Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Stepfather Christmas
Harper, Will and mum have always managed on their own, with mum going as ‘full-on for Christmas as her budget will allow’. So when mum announces that this year her boyfriend, Nick, will be joining them, it’s a bit of a shock. He seems nice, but Harper can’t help noticing that Christmassy things happen whenever he’s around. Convinced he’s actually Father Christmas, she is determined to uncover the truth…
Subtitled ‘A Festive Countdown in 25 Chapters’, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a wonderfully charming and humorous festive treat, perfect for sharing a chapter a night in the run up to Christmas Day. The idea of a family read each day of Advent is a joy - when my son was little, we used to read a festive picture book each day- and a lovely way to bring everyone together. The chapters are the perfect length and the characters are wonderfully engaging.
Jovial and kindly, Nick works with the reindeer at the petting zoo, makes the perfect hot chocolate and seems to receive an awful lot of post. As the clues mount up. Harper becomes increasingly suspicious that he is indeed Father Christmas in spite of Will’s scepticism when she tries to discuss it with him. Her doubts and anxieties about Nick becoming part of their tight-knit little family will resonate with many children in a similar situation whilst the mystery about his identity brings plenty of festive fun!
Whether read day-by-day or consumed in one sitting, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a delightful, thoroughly engaging read!
Stepfather Christmas L P Lapinski
Orion ISBN: 978-1510112698
‘Tis the Season
As a huge fan of both poetry and advent calendars, this book is just perfect for me! ‘‘Tis the Season’ is a genius idea, combing the excitement of the festive countdown with the gift of poetry and all in the most beautifully designed and constructed book.
Untying a red ribbon allows the reader to explore the gorgeous illustrations which accompany each poem. These have been carefully chosen to offer a wonderful mix of festive and seasonal gems, each the perfect length to hold interest whilst opening the flap to reveal the advent treat! Once opened on the first of December, the book can either be closed and re-tied each day or left open, standing in a magical fold-out freeze, tempting the reader with the joys yet to come.
What better gift to give than the joy of poetry and art? This is sure to become a family tradition, creating a shared experience as the poems become like familiar friends. They are also bound to introduce families to other poems by the same poets as enjoyment of one verse will always lead to more. Although this is aimed at children, ‘‘Tis the Season’ can also be enjoyed by anyone at any age!
‘Tis the Season Richard Jones
Nosy Crow with the National Trust ISBN: 978-1839946868
