Wednesday 2 December 2020

Children's books gift guide - gifts for young readers

AD / GIFTED

One Hundred Steps: The Story of Captain Sir Tom Moore. 

One Hundred Steps: The Story of Captain Sir Tom Moore (RRP £12.99) is a hardback, audio and ebook published by Puffin. Written by Captain Tom Moore and beautifully illustrated by Adam Larkum it is a wonderful book for young readers. 

It tells the inspirational story of the man who walked 100 laps of his garden during the pandemic and captured the heart of a nation in unprecedented times.  

 

One Hundred Steps is a heart-warming story about adventure, helping people, family and never giving up, exemplified by Captain Tom as he takes us on a journey through key moments in his incredible life! From his early childhood spent roaming the Yorkshire Moors, through to his service in World War Two, his huge Guinness World Record breaking achievement of raising the largest sum ever for an individual charity walk (over £39 million) and his subsequent Knighthood.  

Captain Sir Tom said:

“When I was doing my walk, I had so many wonderful messages from young children telling me to keep going and doing their own challenges. They inspired me. The first step is always the hardest, but unless you take that first step, you’ll never finish. I hope that children love this book. I hope grandparents read it to them. I hope parents share the message with their children. With the future in their hands, tomorrow will be a good day.”

 

Full of positive messages, it’s the perfect story for parents and grandparents to give children hope this Christmas and also a lovely keepsake item to cherish to mark these extraordinary times! The book is full of the wisdom that Captain Sir Tom has gleaned over his one hundred years – that anyone can do or be anything they want, that we can achieve so much more when we come together, and that tomorrow will be a good day. Messages of hope that children, in fact, we all need, this Christmas.

Frostheart

Set off on a magical and hilarious adventure on the Frostheart (RRP £7.99) from author Jamie Littler.

The enchanting Frostheart tells the tale of a boy called Ash. Way out in the furthest part of the known world, in a tiny stronghold that exists all on its own and cut off from the rest of human-kin by monsters that lurk beneath the Snow Sea, lives Ash. There he awaits the return of his parents, singing a forbidden lullaby to remind him of them...and doing his best to avoid his very, VERY grumpy yeti guardian, Tobu.


Sparking a crazy adventure, when a brave rescue attempt reveals Ash has magnificent magical powers, he is whisked aboard the Frostheart!

The Frostheart is a sleigh packed full of daring explorers who can use Ash’s help, but can they help him find his family… ?


This number one bestseller is bursting with brilliant characters, heart-stopping adventure, and tons of laughs.

This magical tale is a wonderful gift to give young readers to enjoy this Christmas.

Frostheart: Escape from Aurora

Frostheart: Escape from Aurora (RRP £7.99) is the highly anticipated sequel to Jamie Littler’s bestselling, phenomenal and Branford Boase shortlisted debut, Frostheart.  Amazingly written and wonderfully illustrated by Jamie Littler, the book is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook.


The mystical world of Frostheart expands ever further in this heart racing sequel full of dangerous quests, new strongholds and even higher stakes. Ash and the rest of the brave crew finally arrive at the majestic stronghold of Aurora. Ash can't wait to solve the next clue that will lead him to his parents but it's quickly clear that even Aurora isn't safe for Song Weavers and what they find is even more incredible than they could have imagined! 


It is a magical and heart-warming tale about identity, trust and friendship. With a stunning cut out double cover and eye-catching illustrations the snow filled world of Frostheart and exciting adventure would make a fantastic gifting item for children aged 8-12 this Christmas.    

Wild Cities

Wild Cities (RRP £12.99) by Ben Lerwill and illustrated by Harriet Hobday is a delightful and informative illustrated collection of stories about the animals who make a home of our bustling cities. 


These are the astonishing stories of animals who are adapting to live in our urban world - and how you can help them.


From the pitter-patter of Penguins in Cape Town to the prowl of a leopard in Mumbai, these creatures are becoming more visible than ever in lockdowns across the globe. The perfect gift for conscious families looking to educate their children, or for young animal and travel lovers.

The Time-travelling Caveman

The Time-travelling Caveman (Standard edition RRP £14.99/Collector’s Edition RRP £25) by Sir Terry Pratchett is a beautiful hardback that is sure to delight Terry Pratchett fans as well as captivate a new generation of young readers with his iconic wisdom and wit.

From the greatest imagination there ever was, The Time-travelling Caveman is a brand new collection of short stories from the incredible Sir Terry Pratchett. Written for local newspapers when Terry Pratchett was a young lad, these never previously published stories are packed full of anarchic humour and wonderful wit.

Imagination is an amazing thing.


It can take you to the top of the highest mountain, or down to the bottom of the deepest depths of the sea.


This is where it took Doggins on his Awfully Big Adventure: a quest full of magic and flying machines. (And the world's best joke - trust me, it's hilarious.)

It took three young inventors to the moon (where they may or may not have left a bottle of lemonade) and a caveman on a trip to the dentist.


You can join them on these adventures, and many more, in this incredible collection of stories . . .


Add a hint of magic to this Christmas with this wonderful gift as the words of the iconic Sir Terry Pratchett takes us on a wonderful adventure.
The Wintertime Paradox

The Wintertime Paradox (RRP £12.99) by Dave Rudden is a thrilling, festive collection of stories about Doctor Who Christmases past, present and future featuring some of the best loved characters and places from The Doctor Who world. 


Written by popular children's author, and lifelong Doctor Who fan, Dave Rudden, author of Twelve Angels Weeping, this book features twelve stunning Doctor Who stories perfect for the long winter nights.


Perfect for life-long Doctor Who fans or young sci-fi readers this lovely book would be a wonderful gift.

Hannah the Spanner and the Trip to the Moon

Hannah the Spanner and the Trip to the Moon (RRP £7.99) from ex-cricketer and renowned author Stuart Simmons is a one of the books from the hilarious series of Hannah the Spanner stories for children aged 4-9 years.  The Hannah the Spanner series of stories are beloved bedtime tales that Stuart originally created for his daughter Hannah, the star of the series. It is illustrated by the incredibly talented Bill Greenhead who creates full colour, vibrant pictures that compliment the well-written adventure.


"Whatever you do, do NOT press that button."

This terribly funny tale showcases what happens when someone doesn’t do quite what they’re told. Not the sort of thing that happens on a Thursday or what they were expecting to happen when they got on the school minibus, but this story is about another amazing adventure for Hannah the Spanner, an ordinary girl who has some extraordinary adventures!


Read about Hannah and her friends’ incredible adventure as they are blasted into outer space!


Not your normal school trip, the adventure sees them teaching friendly aliens, the Moonians, how to play football…..it’s a hoot! 


The out of this world book is ideal for early readers and the funny story is loved by young and old. Perfect for young readers Hannah the Spanner and the Trip to the Moon is a book-tastic present.

Harry the Karate Monkey

New to bookshelves this year is the hilarious Harry the Karate Monkey (RRP £7.99) written by the talented Stuart Simmonds and colourfully illustrated by Bill Greenhead.


The book tells the tale of Lucy, Stuart Simmonds’ daughter and star of the story along with her stuffed toy and sidekick Harry the Monkey.

The hilarious book takes readers on the journey of Harry going from adorable stuffed toy to mischievous monkey and tormentor of big bad gangsters, horrible teachers, dreadful parents and their awfully behaved children. The naughtiness ensues all whilst Harry looks as sweet as pie and making sure that no harm ever comes to his beloved Lucy.


Perfect for young readers, this book is a hilarious tale that would make for a wonderful gift to give little bookworms this Christmas.

Your Mood Journal

Your Mood Journal by Fearne Cotton is an interactive activity book for ages 7+, designed to help children recognise and understand their emotions. 

Meet your moods in the brilliant new activity journal for children, by bestselling author and broadcaster Fearne Cotton. Divided into seven colourful and fully illustrated chapters and packed full of interactive exercises, practical tips and notes from Fearne herself that give children the tools to understand and articulate their emotions.

This is the perfect toolkit for children looking to explore their emotions and build confidence in communicating their feelings. This big book of activities will help children learn about their different moods and how they make their mind and body feel, with lots of space to write, draw, learn, create and have fun along the way!

The customisable hardcover journal is ideal as a gift while journaling is a hugely beneficial activity for children and families to try and adopt next year. This empowering book that helps children say hello to all of their moods and that it is okay to feel all emotions is a wonderful gift and fantastic resource for children’s mental health.
The Scary Book

Published by Prestel The Scary Book is written and illustrated by renowned author and illustrator Thierry Dedieu. Thierry Dedieu is an award winning author and illustrator who has published nearly 100 books. 

WHAT SCARES YOU?


Snakes, Bats, and Spiders might not seem that frightening - but just wait till you see what they’re like on the INSIDE!


This spooky and funny lift-the-flap book shows what’s hiding inside some creepy creatures. As the name of the book suggests this board book is a delightfully eerie book filled with scares galore!


This wonderfully ghoulish book has unique illustrations of creepy creatures such as a cute ghost, grumpy pumpkin, spine-chilling spider, and a blood curdling bat. As all of the creepy critters in the book are creatures associated with scares this book is ideal for a spooky read.

But this book ups the ante on the spook factor thanks to the flaps hiding more scary delights. The wonderfully illustrated creepy creatures go from looking like a normal pumpkin, snake, and an iconic ‘boo’ ghost to horrifying creatures showcasing hidden gruesome insides! 


A perfect blend of silly and scary this book is spooktastic and fun for giving children a trick and a treat and makes for a fun gift.

Cureadosity subscription

Spark your little ones Cureadosity with a Cureadosity subscription box (RRP £20.00 per month). 

Created for little book lovers Cureadosity is a picture book subscription service for 2-6 year olds to help find the best new books for little ones. The service sends customers a diverse range of stories and helps make reading time a fun and enjoyable experience for all.


Each Cureadosity box includes 3 books (a mix of hardbacks and paperbacks) ideal for little bookworms and for sparking a love of books and reading. You can choose from monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly boxes.

Christmas books

If you are looking for Christmas stories to read with your children during this festive season take a look at these wonderful Christmas books from Little Tiger Press.

* We have been gifted some of these items for inclusion in this gift guide *

6 comments:

  1. Lovely book ideas for children, they all sound so much fun to read.

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  2. What lovely book suggestions! I love the Captain Tom book, I’d missed this. I think that would be a lovely book to keep and remember the positives of 2020 x

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  3. These sound like some great ideas for younger readers, I bet the mood journal can be so useful!

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  4. Some really good book recommendations, we just got the escape from Aurora for my nephew and will need to get him some more.

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  5. Great suggestions here, I always try to buy the kids a few books for Christmas as it is something they can enjoy all year round! Love the look of the Christmas books too, will definitely go check them out as we have been looking for some festive xmas stories for bed time! x

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  6. I love giving books as presents. My youngest wo always get a few books from me. they already have two of them of this list

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