinderella-like servant. Her community’s way of life is under threat from strange creatures who live at the bottom of the cliff and it’s up to Tabitha to save everyone. Written with confidence and huge imagination. Age 9+
9/ Mr Spicebag by Freddie Alexander, illustrated by Helen O’Higgins (HarperCollins)
A cracking fantasy adventure novel featuring George, a ten-year-old boy who has a magical talent for putting spices together to create new spells. When George is forced to work for the owner of the local chipper, the creepy Mr Spicebag, he gets caught up in a plot to take over the world. Funny and inventive, this is a sparky, confident debut. Age 9+.
10/ The Summer I Robbed a Bank by David O’Doherty, illustrated by Chris Judge (Puffin)
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