How can it be that we are here, 24th December already? It’s flown by so quickly and I do hope you’ve enjoyed the books I picked out for this different take on the advent calendar and perhaps you even went out and bought some of them? I know I did. All that can be left to say is have a very merry Christmas full of love and happiness and I hope you and those around you can be full of joy, be safe and happy. Merry reading, everyone. I will be back in the new year and for now I leave you with this beautiful edition.

The Night Before Christmas, illustrated byEric Puybaret is a beautiful edition and ever so magical. There’s something haunting and silent about the illustrations; they speak for themselves. The colours are vivid and otherworldly. I can’t imagine a better place to read this than in the living room, with only the soft twinkle of the christmas tree light and a log fire (if you’re lucky). The book also features a three song CD by Peter, Paul and Mary. Such a treat! Merry Christmas everyone.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Clement C. Moore, Illustrated by Eric Puybaret

9780230750296

£6.99 PB

Macmillan Children’s Books

If you (or your kids) have ever wondered how Santa gets all those presents delivered and how he makes all of them and what his house in the North Pole is really like, this is the definitive book.

It’s a pop-up book and the pop-up designs are so detailed and intricate, they’re 360degrees pop up so anywhere you look there’s something to be found. From the cookies cutters in the kitchen to the hammer in the elves workshop, the attention to detail is amazing and the book if full of amazing facts. This is sure to keep the kids amused if they’re tired of watching DVD’s. Such fun. The author’s name is Alan Snow, do you think that’s real?

I do love a good pop-up book. Even if I’ve got the original plain book edition, if the pop-ups are worthy, I will buy that too!

HOW SANTA REALLY WORKS

Alan Snow

9781847389329

£12.99 HB Pop-up

Simon & Schuster Children’s Books

It’s not quite the night before Christmas, but I have another version of that book to share on Christmas eve! This edition, published by Usborne is a sound book for little ones.

Follow the story of Santa as he makes his Christmas Eve journey. When the illustration next to the text matches the sound button illustration, press the button to hear the noise which accompanies the story.

Usborne do lots of these sound story books and they’re such fun and a great interactive way for kids to learn. A lovely book for the kids to read on Christmas Eve as the excitement builds. I think my favourite noise is Santa coming down the chimney, it’s all very dramatic and sounds like he takes a tumble.

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Clement C. Moore, Illustrated by John Joven

9781409532859

£12.99 HB

Usborne.

www.usborne.com

Now is the time for the really festive books and so here is my favourite book of all time, A Christmas Carol. It brings me joy, happiness and a reminder of how lucky I am and how grateful I should be.

There are countless editions of A Christmas Carol and wouldn’t I love to own them all, but for now my favourite edition is illustrated by Quentin Blake. It’s a beautiful, vintage looking hardback book full of jolly and at times, scary illustrations as we follow Scrooge on his journey of goodwill.

I think everyone should read this once a year. We get caught up in life so easily and understandably so but sometimes it’s so important to stop and take stock and look after ourselves and those around us (including Tiny Tim).

A Christmas Carol is very close to my heart. It’s a book of redemption and love and I love Charles Dickens for bringing it into our lives and very much changing the way we celebrate and look at Christmas.

If you’re lacking in Christmas spirit, then get a copy of this book. If that doesn’t work then …

“Expect the first ghost when the bell tolls one…”

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Charles Dickens, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

9781843651215

£12.99 HB

Anova Books

The High Street is a charming hardback picture book which takes the reader on a fantastic lift-the-flap journey of all the shops on the high street.

The little girl who takes us on the trip; Sally, has a list of ten things which she needs to buy. She goes everywhere from the pet shop to the tea shop and takes us on a trip down memory lane when there was a butcher and greengrocer on every high street. The lift-the-flap element of the book really gets the reader involved and they lift the flap to see inside the shop and look at what lovely little Sally is buying. Will she get everything on her list?

This really is very much a visual book, with each page so vividly detailed, it’s a joy to look through. If I could liken Alice Melvin’s illustrations to anyone in the current market it would be Emma Chichester-Clark but she really is so unique and I think that’s what the Booktrust loved about her when she was awarded The Booktrust Best New Illustrator Award.

So if you want an unique picture book that’s something a bit more traditional and every bit as beautiful, this is it.

THE HIGH STREET

Alice Melvin

Tate Publishing

9781854379436

£9.99 HB

Shirley Hughes is one of our most-loved and sacred children’s picture book writers. No one else, to this day has retained that classic sense of storytelling which Shirley achieved in her illustrations and charming stories of very normal, very likeable and fragile characters. Think Lucy and Tom, Alfie and Annie Rose and now we spend Christmas with Bronwen and Dylan.

When Bronwen and Dylan hear ghostly sounds on a cold Christmas Eve night, they hurry next door into the welcoming arms of their neighbour Mrs O’Riley and together they learn to face their fears and discover all is not what it seems.

Set in 1930′s Liverpool, we could be painted with a cold, dreary picture. Instead, Hughes’s story, brings to life the magic of this time of year and the warmth and kindness of her characters remind us that we don’t always need the gluttony and glamour modern day Christmas may bring. Beautiful, just beautiful.

May Shirley Hughes never go out of print, and never fall out of a child’s hands!

THE CHRISTMAS EVE GHOST

Shirley Hughes

9781406331074

£7.99 HB

Walker Books

A Christmas book for the little ones today. A lovely, beautifully illustrated collection of five short Christmas stories for ages 3-5.

There’s a tale for each of the themes of friendship, appreciation, giving, sharing and love and features lovely woodland creatures who can’t help but warm your heart. Each page is loving full of colour illustrations and glitter which will just add to the magic of Christmas when this is being read.

THE USBORNE BOOK OF LITTLE STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS

Sam Taplin

9781409535218

£9.99 HB

Usborne

www.usborne.com

With the kids all finished for Christmas (lucky them) now is the perfect time to get in the kitchen, roll up those sleeves and start on your Christmas baking. And who shows them how better than Usborne?

Christmas Cooking is part of the Usborne Activties series and features lots of recipes; sweet and savoury to get you in the festive spirit. From crinkly Christmas pies to iced gingerbread hearts, this book has it all. It features step-by-step illustrated and photographed instructions on how to get the best result. If anything is considered too difficult or dangerous for a child to do, then in lets you know parents should help at that stage…brilliant.

I’ve tried my hand at the gingerbread biscuits and they came out beautifully. They were meant to be added to the decorations on my tree but not all of them made it…nom nom nom.

A fantastic activity cookbook to fill up those hours inbetwen The Polar Express and The Muppet Christmas Carol!

CHRISTMAS COOKING

Rebecca Gilpin & Catherine Atkinson

9781409509448

£4.99 PB

Usborne

www.usborne.com

This is a beautiful book, one I absolutely, have to, definitely, must own. ‘A Sky Full of Kindness’ tells the story of two birds who are about to become parents. Told through stunning paper cut shapes against contrasting black and white ; this truly is a masterpiece. Rob Ryan has treated us before with his beautiful artwork but this story is somehow more poignant, more touching (if that is at all possible).

As one review pointed out, the contrast of the black and white paper-cut shapes allude to the uncertainty and changing feelings towards first time parenthood. It’s appropriate, delicate and moving. Simply, stunning. This would appeal to those looking to share with their children about having another child or just those who want to delight in the pictures with their child, or simply for us adults who want to own another individually, beautiful book.

This is a very special picture book. It stands out from the norm and belongs with the fairytale and gift book. For starters, it’s a hardback and would truly make a lovely, individual gift for somebody who loves picture books. The thing about this book is it will appeal to children but like Lane Smith’s ‘It’s a Book’ it has a little adult humour and the illustrative design will appeal to budding artists.

‘I want my hat back’ is all about the bear who has lost his favourite red hat. For every person he comes across on his walk, he asks if they’ve seen his hat but nobody has and none of them are exactly helpful! Until he comes across one pesky animal wearing something very familiar. This book will make you laugh and definitely appreciate the notion of ‘less is more’. Beautiful

I WANT MY HAT BACK

Jon Klassen

9781406336832

£11.99 HB

Walker Books