My Inner Child Wants to Murder Mindfully

Karsten Dusse

‘It’s never too late to have an unhappy childhood. It is also never too late to have a happy childhood.’

LAWYER turned murderer Björn Diemel is seeking his inner peace after some unfortunate (and some perhaps more fortunate!) killings so when his wise mindfulness coach points him in the direction of his ‘inner child,’ it might just be the solution to his problems.

Enjoy a truly ‘arresting’ start to your new year of reading by indulging in the sheer comic joy of My Inner Child Wants to Murder Mindfully, the hilarious follow-up to German lawyer and now novelist Karsten Dusse’s dark and sublimely entertaining crime debut, Murder Mindfully, which sold over two-and-a-half million copies and became a major Netflix series.

In a translation from the German by Florian Duijsens, which expertly picks up Dusse’s complex nuances and black humour, this new satirical gem once again achieves what might seem to be the impossible... the melding of a riotous killing romp with a perfectly authentic guide to the calming power of mindfulness.

Dusse (pictured left) has been writing for television formats for a number of years, and has won the German Television Award and the German Comedy Prize several times, and he has a ball with these murderously clever plots, using his legal background and eye for visual drama to dish up one restless man’s wicked and wellness-inspired dance of death.

There will be no more corpses… well, that’s the plan. With the help of his therapist, Joschka Breitner, lawyer Björn Diemel has mastered the principles of mindfulness and used them to improve his life. He quit his stressful job, started his own practice and really wants to stop murdering people. To this end, Björn now spends more time with his precious young daughter Emily and argues less – and usually more lovingly – with his estranged wife Katherina.

On top of all that, busy Björn is also running two mafia clans with ease after murdering the boss of one clan and locking the boss of the other in the basement of little Emily’s kindergarten (it was bought by Björn to ensure his child can keep her place there).

So why can’t Björn enjoy any of this, and why does he keep losing his temper? Unfortunately for him, his mafia prisoner Boris in the basement is getting restless, the parents’ committee at his Emily’s pre-school is clamouring for his attention, and to cap it all, he’s also being blackmailed.

To manage all this stress, Björn turns once again to Breitner, his trusty mindfulness coach, and learns about the (as yet) unmet needs of his inner child. And as he begins listening to this inner child, he discovers he is now able to comfortably blame his parents for everything from general irritability to several murders. Even better, his inner child is providing solutions, creative ways he can solve his problems… all of them. The trouble is, they involve murder.

My Inner Child Wants to Murder Mindfully is a triumph of twisted storytelling and scintillating satire as Dusse immerses readers deep inside the bizarre and brutal life of Björn... a life that should, in theory, be disturbing but instead dishes up a feast of unexpected feelgoods, eye-watering psychological insight, and humour with a deliciously dark and cynical flavour. To leaven all the chaos, bone-crunching violence and fast-paced action, each chapter begins with one of coach Breitner’s incisive mindfulness observations, a reminder of the stresses that bedevil modern life and that it was the author’s own rewards from practising self-help and mindfulness that inspired these razor-sharp satirical comedies.

With a host of useful meditation and mindfulness tips, suspense at every turn of the page, and a lead player with a killer line in comedy, it would be a crime to miss the fun! 
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £9.99)

Broken Kite

Timothy J. Lockhart

By guest reviewer Nicholas Litchfield,
editor of the Lowestoft Chronicle

A MISSING-PERSON case sweeps private investigator Wendy Lu into the murky underbelly of Virginia Beach, a city where the lost and desperate slip through the cracks and justice remains a rare commodity.

In Broken Kite, Timothy J. Lockhart’s second Wendy Lu novel, he exposes the grim realities of human trafficking and the narrow margin between survival and ruin. Lockhart (pictured below), both a lawyer and former Navy intelligence officer, brings the weight of lived experience to his fiction. 

Since his 2017 debut, Smith, he has earned a place among writers of lean and gritty mysteries with his stories marked by a tough procedural edge and emotional grit. Set in southeastern Virginia, Wendy Lu is a Chinese American ex-cop and Navy veteran who bears the scars of her past. Still haunted by the death of her former police partner and lover, Bobby, an event that led to her resignation and struggles with alcoholism, she is propelled by a need for redemption, often taking on cases long abandoned by others.

Her latest call comes from Wang Feng, owner of the Bamboo House and half-sister to the missing Wang Zheng. Zheng, once a promising student derailed by debt and isolation, is drawn into exploitation, from restaurant work to camgirl performances as ‘Lotus’, and eventually to the uncertain safety of ‘not completely legitimate’ massage parlours.

Zheng’s diary reveals a hopeful yet heartbreakingly lonely voice. Her first cam show earned only $63, but she believed she would ‘make more money as she got better – better, that is, in doing what her viewers would pay money to see.’ That loneliness echoes through every step of Wendy’s search.

Throughout the investigation, Wendy finds little support. Detective Carly Sherman, hawkish and fiercely territorial, and Michael Chen, a trafficking task force officer, offer only the barest help. Sherman remains sceptical, while Chen grudgingly respects Wendy’s persistence. For Wendy, the work always comes down to those who are left behind, and her stubborn empathy keeps her moving forward. As Wendy traces Zheng’s path, she moves through the blurred boundary between commerce and coercion. Few truly grasp what Zheng endured. Rebekah Ringgold, a seasoned camgirl, warns of the predatory men who circle these women, men with ‘yellow fever’ and no respect for boundaries. The most important rule, she insists, is to ‘never, ever give them any personal information’.

Zheng’s American alias, ‘Zoë’, leads Wendy to Tidewater Community College and Jim Lambert, whose easy manner may conceal darker motives. At the massage parlour, colleagues recall Zheng’s sudden disappearance and a string of clients, mostly older men and one imposing, bald foreign ‘boss’, hinting at something larger and more sinister beneath the city’s veneer. Wendy’s relationship with law enforcement underscores her position as both outsider and expert. Meanwhile, Vanessa, a sharp-witted lawyer, and Meihua, Wendy’s sister struggling with postnatal depression, serve as reminders of what’s at stake.

Tensions escalate when Ringgold is found murdered in her apartment, a stark sign that as Wendy gets closer to the truth, the danger only increases. The case becomes personal; every clue is a warning, and every step forward raises the threat to Wendy’s own life. Sherman, once dismissive, becomes an uneasy ally but, in the end, Wendy must rely on her own resolve and training.

Every encounter in Wendy’s search pulses with menace. Violence feels imminent, checked only by Wendy’s tenacity and refusal to yield. Her compassion and courage pull her deeper into dangerous territory, her drive for justice both a guide and a burden. The true force of this series entry lies in the raw humanity that pulses through every scene. Wendy Lu’s search for Zheng resists tidy conclusions as Lockhart leaves readers in a moral haze, wrestling with questions about justice and survival which persist long after the final page.

Taut and unsparing, yet anchored by hard-won empathy, Broken Kite is a bruising, deeply human noir... where the search for justice leaves its imprint on a woman who refuses to let the lost remain forgotten.
(Stark House Press, paperback, £11.95)

⬛Nicholas Litchfield is an English-born author and journalist who lives in Western New York. He established the Lowestoft Chronicle, a quarterly online magazine, in 2009. It publishes short stories, flash fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, interviews and artwork.(lowestoftchronicle.com)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Hooked on fishing, chaotic alpacas and a magpie girl

Join a world-renowned chef to get the right angle on fishing, meet a troubled boy coming to terms with grief, courage and madcap alpacas, discover a magical firebird and a girl who dreams of freedom, and learn the truth about some of history’s terrible traitors in a sparkling new year selection of children’s books

Age 8 plus
Hooked: Learning to Fish
Al Brown and Hope McConnell

YOU can never be too young – or too old – to take up a rod and learn how to fish! And who better to deliver that first inspirational ‘lesson’ for any would-be anglers than Al Brown, a well-known New Zealand chef and fisherman, much loved for his Auckland restaurants Depot  and Federal Delicatessen, his Best Ugly bagel shops, and his bestselling books Eat Up: Bach Edition, Go Fish and Stoked. So whether you want to fish for sprats from a wharf, walk up a stream with a fly rod or cast a line from a boat or kayak, there is a fishnet full of handy information inside this colourful book packed with the eye-catching illustrations of Hope McConnell. Learn how to tie knots, bait hooks, cast lures, and fillet and cook your catch. Brown has a lifelong love of fishing and Hooked includes ten of his most-loved fish recipes, some of them his Depot restaurant classics. Fishing, youngsters learn, is a terrific outdoors experience that is challenging but also super exciting… and the learning never ends as your knowledge builds with each adventure and every time you head out. Hooked is the perfect ‘catch’ for anglers of every age!
(Allen & Unwin Children’s Books, paperback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
The Not-So Great Escape
Emma Green

IF a funny but moving story about laughter, coming to terms with loss, courage – and alpacas – tickles your reading fancy this January, then dive into a simply adorable children’s debut novel from proud alpaca owner Emma Green. Covering eternal themes like friendship, family, grief and therapy, Green explores the brick wall of uncertainty and unhappiness that has torn apart 12-year-old Hedley’s family life since his mum died in a car crash a year ago and he was propelled into therapy sessions. Hedley has always played it safe, especially since the night that changed his life for ever. But when his friend Aiden at the residential therapy activities centre steals an alpaca, Hedley is dragged on a runaway road trip that he did NOT sign up for… a trip that involves an accidental robbery, a night in a haunted wood… and becoming internet famous #AlpacaBandit. As the chaos builds, Hedley finds he isn’t just running from the police, he’s also running from the truth. And as his world comes crashing down, will Hedley play it safe, or take his biggest risk yet? Guaranteed to make you cry as well as laugh, The Not-So Great Escape is a very special debut which blends mischief, mayhem and fast-paced drama with some piercing emotional insights into family, friendship, coping with the death of a loved one, and finding the courage to keep on living and loving.
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Magpie Girl
Rowan Foxwood

DISCOVER a magical firebird that grants wishes, a girl dreaming of freedom, and an epic rescue mission in a fantastical world-building adventure from Rowan Foxwood whose writing is inspired by her love of mythology, fairy tales and folklore. A born storyteller, Foxwood brings us Magpie Girl, a beautiful and inventive reimagining of the phoenix and Baby Yaga myths, with added exhilarating themes of wanderlust, belonging and memory. Beware the firebird who grants wishes... they come at a terrible price. Lavender Wild is a magpie girl… she grows feathers, talks to birds and has a talent for finding lost things. But stuck in her tiny village, she wishes for freedom. So when her ex-friend Kit realises his dad has gone missing on the deadly firebird’s mountain, Lavender seizes the chance to set out with him on a rescue mission. Faced with earthquakes, daemons and witches, Lavender and Kit must rebuild their friendship to survive… because the firebird is rising, and only they can save everyone from its flames. A glorious melting pot of worldwide mythologies and fairy tales, this unforgettable and magical adventure is the perfect fantasy escape route from the chill winds of January!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Clem Fatale Has Been Upstaged
Eve Wersocki-Morris and Honie Beam

GANGSTERS, gals, hoodlums and heists... welcome to the second book of a rip-roaring middle grade series set in the shadowy streets of 1950s London and teeming with madcap escapades and the unlikeliest heroes! Leading the charge through all the exhilarating villainy is fearless young crook Clem Fatale, the simply delightful creation of exciting author Eve Wersocki-Morris whose debut mystery novel, The Bird Singers, has been nominated for multiple awards. In her rollicking new outing in the summer of 1951, feisty Clem, the youngest crook in the city, and her best friend Gilbert are going to see their favourite musical double act, the Wade Sisters, perform at the London Palladium! But one half of the duo – Betty Wade – disappears. Her sister Judy hires Clem and Gilbert to find Betty and soon the pair are pulled into the dark side of the theatre scene, and into the orbit of a notorious criminal mastermind. It’s a race against time – and the gangsters of London – to get Betty back to the theatre. Will Clem be able to stage the rescue of a lifetime? Brimming with the characterful illustrations of Honie Beam, who is based in South Carolina, this high-octane and wonderfully theatrical adventure delivers fun, adventure, mystery, pulsating action and a brilliantly imagined cast of characters, from fast-talking dames and creepy crooks to lovable good guys. Add on a sparkling dialogue and a brilliantly imagined Fifties backdrop, and you have a series that is stealing every reader’s heart!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Terrible Traitors (Horrible Histories)
Terry Deary and Martin Brown

THERE have always been traitors… people who are willing to switch sides, let down a friend and betray their country. Nothing could ever make YOU become a traitor, though… or could it? Master of making history fun, Terry Deary, teams up with his talented Horrible Histories cartoonist team-mate Martin Brown to tell the tales of fifty brutal betrayals across history. Terrible Traitors is a horrible compendium of the worst traitors in history. Were they really all bad? You must decide. So why do people turn traitor? Sometimes they do it for love, often because of their beliefs, maybe out of pride, perhaps even greed… and sometimes just for fun. Did you know that the oldest story in the world is about the traitor Enkidu who dared to rise up against King Gilgamesh? You might already know about Caesar and his unfaithful senators, but have you heard about Walter Tirel, the Norman knight who went out hunting with King William the Conqueror? Well, only one man returned. Walter claimed it was an accident, but he had a pretty good track record with his aim... Fully illustrated throughout and packed with horrible stories (with all the horribly hilarious bits included of course), Deary’s priceless wit, Brown’s perfectly pitched illustrations and a fresh take on the classic Horrible Histories style, this history of traitors has never been so winningly horrible and so hilariously entertaining!
(Scholastic, paperback, £6.99)

Age 8 plus
Stitch Head
Guy Bass and Pete Williamson

HE'S not quite Frankenstein’s monster but Stitch Head, a mad professor’s forgotten creation, certainly has adventure stories all sewn up! Who can forget the freakishly funny tales of award-winning author Guy Bass’ not-so-scary little monster who was brought to ‘almost-life’ by illustrator Pete Williamson… and is now coming to UK cinemas in February. So share all the guffaws, giggles and deliciously dark fun of Bass’ Stitch Head and his madcap world in this film tie-in edition of Bass’ first book which takes centre stage in the new film. Deep in the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, eccentric Professor Erasmus created Stitch Head, a small, almost-human creature. His experiments continued, filling the castle with creations so fabulously monstrous that Stitch Head was long forgotten. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door, promising to make Stitch Head a star. Is this Stitch Head’s chance to venture beyond the castle walls? Or could he be making a terrible mistake? Stitch’s funny, accessible, fast-paced adventures are perfect for reluctant readers who like their stories to be visually appealing and the action to unfold at breakneck speed. Brimming with atmosphere, excitement, captivating characters and chaotic humour, Stitch Head is simply packed with monstrous fun… no surprise then that our little monster has movie stardom all stitched up!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
Donut Squad: Make a Mess!
Neill Cameron

SWEET or savoury? Donut or bagel? Who will be victorious? Comics genius Neill Cameron is back with the second crazy caper in his delicious new graphic novels series... and there’s a ‘hole’ lot of fun to enjoy! Any youngsters who like silliness and donuts are gobbling up these perfectly baked and addictively moreish stories starring the totally bonkers Donut Squad which includes Sprinkles, the leader, Jammyboi who spreads stickiness everywhere, Dadnut and Lil' Timmy who explain obscure facts, and Spronky who is bizarrely unconventional! But don’t mention the arch-nemeses of the donuts... the bagels who are constantly plotting the Donut Squad’s doom! In this new madcap adventure, the bagels are lying low and the Donut Squad are enjoying making their own malarkey. They’re off camping… and hiding from bears! Anxiety Donut is on an adventure where what happens next is up to YOU! And Lil Timmy learns the Meaning of Life… so you can too! But the bagels can’t be held back for long… their plan is about to be unleashed to kick the Donut Squad out of their own book. Will the Donuts be able to stop them?

This jam-packed series is the brainchild of comic powerhouse, The Phoenix, and features all the characters from the comic strip that fans know and love. Full of crazy humour and mouthwatering full-colour illustrations that will keep readers going back for seconds, the book also helps budding artists to create awesome characters just like the Donut Squad with a whole section of how-to-draw tutorials from Cameron. Add on links to The Phoenix comic club website where you can find draw-along videos, free printable material and top tips from tons of creators, and you have the perfect oven-baked series for all donut-loving mischief-makers!
(David Fickling Books, paperback, £9.99)

Age 7 plus
Reggie Rabbit and the Metro Mice
Swapna Reddy and Becka Moor

HE might be small, but Reggie Rabbit, Detective, will keep the big city safe! Welcome back to the wonderful world of Reggie and his family, friends and detective partner Pipsquark the parakeet  in the fourth book of a simply delightful series that blends illustrated fiction with a graphic novel. Reggie Rabbit is the dazzling creation of New Zealand-based author Swapna Reddy and Manchester illustrator Becka Moor, and is set in an alluring Gotham-like animal city. In his new adventure, Reggie wants to be a big-shot detective in Bearburgh City, just like his hero, Detective Fox. He has successfully exposed another Masque plot and word is getting out about the crime-solving rabbit and his parakeet partner. But Reggie’s mum and dad want him to be safe, and expect him to live in Little Critter forever, working on the family vegetable stall. What’s a rabbit to do? Then one day, a small shy mouse called Mo reaches out to the pair for help… his home, the warren-like metro tunnels underneath Bearburgh, is under threat. Cracks are appearing in the structure of the metro where the mouse community live. Reggie and Pipsquark want to help the Metro Mice but do the Metro Mice want them? Reddy – who also writes as Swapna Haddow – has a happy knack of always delivering stories filled with warm friendships, madcap adventures and lots of laughs. Add on Moor’s fun-filled illustrations, influenced by crime noir and vintage comics, and you have an early reading, all-round winner!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 plus
Guardians of the New Moon:
The Year of the Tiger
Eric Huang and Phùng Nguyên Quang

THE top team of London-based podcaster, writer and lecturer Eric Huang and Vietnamese illustrator Phùng Nguyên Quang bound back with their fun and fabulously full-throttle illustrated series which blends adventure with folklore and legends. Huang has always been fascinated by legends, lore and magical creatures, and has pledged that every book in this superb Guardians of the New Moon series will feature an epic adventure about friendship, celebrating differences, and loving your authentic self. In this third outing, we discover the Heavenly Palace is in uproar! Biao the tiger has gone missing and there’s no Year of the Tiger without her. Black-and-white cat Miaow and nine-tailed fox Ming, a spirited and fiery shapeshifter, are sent to find her… but bringing her back might just be their most difficult mission yet. Focused and stubborn, Biao hasn’t got time for silly things like the lunar new year. The forest she calls home is dying and she’s determined to save it. But she can’t do it alone and her hot temper keeps getting in the way of finding friends. With time running out, can the Guardians help Biao save her home – and the Year of the Tiger – before it’s too late? With a menagerie of magical creatures, fantastical lands to discover and Quang’s richly detailed illustrations, these delightfully light-hearted and easy-to-read adventures are sure to fascinate and inspire young readers while introducing the lunar new year and other fascinating East Asian traditions and folklore.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
The Home That Love Built
Jessica Meserve

‘This is the wind that whipped and whirled. This is the lightning that zipped and zapped. This is the thunder that bombarded and blasted. And these are the animals... all soggy and sad.’

CHILDREN and adults alike will adore the rich, poetic language and the empowering message of resilience which is the building block of this moving and endearing story from author and illustrator Jessica Meserve who finds inspiration and happiness in the great outdoors. When a terrible storm tears through the forest, everything seems lost. Trees are toppled, nests, nooks and burrows are destroyed and the animals are left with nothing but ruins. But then, a new home begins to grow… not an ordinary home, but one built from the efforts of every single animal in the forest. A home, made not just of twigs and leaves, but of kindness, courage, and love. Told in a rhythmic, cumulative style and paired with breathtaking illustrations, The Home That Love Built is a powerful celebration of friendship, teamwork and rebuilding after loss. Ideal for classrooms exploring big emotions like fear of change, sadness and grief, it is also a gentle, comforting story for bedtime snuggles, reminding children that even in their hardest moments, they are part of a community and held by those who love them.
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
Mr Norton’s New Hat
Huw Lewis Jones and Corey Egbert

YOU have to take your hat off to Mr Norton! Author Huw Lewis Jones and Virginia-based illustrator Corey Egbert have fun with this addictive picture book romp which offers a captivating reading experience and is perfect for sharing together, again and again! One Monday morning, Horace Norton had something of a surprise… a mouse had made a house in his hat! On Tuesday, there are birds in his bicycle basket… and on Wednesday, a squirrel asleep in his shoe! What will Mr Norton do when, as the week progresses, the animals take over his bathroom, his bed… and even his beard?! With a text that repeats and builds with each new animal and a story that ends with a peace offering from the animals and new friends for the lonely Mr Norton, this celebration of kindness, brought to life by Egbert’s stylish and timeless illustrations, is set to be a new classic!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Very Special You
Emma Dodd

‘Your smile is the best smile, your laugh is just right. You were made for kisses and cuddling tight.'

READERS young and old will fall in love with another beautiful story in a heartfelt picture book series celebrating the love between a parent and child from award-winning author and illustrator Emma Dodd. A sheep revels in the wonder and uniqueness of her lamb and is filled with love when they spend time with together. Dodd spreads a golden glow over this charming book which works its magic through the stunning gold-foiled cover and pages, an inspirational rhyming story, and a gallery of emotive illustrations which impart uplifting messages about being an individual and deserving your place in the world. Exquisitely created and brimming with love, Very Special You is written with a large helping of warmth and wisdom, and makes the perfect gift for any time of year.
(Templar Publishing, hardback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Am I Yours?
Alex Latimer

WE all know that there are lots of little dinosaur fans… but do they know which dinosaur is which? Youngsters will be stomping their way through this colourful new edition of Am I Yours?, Alex Latimer’s dazzling and internationally bestselling picture book. Talented author and illustrator Latimer, who is based in Cape Town, South Africa, won hearts and minds with his much-loved rhyming tale about identifying dinos and this new edition will delight the army of young dinosaur enthusiasts. ‘Excuse me, please, but am I yours? I’m sure I am a dinosaur’s!’ When an icy wind pushes an egg from its nest, five friendly dinosaurs must get it home before dark. But who does the lost egg belong to, and will they figure it out in time? The stunning artwork, a rhythmic, rhyming story and the gentle introduction to a host of dinosaur species make this a book to be truly treasured.
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age one plus
Baby on Board:
Submarine & Rocket
Ruth Symons and Seb Braun

GET your babies and toddlers on the go with two super interactive board books which put little ones in the driving seat! Baby on Board: Submarine and Baby on Board: Rocket are part of an adorable novelty slider series for young movers and shakers who will love getting their hands on the push, pull and slide tabs at the turn of every page. So climb aboard the baby sub, go beneath the waves and dive down to explore the deep! 

And in Baby on Board: Rocket, youngsters climb aboard, start the countdown, hold on tight and then fly off to the planets and stars. The fun rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud to babies and pre-schoolers, and full of sounds which let youngsters join in. With tabs to slide and wheels to spin, and a cast of adorable animal characters, the books help little ones to learn observation and language skills and develop their fine motor skills, while illustrator Seb Braun creates friendly, action-packed scenes, full of detail, colour and warmth. Hours of entertainment at your fingertips!
(Templar Books, board books, £6.99 each)

Age from birth
Match the Colour
Ruth Symons and Susie Hammer

HERE'S an inventive board book that teaches more than just first words! Match the Colour – written by Ruth Symons and illustrated in vivid colours by Polish artist Susie Hammer – doubles up as a brilliant colour-sorter in an ingenious design that lets toddlers place three chunky shapes into matching slots. The brightly coloured circles – attached to the book with equally colourful ribbons – create an engaging colour-sorting game on each beautifully illustrated page with each slotting into cut-outs with satisfying ease, and each completing a variety of images, from an ice cream cone to a branch full of bugs. Matching the colours aids children in their fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination and problem-solving skills, and each spread also introduces popular first words, making this the ideal book to learn from while having fun. A book perfectly shaped and designed for readers of the future!
(Templar Books, board book, £7.99)

Age from birth
I’m a Digger & I’m a Bunny
Ruth Symons and Matthew Scott

DIG, scoop, baa and bleat! Little hands will love exploring these dazzling, dinky shaped board books packed with their building vehicles and cute creatures. Featuring illustrator Matthew Scott’s bright colours and appealing faces, the adorable toy-like pages of I’m a Digger and I’m a Bunny are sure to hold the attention of the youngest babies while author Ruth Symons’ simple facts are perfect for toddlers. 

Each uniquely-shaped page reveals a new construction vehicle or familiar animal favourite, alongside a simple fact and a playful sound to join in with. Get ready to DIG, SCOOP, PUSH and WHIRR along as they see mighty work machines, from a bulldozer and concrete mixer to a hefty crane. 

And join in the fun as they meet a bouncing rabbit, a miaowing kitten and a neighing foal. Fun and learning at the turn of every sturdy page!
(Templar Books, board books, £6.99 each)

Healing Hearts on Thistledown Lane

Holly Hepburn

FEW visitors to the historic city of Edinburgh will know that just a short walk from the busy shopping streets is a picturesque little village famous for its fairytale cottages, peaceful atmosphere and a history dating back over 800 years.

Once a prosperous milling hub and now a tranquil and stunningly photogenic residential area, the real-life Dean Village stands proudly at the heart of a romantic and uplifting tale of old loves and new beginnings from Holly Hepburn (pictured below), author of a whole raft of feel-good fiction.

Healing Hearts on Thistledown Lane is an enchanting and thought-provoking treat, the perfect starter for a new year of reading, and comes packed with Hepburn’s trademark humour, heart and powerful emotional insights into some of life’s all-too-familiar challenges. Maura McKenzie is in her late thirties and seems to have everything she ever wanted from life… a quirky cottage in Edinburgh’s picture postcard pretty Dean Village, a career as a potter and a contented relationship with her boyfriend, Jamie Wallace, a city banker.

Never mind that the cottage is damp, her pots aren’t selling and the gregarious Jamie prefers a night down the pub with his rugby mates to an evening in with the more reserved Maura. Doesn’t everyone wish things were just a tiny bit better?

When Maura reunites with her teenage crush Fraser Bell, one of her school’s ‘popular gang,’ at a Hogmanay party, she’s instantly reminded of how much she fancied the good-looking boy who had that thing called ‘presence’ and how she has never forgotten the drunken kiss they shared when she last saw him.

Fraser is now an actor but has moved back to Edinburgh from London with his city slicker girlfriend Natalie to recharge his ‘creative batteries.’ But when Fraser suggests that Maura could make some ceramic ghosts to complement a city ghost tour business that he has set up, she’s tempted. At first, everything goes smoothly but it’s not long before their new partnership causes problems that ripple through every aspect of Maura’s life. The pottery ghosts go viral so soon she has more orders than she can fulfil and Jamie is not thrilled that she’s spending all her time in her studio. And when Edinburgh Castle shows an interest in Maura’s work, things begin to spiral out of control. Can Maura really have it all or will she regret wishing for more?

The magnificent city of Edinburgh, and one of its magical hidden corners, proves to be an enchanting backdrop for Maura and Fraser’s slow-burn romance which explores the dramas and dilemmas of choosing between pursuing your dreams and ambitions… or following the call of your heart’s desire.

For Maura, who has spent years accepting that quiet contentment with rugby-loving boyfriend Jamie was her lot in life, meeting up again with Fraser is a wake-up call to re-assess not just how she lives but where her passions lie and who it is she loves.

With its warm and welcoming vibe, the heart-fluttering reawakening of a lost love affair, a joyful sense of rediscovery and renewal, and the special allure of a captivating backdrop steeped in a slice of Scottish history, Healing Hearts on Thistledown Lane is the perfect escapist read and ideal for sweeping away those January blues.
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £9.99)

The Afterparty

Ruth Kelly

A YOUNG woman’s dream invitation from an old friend to join her for a glamorous ‘afterparty’ amidst the snowy chills of New Year in Amsterdam is not what it first appears in a gripping wintertime thriller from Ruth Kelly. 

Author of bestsellers like The Prison Doctor, The Governor and The Villa, Kelly (pictured below) is on fine form in this spine-chilling mystery which explores the dark secrets simmering between the surface of a friendship, and asks questions about how well you can ever really know someone.

People drift apart… take Becca and Georgie, they were inseparable best friends once. Georgie knew Becca better than anyone, but that was then. Now, out of the blue, Georgie is back and it seems to be just the right moment. Becca is living in Amsterdam and feeling lonely because her husband is tied up with his preparations to open a new restaurant in the city. 

Not only is Georgie back, she is inviting Becca to a glamorous New Year’s Eve afterparty… a chance to relive the good old days and the fun they used to have. So Becca goes and together, they laugh and remember. 

But then Georgie vanishes and just like that, Becca is the prime suspect and her life is spiralling out of control. The problem is that Georgie knows all Becca’s secrets, including the ones Becca has managed to bury. And as the clock ticks and the accusations mount, Becca is left with one terrifying thought… how well does she really know Georgie?

Set against the alluring icy charms of wintertime in Amsterdam, and with a dark thread of menace winding its way through the fast-paced action, The Afterparty is a twisting, turning, atmospheric story full of raw emotions and taking us up close and personal to a complex friendship beset by insecurities and class differences. Not to be missed!
(Pan, paperback, £9.99)

A Scrooge Mystery

Andreina Cordani

HAVE you ever wondered how everyone's favourite reformed miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, dealt with life a year after his brush with some truth-telling ghosts!?

It’s a conundrum that Andreina Cordani (pictured below) – author of dark thrillers for young adults as well as Christmas murder mysteries for adults – tackles with her trademark wit and imagination in a fabulous, festive-flavoured whodunit twist on  Dickens’ much loved classic.

Last Christmas, Scrooge was visited by three festive spirits, and the bleak vision of his future has haunted him ever since. He wants to be a good man, and he never wants to see another ghost as long as he lives. 

But changing your ways for a day is easy… changing your ways forever is a little trickier. Almost a year on, Scrooge is slipping back into bad habits. 

When a lucrative business opportunity comes his way, he jumps at the chance to make some quick money... to give to the poor, obviously. 

But then Scrooge sees her… the silent and terrifying Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. And then Bob Cratchit is arrested for murder, and Scrooge sees only one way to save both his loyal employee and himself… he must solve this crime.

Scrooge’s investigation takes him from the heights of business on the Royal Exchange to the depths of London’s criminal underworld alongside the formidable Widow Tassell, boot-boy Jem and Tiny Tim. And as Christmas draws closer, Scrooge begins to realise there’s more at stake than his own soul.

If it’s atmospherics you’re after this Christmas, Cordani (pictured left) places them at centre stage in this deliciously spine-tingling and perfectly plotted murder mystery which delivers all the timeless Victorian-style macabre, mystique, warmth and wonder of Dickens’ festive masterpiece. 
(Zaffre, hardback, £16.99)

The Christmas Clue

Nicola Upson

IF there’s one cosy crime you shouldn’t miss this Christmas, it’s this pretty much perfect festive treat from Nicola Upson whose elegant, sophisticated and beautifully written Josephine Tey crime novels have won her an army of fans.

In this unmissable Christmas cracker, Upson (pictured below) harnesses the real-life couple who invented Cluedo – alongside all the much-loved vibes of the season – for an atmospheric, snowed-in country house mystery which thrills, chills and entertains in equal measure.

On Christmas Eve in 1943, Anthony and Elva Pratt arrive in a snowy English village to run a murder mystery game at Tudor Close in Sussex… and instead discover a real murder. 

The Pratts had planned for festive cheer, despite the wartime shortages… with Elva’s map of the hotel and Anthony’s prop weapons to use as clues, the guests in their parlour game would move through the rooms to figure out whodunit.

But when Anthony discovers the cook’s sister Miss Silver beaten to death, they instead find themselves investigating a shockingly real crime. The hotel manager Mr Browning is trying to keep the peace but the guests are agitated.

Colonel Colman is about to take over the hotel for the war effort, and the mysterious Mrs Threadgold hasn’t been seen at all. In games, there’s only one victim… but this is real life. Can the Pratts puzzle out this Christmas mystery before it’s too late?

Upson is a master of her craft and this ingenious whodunit offers all the fun, intrigue, nostalgia and clue-solving that has made Cluedo one of the world’s most popular games. Expect a candlestick, a lead pipe, a rope and a grisly murder, of course… and enjoy every minute of your reading time with the strange inhabitants of Tudor Close!
(Faber & Faber, hardback, £10)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Winter wild rides, festive fun and merry murders

From classic tales and snow-filled adventures in winter wonderlands, to magical adventures and fun-filled comedies, there is something to suit every taste in this sparkling selection 

Age 9 plus
Avalanche
Simon Fox

PULL on your snow boots and take cover because there’s an avalanche of non-stop action on the way! Former accountant – and now author – Simon Fox turns up the tempo in this fast-paced thriller which will have readers running for cover.  Avalanche is Fox’s gripping second novel after the success of his debut Running Out of Time and it serves up the same breathtaking spills, chills and thrills that won him an army of fans. Tom thought going to a luxury ski resort was the holiday he and his mum needed. She is head of security for a high-flying biotech scientist and should have been enjoying a break (and teaching Tom how to ski!) … but so far, she has done nothing but work. What he most definitely didn’t expect was kidnappers – looking for the dangerous technology her boss has created – taking over their chalet or for a gunshot to trigger an avalanche and trap them even further. With no way for help to reach them, Tom has only his wits, ingenuity and the element of surprise. Can he figure a way out, before it’s too late? Avalanche is an unmissable pile-on of good guys, bad guys, danger, daring rescues, determination, and unexpected friendships which melt the ice and warm every reader’s heart. An unmissable winter wild ride!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 10 plus
Silent Night
Emma Read

IF you like your winter adventures to include spooks as well as snow, then join three youngsters caught up in a Christmas post-apocalyptic nightmare! Silent Night comes from Emma Read, a master storyteller whose haunting thrillers have made her books a middle-grade must-read. Inspired here by John Wyndham’s classic 1951 novel The Day of the Triffids, this chilling mystery is guaranteed to send shivers up spines and keep the pages turning. All is calm, but something’s not right when Masen, Conor and Joss wake up in the caravan next to the family home on Christmas morning. A storm was forecast to be passing through during the night and now a chill of unease fills the air. Their presents sit untouched in the house across the way, but their parents are nowhere to be found. Outside, a blizzard is now raging and families don’t just vanish on Christmas Day. Something is very wrong, but the question is… what? This wintry and wonderfully weird Christmas mystery delivers all the creepy vibes that children love but Read also writes with genuine warmth and sincerity about the bonds of friendship, family and overcoming anxiety. Ideal for dark winter nights!
(Chicken House, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus
Written by Mary Shelley and illustrated by MinaLima

IF you’re hunting for a truly spectacular gift book, look no further than this stunning deluxe illustrated edition of Mary Shelley’s horror classic Frankenstein. The work of Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima of Studio MinaLima, Frankenstein is the first story in a bold new direction for the MinaLima Classics, the best-selling series from the renowned design studio behind the graphics for the Harry Potter film franchise. Frankenstein has terrified and delighted readers since its initial publication in 1818. Victor Frankenstein’s Creature – stitched together from the limbs of the dead, taken from ‘the dissecting room and the slaughterhouse’- is a grotesque being who, rejected by his maker and starved of human companionship, embarks on a journey of revenge. In the most famous gothic horror story ever told, Mary Shelley confronts the limitations of science, the nature of human cruelty, hubris, and ambition, and the pathway to forgiveness. The book features original full-colour artwork and seven extraordinary interactive features including an expanding map, a reveal of the Creature’s face and a foldout excerpt from Victor’s diary. Shelley’s revered novel comes to life as never before in this inventive, keepsake edition showcasing the magical artistry of MinaLima, and is sure to enchant readers of every age.
(HarperCollins, hardback, £35)

Age 9 plus
Snow
Meera Trehan

WINTER – with all its snow-filled mystery, marvels and magic – springs to glorious life in this hauntingly beautiful fairytale adventure starring an imprisoned princess who needs the help from the modern world. Two timelines collide in spectacular fashion as American author Meera Trehan treats young readers to a fabulous frosty fantasy full of secrets, friendship and a kingdom in peril as two brave girls join forces to undo a wish gone wrong… and save a snowy kingdom. 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 has stumbled upon the very Snow Princess whose picture graces the cover of the locked book that her mum won’t let her read. Can these two brave girls from different worlds come together to set things right? Published in a stunning, silver-foiled hardback, this captivating tale of courage, belonging and unlikely friendship is the perfect gift book for fans of Frozen, The Snow Queen and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and ideal to curl up with on winter nights.
(Walker Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 9 plus
Murder at Christmas
Fleur Hitchcock

MYSTERY fans will love cosying up with this Christmas-themed tale from an author who knows how to perfectly juggle deliciously dark murder mysteries with fun and fascinating adventures. So if you love having your spine tingled and your nerves jangled, dive into this festive chiller-thriller from queen of cosy middle-grade crime Fleur Hitchcock. After another dreary term away at school, Grace is desperate to see her mum and brother again. Excited to spend Christmas with them, she arrives in the city of Bath full of expectation and happiness. But the family’s time together is suddenly interrupted when a shocking murder at their hotel throws everything into chaos. And when Grace’s mum disappears soon afterwards, Grace trusts nobody. With her mum missing and younger brother Billy in tow, Grace enlists the help of new friends Olive and Doug. Streetwise and clever, they help Grace and Billy come up with a plan to find out why Mum left the hotel and what happened to her. And as they start to uncover the truth behind the murder, they wonder if anyone at the hotel is really who they say they are. There’s danger all the way in this gripping, snow-sprinkled mystery which sees the four friends in a desperate battle to solve a riveting whodunit that dishes up devilish twists and turns as well as heart-stopping chills, thrills and spills. Best enjoyed in a cosy armchair in front of a blazing fire!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 9 plus
Ice Dancer
Alex Cotter

GLIDE seamlessly into a tale that will touch your heart – and then fill it with hope and happiness – in this gripping, wintertime adventure from Alex Cotter who grew up in Sheffield and was inspired to write Ice Dancer from her own love of ice skating. After losing her older sister, Dina is angry and frustrated at having to stay with her miserable aunt in Sheffield, and is determined to pursue her lifelong passion for skating… even if it has to be in secret. But being a stranger in an unfamiliar city, far from the remote countryside of her home, is hard to handle. Shy and lacking in confidence, Dina must overcome her misgivings and find a way to be accepted. Desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her aunt’s house, and feeling the weight of responsibility for her younger brothers, Dina makes her way to the Ice Arena. There, captivated by the skills of the young skaters she sees, she is filled with the overwhelming desire to compete. But it’s only when all the odds are against her that she finds the courage to follow her dream. However, dreams can unravel and when the family’s past starts to catch up with Dina, a chance encounter at the ice rink sets off a series of events that lead to an unexpected discovery. With themes of empathy, friendship and forgiveness, Ice Dancer is a beautiful and empowering story full of secrets, twists and turns and icy thrills… and guaranteed to leave adventure lovers and skating fans spinning with delight!
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
The First Cat in Space and the Baby Pirate’s Revenge
Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris

ENJOY freewheeling fun, fur-raising heroics and an incomparably comical cat in the fourth book in the bestselling First Cat in Space graphic novel series from top-notch American author and illustrator duo Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris. Stars of these utterly madcap adventures are First Cat, LOZ 4000, and the Moon Queen, and here they encounter Captain Babybeard and his crew of swashbuckling pirates. After Captain Babybeard steals a treasure map from the Queen of the Moon, the notorious pirate sees nothing but piles of gold in his future. But a mutiny, led by his first mate, the Martian Pirate James Plantain, leaves Babybeard marooned on a deserted island. Betrayed by his crew, the little captain seeks an unlikely alliance. Will Captain Babybeard get revenge, will First Cat, the Moon Queen and LOZ 4000 recover their treasure map… or will the moon fall into the hands of a nefarious banana? You’ll need to buckle up and hold your breath for this hilarious new caper which takes silliness to whole new sublime level. You have been warned!
(Harper360, hardback, £12.99)

Age 8 plus
The Snow Girl
Sophie Anderson and Melissa Castrillón

ARE you ready to take a magical journey into a thrilling winter wonderland? Snuggle down and lose yourself in The Snow Girl, a dazzling fairytale adventure about friendship, courage and not being afraid to reach out for help. This perfect wintertime story is the work of exciting Lake District author Sophie Anderson who is inspired to write by her grandmother’s Slavic folk tales and bewitches us with her sublime and lyrical storytelling, a gift she uses to sweep readers into soaring, evocative landscapes where magic, folklore and realism blend together in memorable, mesmerising adventures. In this gorgeous, glistening story, we meet Tasha who has moved with her parents to Grandpa’s valley to help him run his farm. Tasha is excited to see snow for the first time and when she builds a snow girl, she makes a wish that the snow girl can come to life and be her friend. Tasha wants to feel less alone because for over a year, since one awful day, she has been scared of everything... especially asking for help. That night, Tasha’s wish comes true and the snow girl comes to life. But the more time Tasha spends with the snow girl, the more snow falls. Tasha begins to suspect that the snow girl is linked to the long winter. When a terrible snowstorm envelops the valley and Grandpa becomes ill, Tasha realises she must face the fears of her past and find the snow girl to ask her to end winter. But can she do it without losing her best and only friend? With the atmospheric illustrations of award-winning artist Melissa Castrillón, Anderson’s rich and descriptive detail, and a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary themes, this feast of magic, mysticism and wintry wonders is the perfect book to warm everyone’s heart this Christmas.
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £8.99)

Age 8 plus
The Merry Christmas Murders
Alexandra Benedict

MUCH-LOVED for her deliciously dark and exciting adult Christmas mysteries, Alexandra Benedict turns her writing talents to a new children’s murder mystery series starring a charismatic group of neurodiverse super sleuths. And what a tantalising, tasty and exceedingly clever reading treat it proves to be as our young heroes use their ability to see the world differently to track down their school’s mince pie murderer. Every year, six local schools compete to win the Christmas Cup. This year, the cup will be awarded to the school with the perfect mince pie. But when a series of murders seemed to be linked to the mince pies (each with a clue from a letter from the alphabet imprinted in the pastry), the five neuro-divergent children must turn detective and combine their skill sets to find the killer. Can they prevent another death and save their out-of-school club from being shut down forever? Featuring five plucky youngsters with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, this marvellously entertaining murder mystery – packed with intriguing twists and turns and lots of festive fun – hits all the right notes as Benedict – who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult – rolls out an adventure with a warm heart, an enchanting sense of humour and a big helping of festive cheer!
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
Barrie Saves Christmas
Stephen Mangan and Anita Mangan

CHRISTMAS is in danger... a scheming elf is causing mayhem and a big dog called Barrie (whose first love is snoozing) might have to leap into action! Hold on to your stockings and prepare for violent explosions of laughter as the sensational sibling team of much-loved actor Stephen Mangan and his talented artist sister Anita roll out their second fun-filled Christmas book. After the runaway success of several joint novels and the hilarious The Great Reindeer Rescue, the dynamic duo return with another fantastically funny festive romp. Barrie is a St Bernard dog who much prefers snoozing and farting in front of a cosy fire to going on daring rescue missions through high winds, driving snow and avalanches. On Christmas Eve, his humans Carrie and Laurence find a top-secret network of underground tunnels accessed by climbing into postboxes… and there’s an extra special twist! The tunnels are designed for squirrels to transport presents from Father Christmas’s workshop in the North Pole to all the children of the world. When a mysterious elf seems set on sabotaging the tunnels, the children and Barrie must stop him… and save Christmas! Anita Mangan’s quirky and characterful illustrations are the perfect pairing for her brother’s warm, wild and witty story which reminds youngsters that heroes come in all shape… and sizes. Add on a celebration of youthful determination and ingenuity, and a brand of naughty humour that will have mischief-makers giggling all the way to the last page, and you have the perfect gift book to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!
(Scholastic, hardback, £10.99)

Age 8 plus
BobLand
Matt Lucas and Begoña Fernández Corbalán

JUMP on the merry-go-round and join actor, comedian, presenter and author Matt Lucas for a wild ride in a theme park called BobLand! This madcap tale of comedy and chaos is the second hilarious children’s adventure story of family and friendship from one of TV’s most recognisable personalities and Spanish illustrator Begoña Fernández Corbalán. What’s better than the best theme park in the world – in your own garden! Bob Grubb and his family live on a ramshackle smallholding backing on to the world-renowned theme park, Happey World, run by Arthur Happey and his dreadful granddaughter, Maisie. When Bob accidentally gets into Maisie’s bad books, he is banned from Happey World… FOREVER. What is an entrepreneurial boy to do? Build his own theme park in his back garden, of course! With the help of friends and family, BOBLAND is go! But with Arthur and Maisie doing everything in their power to derail Bob’s plans, will they make it to the Grand Opening (where they are due to meet the king himself !) in one piece? And what is the big family secret that lurks beneath it all? Lucas is on his best form for this funny, joyful and heart-warming adventure which shines a light on the rewards of creativity, learning to be resilient, and simply being yourself. Corbalán’s characterful illustrations put extra vigour and charm into the thrills and spills of Bob’s story making this the perfect gift book for your own young adventurers.
(Farshore, hardback, £14.99)

Age 8 plus
Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World
Niall Harbison

AFTER the worldwide success of his blockbusting bestselling book for adults, Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World, Dublin-born Niall Harbison – a street dog rescuer based in Thailand – has adapted his moving story in this beautiful gift book for children. Harbison moved to Thailand after selling his very successful marketing and PR company. He now lives in the countryside where he spends his days feeding and looking after the thousands of street dogs he comes across. But it was the story of his very special friendship with Tina the rescue golden retriever that won the hearts of millions. Harbison set up Happy Doggo Land in the Thai jungle to tend to the needs of sick and injured street dogs. Meet Buster with his missing ear, Jumbo with his love of sausages, and Solo the tiny jungle puppy. Enjoy Shaq’s first ice cream on the beach, Buttons' delight with his famous rock star family, and tiny Alba’s precious few sunsets. Most important of all, meet Tina, the golden retriever whose loving nature, delight in tennis balls and rides in Harbison’s motorcycle sidecar inspired his most impassioned project to date…Tina’s Hospital where Thailand's sick dogs will receive the best possible care. Packed with new photos, this is a heartwarming ‘tail’ of resilience, kindness and true friendship like no other!
(Farshore, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
Christmas Tales from the Farm
Amanda Owen and Becca Hall

GET down on the farm and discover just how much fun life can be when everyone mucks in together! Best known as The Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen harnesses the inspiration she has gained from adventures with her nine children at the family’s 2,000-acre hill farm Ravenseat in North Yorkshire for her very first children’s book. The Owen family’s TV series, Our Yorkshire Farm, captivated over three million viewers in the UK and aired in over twenty countries around the world. Christmas Tales from the Farm is a heartwarming collection of festive stories featuring all the countryside characters – both two-legged and four-legged – that you will find on and around the farm. Meet Santa’s runaway reindeer who caused mischief on the moors, three sweet little goats who became the perfect Christmas gift, and a clever sheepdog who found something lost in the deep white snow. Brimming with the gorgeous illustrations of Becca Hall, youngsters will enjoy learning about family life in the countryside and meeting some of the many animals that have won the hearts of both readers and TV viewers.
(Puffin, hardback, £14.99)

Age 7 plus
The Appletree Animal
Agency: Collie Chaos
Katya Balen and Gill Smith

SNOW and puppies cause fun-filled Christmas chaos in the second book of Carnegie-winner Katya Balen and illustrator Gill Smith’s heart-warming animal vet and rescue series set in a cosy little village. The Appletree Animal Agency have found three brand-new clients… a terrapin called Algernon, a ginger cat called Crumpet, and a three-legged dog called Domino. When Domino escapes in a snowstorm, the team set out to rescue him. They track his paw prints but when they find the dog, they stumble upon someone else who needs help! Set in the happy village of Mossdale, and brimming with Smith’s adorable illustrations, this heartwarming and festive animal and friendship story is the perfect Christmas stocking filler for young readers who love pets.
(Walker Books, paperback, £6.99)

Age 7 plus
Anisha, Accidental Detective: Christmas Chaos!
Serena Patel and Emma McCann

JOIN Anisha, Accidental Detective, to solve an extra-special festive mystery filled with snowmen and secrets, crackers and clues! From the award-winning World Book Day 2026 author and illustrator team, Serena Patel and Emma McCann, Anisha Mistry’s larger-than-life British-Indian family steal the show AGAIN in an extra-special festive mystery – filled with snowmen and secrets, crackers and clues – and starring everyone’s favourite (accidental!) detective. Patel and McCann have won thousands of hearts with their laugh-out-loud, award-winning detective series starring reluctant sleuth Anisha and her best friend and fellow investigator Milo. And this Christmas, we find Anisha’s family’s excitement levels are off the charts because, drum roll with extra jingle bells, her Dad has been put in charge of the festive fayre! Everyone is ready to help… Anisha and Milo have loads of SPARKLY ideas, Aunty Bindi’s got a mountain of TINSEL, and they have even got a big red sleigh for Santa’s grotto! Well, they did have a big red sleigh until someone stole it in the middle of the night. So now Anisha is on the case to track down the thief before they ruin Christmas. She just wishes she didn’t have to dress as an elf to do it! Looks like another case for Anisha, accidental Christmas detective! Join Anisha and Milo as they head off on an action-packed festive adventure, and share all the fun, chaos and mystery that always seem to appear when the madcap Mistry family are in the spotlight!
(Usborne Publishing, paperback, £7.99)

Age 7 plus
My Big Fat Christmas Poo Diary
Jim Smith

BRACE yourselves for a special Christmas outing with the Poopies, aka best friends Pedro, Olga and Ozzy... their initials just happen to spell the word POO and they are the stars of a smelly (but hilariously funny!) graphic novel series from the master of mischief himself, Jim Smith. Smith – creator of the bestselling Barry Loser books – has his finger firmly on the pulse of what makes kids (and grown-ups!) laugh… and the pages of his books buzz with energy, madcap antics, and a joyful sense of managed mayhem that is as addictive as it is entertaining.  And he is on top form in this crazy, laugh-out-loud series which is packed full of friendship, fun and toilet jokes galore... all expertly delivered in witty bite-sized stories brought to life by Smith’s vibrant and colourful artwork. So hold your noses, tag along with our terrible threesome, and prepare for a Christmas yule log delight as they leave their mark on this poop-filled celebration of the festive holidays! Can the Poopies start a successful business selling plastic reindeer poos, who is stealing Pedro’s special golden toilet paper, and, wait a second … is that Santa stuck down the sewage pipe?! Positively fizzing with Smith’s wild and wonderful wit, and perfectly pitched toilet jokes, My Big Fat Christmas Poo Diary is organised chaos for your fun-lovers and mischief-makers!
(Scholastic, paperback, £8.99)

Age 6 plus
The Snowy Penguin
Holly Webb and David Dean

MUCH-LOVED children’s author Holly Webb is enchanting young readers again with the new heartwarming adventure in her adorable Winter Wildlife Stories series. Webb has written over 100 books for youngsters and in this delightful Christmas story, we meet Bella who is thrilled to be joining her mum on an expedition to study penguins on the Antarctic coast. While exploring one of the islands, Bella discovers an unusual penguin with a pale brown coat instead of the typical black. But before she can investigate further, Bella spots an old pirate ship sailing to the island. Then she blinks… and it disappears! Bella is convinced that she imagined it until she goes out searching for the pale penguin again and bumps into a boy named Jules. He has arrived with a group of sailors from the 1800s and they are desperate to catch the rare penguin for themselves... David Dean provides the gorgeous black and white illustrations for this beautifully created adventure which is guaranteed to capture the heart of any child who can’t resist the magic of animals!
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £7.99)

Age 5 plus
Dave Pigeon (Turkey Dinner!)
Swapna Haddow and Sheena Dempsey

YOUNGSTERS will be all of a-flutter when author Swapna Haddow and illustrator Sheena Dempsey’s Dave Pigeon Christmas comedy adventure wings its way into their eager hands this festive season. With a laugh guaranteed on every page, this much-loved, award-winning chapter book series shows off the outstanding queens of comedy at their very best and has received rave reviews since the first book left the presses in 2016. In their new Christmas-flavoured adventure, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’s frozen white dust on the ground, the Human Lady has decorated her nest with shiny things, and the scent of scrumptious goodness is wafting from the kitchen. But then Tinkles the Canary comes with unprecedented news. That delicious smell is not just deliciousness with a sprinkling of yumminess… it’s the smell of TURKEY. Being cooked! Horrors! Can Dave and Skipper save a bird that’s delivered in a plastic wrapper? Probably not. But what if they can work out a way to put nut roast on the menu instead? Packed with Haddow’s warmth, sense of fun and wicked, laugh-out-loud wit, and Dempsey’s irresistibly hilarious black and white illustrations, this funny, energetic and addictive series from one of the most inspired partnerships in children’s comedy fiction is simply irresistible!
(Faber Children’s Books, paperback, £7.99)

Age 3 plus
The Bear Who Wanted to Dance
Stephanie Stansbie and Wendy J Warren

LITTLE ones will pirouette with delight when they leap into the life of Rita, a big bear who dreams of being a dancer! This heartwarming large format picture book about chasing your dreams, celebrating your differences and twirling to your own rhythm is the creation of author Stephanie Stansbie and debut illustrator Wendy J Warren. Rita is a talented, passionate, hard-working ballerina and she’s top of her class. But when she studies her ballet magazines, and compares herself to her friends, she realises… she’s the wrong shape! Can Rita find her inner power and confidence in her beautiful big-bear body? Stansbie’s lyrical and uplifting comes alive through Warren’s soft, magical illustrations as youngsters learn subtle lessons about self-acceptance, body positivity, representation and... the joys of dancing!
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
A Winter's Morning
Angélique Leone and Grégoire Solotareff

A LONELY wolf finds unexpected friendship and warmth in the heart of winter in a stunning picture book illustrated by the award-winning Grégoire Solotareff and written by his daughter Angélique Leone. 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 changed forever when he discovers a small, forgotten teddy bear beneath an ancient oak tree. As Sylvester brings the bear, who 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 – with its dazzling artwork – speaks loudly about friendship and the transformative power of love, and captures the magic of a warm and unexpected connection in the midst of a cold winter. A must-have for children’s bookshelves and perfect for cosying up with on chilly nights.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)