Book Recommendations

This half term's book recommendations are winter themed or linked to Christmas.

For many more reading recommendations by age and interest take a look at this website https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/browse-by-age You can also sign up for a monthly newsletter which is packed with the latest releases to spark an interest in reading for your child with you at home.

Perfect for KS2

Swanfall

By Sophie Kirtley

Pip lives with Mum in their isolated cottage on the wetlands. Pip struggles to feel like he fits in at school. But at home, amongst nature, he truly feels he can be himself.

Just like every winter, Pip is waiting for the swanfall - when the flock of majestic Arctic swans return from Siberia on their annual migration. He knows every swan by their unique markings, and he loves to help Mum record the flock as they soar, shining through the sky, to their home. But this December, Pip's favourite three swans haven't appeared. Instead, Pip notices strange footprints in the snow, whispers on the wind and the sense that someone is watching him.

Something mysterious is afoot, and the adventure to discover the truth leads Pip to follow clues to an ancient curse that he had always believed was simply a fairytale …

Ideal for EYFS and KS1

A Winter's Morning

by Angélique Leone (Author) and Grégoire Solotareff (Illustrator)

In the heart of a quiet, snow-covered forest, a lone wolf named Sylvester finds solace in the stillness of winter. But his world of solitude is forever changed when he discovers a small, forgotten teddy bear beneath an ancient oak tree. As Sylvester brings the bear, whom he names Poppy, into his home, an unexpected bond forms between the two. Through shared adventures and quiet moments of companionship, they bring warmth and joy to each other's lives.

This enchanting picture book is a must-have for children's bookshelves, perfect for cosying up with on chilly nights.

A Joy for Younger Readers

Fox and Owl's Winter Adventure

By Jackie Lui

In a gentle tale set against a snowy woodland backdrop, Ember the fox and her friend Flint the owl explore the excitement and beauty that winter brings. As they journey through the trees, young readers are introduced to winter wildlife, nature's rhythms and the quiet joys of friendship and kindness. At the end of the book, a non-fiction section offers fun facts and simple eco-friendly crafts.

For animal lovers in LKs2...

The Very Last Christmas Present

By Adam Baron

Join one small pup on a VERY big Christmas adventure!

Father Christmas has a problem. He's back from his fast-track journey around the world on Christmas Eve but he's forgotten to deliver one of the presents…! The reindeers are exhausted - they won't be able to make the return journey. There's only one option: Father Christmas's loyal - but very junior - dog, Kado. Can Kado help Father Christmas deliver the very last present?

So begins a magical journey as one young Labrador takes flight on a makeshift bicycle sleigh - through continents and past polar bears, into oceans and over African plains - to find the present's rightful recipient.

Along the way, he'll discover the beauty and fragility of the natural world and be faced with the BIGGEST surprise of all when he finally finds out what's inside the Very Last Christmas Present…

For Little ones that love a rhyming story...

How To Grow A Reindeer

by Rachel Morrisroe

The Parlour is always a place bursting with cheer, never more so than at Christmas, so when a stressed Santa arrives Mr Pottifer and his friend Sarah are ready to help.

The problem is Santa’s reindeer, who’ve all got Antler Flu. Who will pull his sleigh? The answer is, of course, to grow some more reindeer from seeds: meet Snooze, Fizzy, Dazzle, Dizzy, Pudding, Storm, Spruce and tiny Bruce.

The new reindeer are full of enthusiasm but somewhat unruly, which is why Santa ends up in the mermaid lagoon, his sleigh a write-off. Once again, it’s Sarah to the rescue, but she has some special help from littlest reindeer Bruce.

FOR fans of 'Frozen' or 'the lion, the witch and the wardrobe'...

Snow

By Meera Trehan

Every day, a lonely princess digs through the snow in search of a way to undo the terrible wish she made - one that has left her with an empty kingdom. But one day, a mysterious girl named Ela tumbles through the kingdom's protective mist barrier. The princess is determined to bring Ela to her father, the king, as proof that her wish can be undone. Meanwhile, Ela is shocked to discover she's stumbled upon the very Snow Princess whose picture graces the cover of the locked book that Ela's mom won't let her read.

Can these two brave girls from different worlds come together to set things right? This magical fairy-tale adventure of courage and belonging is the perfect book to curl up with on winter nights.

FOR a FUTURISTIC Christmas story...

Sprouts

By Sibéal Pounder

In the year 4024, Christmas is everywhere. Santa Claus rules the world and the Big Day happens EVERY DAY! There are holographic elves to grant your wishes, travel is by flying sleigh, and all food is served as candy canes, in any flavour you can imagine!

Not everyone gets to celebrate 24/7 though. Gryla Garland is a witch banished to the Mince Pie Isles, where Christmas comes but once a year. All she's ever wished for is to join the festive world.

But when Santa's daughter, Merrilee Claus, comes crashing into her life, Gryla realises Christmas every day might not be such a good thing after all. With the real magic of Christmas long forgotten, it's up to Gryla, Merrilee and a lot of sprouts, to bring the magic back …

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