Emotion-packed sagas for winter reading

Light, the fire, draw the curtains and snuggle up with three enthralling sagas that are guaranteed to add an extra glow to cold, winter nights

A Simple Wish
Rosie Goodwin 

ADD an extra sparkle to your Christmas countdown as Rosie Goodwin, one of Britain’s best-loved saga queens, conjures up more storytelling magic for her Precious Stones series. The star of each standalone story in this glittering collection is named after a gemstone and follows on from Goodwin’s enchanting Days of the Week series which won her an army of readers and a fistful of accolades.

A former social worker and foster mother, Goodwin (pictured below) has penned well over thirty beautiful, heartwarming novels exploring life and love in days gone by, and was awarded the rights to follow three of the late, great Tyneside writer Catherine Cookson’s trilogies with her own sequels.

And now, A Simple Wish – a gritty, drama-packed tale featuring the desperate struggles of a homeless Victorian girl – delivers the same winning blend of romance, intrigue, fascinating characters, and richly detailed, authentic and atmospheric settings.

Our new gemstone star is Ruby Carter who works hard in her parents’ bakery in Nuneaton in 1885. Whilst life isn’t easy, she’s happy enough… her gentle mother protects young Ruby from her cruel father and loves her unconditionally.

So, when her mother falls seriously ill, Ruby is heartbroken. Then, from her deathbed, her mother reveals that Ruby was adopted at birth. Stricken by grief and alone with the violent man she called her father, Ruby feels she has no choice but to flee. At just fifteen, homeless and alone, she is relieved when a kindly stranger named Mrs Bamber takes pity on poor Ruby and welcomes her into her home in Birmingham. But soon, Ruby learns that Maddie Bamber is not as generous as she first seemed… she forces Ruby into a life of crime as a jewel thief in the city’s jewellery quarter. With nothing to her name and nowhere to go, Ruby has no choice but to go along with it, despite the guilt and shame she feels. But she is determined that she will atone for what she has done, and be reunited with her birth parents… because Ruby’s only wish now is to find her real family.

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Unsurprisingly, Goodwin is one of the top 50 most borrowed authors from UK libraries and here she packs in all those recognisable people, events and dramas – births and deaths, loves and losses, good people and bad people – that have made her novels so beloved by readers over the decades.

Ruby’s battle, not just to survive but to find her birth family, proves to be a gripping emotional rollercoaster with plot twists aplenty and a story that takes us into the beating heart of 19^th century Birmingham. Full of Goodwin’s wisdom, warmth and wonderful storytelling, and with the author’s delicious, traditional recipe for apple charlotte to tickle the taste buds, this is a tale to cuddle up with on winter nights… and guaranteed to leave readers hungry for A Daughter’s Destiny, the next book in the series.
(Zaffre, hardback, £12.99)

The Jam Factory Girls Fight Back
Mary Wood

TWO young women fight a desperate battle to claim what is rightfully theirs in the final chapter of an emotion-packed saga series from favourite storyteller Mary Wood. Inspired by her own early years in the East End of London, Wood sweeps us back to the struggles centred on a jam factory in London’s Bermondsey in the time leading up to the First World War in another story full of love, loss, hardship and betrayal.

Wood (pictured below), who lives between Blackpool and Spain, worked in the probation service in both Lancaster and Blackpool, and her hard-hitting and emotional historical sagas reflect her own experiences with people from all walks of life, helping her to bring a realism and grittiness to her writing.

In the follow-up to The Jam Factory Girls and The Secrets of the Jam Factory Girls, we move forward to 1913 and back into the lives of Millie Lefton and Elsie Makin, two young women from opposite sides of the tracks whose friendship has survived against the odds.

From the moment Len Lefton came into their lives, everything changed for Millie and Elsie. Both fell in love with him, but he chose Millie, because of her attractive legacy – the Jam Factory. Now Millie is expecting Len’s baby and it should be the happiest time, but her husband’s true colours have come to the fore – and Millie is forced to leave the marriage. Now Millie is desperate to save her child from Len’s clutches. Will Len ever allow her to find happiness?

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Elsie has fallen in love with dependable Jim, but Len is threatening their happiness too. Elsie and Millie are determined to overthrow Len and reclaim the Jam Factory as their own. Will they succeed, and can they rebuild their lives after the devastation Len has caused? Wood excels at storytelling and this hard-hitting tale is full of heartbreak, drama, rich period detail, and the harsh realities of life in the early 20^th century as Elsie and Millie rely on their close friendship to see them through the best and the worst of times. Written with insight, warmth and the empathy gained from the author’s years working with a cross-section of society, this final visit to Bermondsey is an emotional rollercoaster from first page to last, and will leave readers longing for The Orphanage Girls, a thrilling new saga series set in Bethnal Green.
(Pan, paperback, £7.99) 

Christmas with the Cornish Girls
Betty Walker

THERE'S no hiding place from the triumphs and disasters of the Second World War… even in the beautiful seaside town of St Ives in Cornwall. Welcome back to the lives and loves of a group of women who have their own personal battles to fight during the dark days of the war years but who are determined to help others, however risky that might be.

This heartwarming saga series full of family and friendship comes from Betty Walker (pictured below) who lives in Cornwall with her large family and also writes bestselling contemporary thrillers as Jane Holland.

In 1941, the bombs are still falling but in St Ives, Christmas is finally approaching.  And with the war ongoing, Lily is feeling anything but festive… until her spirits are lifted by close friend Eva who asks if she will join her in her work at an officers’ convalescent home. 

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Eva came to St Ives to be near the man who almost gave his life to protect hers but will the wounded pilot ever help to heal himself by opening his heart to love? Meanwhile, Rose suspects that the local orphanage is mistreating its charges…and it’s her job to uncover the truth before it’s too late. Can the girls help one another through the darkest days in order to give everyone in St Ives the sparkling Christmas they so deserve? Love, life and laughter are never far away in this compelling series which comes packed with nostalgia, romance and drama, and is the perfect companion for winter reading by an open fire!
(Avon, paperback, £7.99)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Facts glorious facts make Christmas fun

Learning about the world and its wonders is fun and fascinating… and that’s a fact! There are a whole host of fantastic factual books for children on the shelves this autumn/winter season and with plenty to choose from, it’s guaranteed that you’ll find the perfect Christmas gift for your youngsters

Age 8 plus
This Book is Full of Brains
Written by Little House of Science and illustrated by Josy Bloggs and Liz Kay

FORGET the laptop! Did you know that every day, you have constant access to the ultimate super-computer… your brain? Join the boffins from the Little House of Science – organisers of fun after-school, interactive clubs, workshops and holiday camps teaching children about space, biology, engineering, geology and other subjects – for an access-all-areas tour of the body’s brilliant command centre. Using fun exercises and experiments that are easy to do at home, and presented with simple, easy-to-follow illustrations, This Book is Full of Brains is an awe-inspiring guide to our remarkable brains. Find out all about animal brains, dinosaur brains, robot brains and of course your own brain. 

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With fascinating facts, easy-to-follow illustrations and fun experiments to try at home, this is the ultimate guide to brains everywhere. Discover the gruesome history of neuroscience, check out the inner workings of animal brains and find out all about the amazing things the brain can do. How fast can a thought travel, how do senses work, why do we sleep? Find out the answers to these questions and many more in this accessible guide which could be just the inspirational brainwave needed for a new generation of neuroscientists. Guaranteed to blow your mind!
(Buster Books, hardback, £9.99)

Age 7 plus
Sunday Fun Day
Katherine Halligan and Jesús Verona

HOW would you like Sunday to be the best day of your week all year round? This gorgeous gift book, , published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust, is bursting with fifty-two seasonal activities that families and friends can enjoy together. Gardening, crafting, cooking and outdoor activities are seasonally arranged to make the most of every time of the year, encouraging children to explore the natural world around them. From green-fingered gardening projects and outdoor obstacle courses to creative crafts and warming winter recipes, there is something for everyone, whatever the weather. Written by children’s author Katherine Halligan and packed with super seasonal activities for children (and adults!) of all ages, Sunday Fun Day is guaranteed to make every family weekend a fantastic one. Presented in a beautiful hardback format with a cloth binding and featuring the stunning full colour illustrations of Jesús Verona on every page, this is a family gift book to be treasured for years to come. Sunday fun days come rain or shine!
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £16.99)

Age 6 plus
The Greeks
Jonny Marx and Chaaya Prabhat

DISCOVER the wonders of the ancient Greeks in a spectacular lift-the-flap book full of colour, learning and fun. Young imaginations will be set ablaze like the flame of Mount Olympus as they take a journey back in time in the pages of an innovative and entertaining book from the ever-inventive 360 Degrees, a non-fiction imprint of Little Tiger Group. With fantastic flaps under flaps revealing layers of information about this mysterious ancient culture, this is the ideal colourful and interactive way to discover amazing facts. Were charioteers the highest-paid athletes in history, how did Heracles slay the many-headed Hydra and did the Greeks invent the world's most bloodthirsty sport? Young readers will love discovering the truth behind some of the most incredible ancient Greek stories and superstitions, and unearthing the most fascinating aspects of an ancient culture. Full of Jonny Marx’s intriguing bite-sized facts, all brought to vivid life by the fabulously detailed illustrations of Chaaya Prabhat, there could be no better way to explore the past.
(360 Degrees, board book, £16.99)

Age 9 plus
As Large As Life
Jonny Marx and Sandhya Prabhat

AND also from the clever book boffins at 360 Degrees comes this spectacular global exploration of a staggering 250 animals and their amazing habitats. Written by Jonny Marx, who has worked on more than sixty factual books, and illustrated by independent animator and illustrator Sandhya Prabhat, As Large As Life is a compendium of wonder as readers meet the most sublime animals on the planet. From butterflies and boar to pufferfish and parrots, there is a whole host of astonishing animals to discover and 26 habitats to explore. Did you know that a sword-billed hummingbird has a beak longer than its body, that a giant anteater’s tongue can delve two feet into a termite mound in pursuit of food, or that a lion’s mane jellyfish can grow tentacles as long as three buses? See how nature sizes up, compare animals across the world in the enormous pull-out chart at the back of the book and revel in Prabhat’s breathtaking illustrations which bring the animal kingdom to life, from the sweltering savannah to the icy Arctic. Facts, fun and fantastic illustrations make this a gift book to enthral and to treasure.
(360 Degrees, hardback, £19.99)

Age 8 plus
Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World
Jan Paul Schutten and Arie van 't Riet

SEE the world inside out and you’ll never look at nature the same way again! Children will love exploring the amazing, creepy X-rays of insects, reptiles, mammals and other creatures inside this stunning book. Inside In is written by Dutch author Jan Paul Schutten, translated by Laura Watkinson and illustrated by Arie van 't Riet, a Dutch artist and medical physicist who uses X-ray equipment to create ‘bioramas’ – X-ray portraits of animals and plants. Using incredible X-ray techniques, which van ‘t Riet became interested in while teaching the physics of radiation and radiation safety, this fascinating book displays creatures and their natural habitats in a never-before-seen way. Children learn the awesome answers to questions like what does a bee look like under its furry coat, how does a seahorse protect itself with armour and a skeleton, and how does a tree frog use its eyes to swallow? This visually dazzling and highly original book is ideal for accompanying home-schooling and online learning. The X-ray images are not just fun to look at but help youngsters to understand the inner workings of the animals and plants. With flashes of neon colours to bring extra life to the fascinating images, this is both a visual and an educational treat.
(Greystone Kids, hardback, £13.99)

Age 8 plus
Oceanarium
Loveday Trinick and Teagan White

STEP inside the pages of Oceanarium to enjoy the experience of a museum from the comfort of your own home. This stunning offering from the Welcome to the Museum series guides readers around the Oceanarium … home to an astonishing collection of more than two hundred sea creatures. This fantastic exploration of our ocean planet comes courtesy of the Big Picture Press as part of a series which enables readers to wander galleries from the comfort of home and discover a collection of curated exhibits on every page, all accompanied by informative text. In this eye-catching new tour, presented in the form of a large, high-quality book packed with amazing pictures and fascinating facts, we marvel at the world’s oceans, from sandy shorelines to the deepest depths. Get up close and personal with giant whale sharks, tiny tropical fish and majestic manatees, discover how some deep-sea dwelling animals produce their own light, travel the world from frozen Arctic seas to shimmering coral reefs, and learn why it is so important that we protect our oceans. Intricately detailed artwork by rising star Teagan White combines with an expert text by education officer Loveday Trinick from the UK’s National Marine Aquarium. A stunning exploration of our hidden underwater world, and a must-have for all animal enthusiasts.
(Big Picture Press, hardback, £25)

Age 10 plus
The World of the Unknown:
Monsters
Written by Carey Miller with
a new foreword by Robin Ince

ARE you brave enough to enter into the world of the unknown? The republishing of Usborne’s classic cult trilogy, The World of the Unknown, has reached its final, fearsome act with Monsters. First published back in 1977, this epic series, which inspired a generation’s curiosity and imagination, had thousands of superfans who signed petition in 2019 to bring back the books. And after the reappearance of Ghosts and UFOs, a new generation of youngsters can now enjoy the thrills and chills of this illustrated survey of imaginary and real monsters and monstrous beasts through the ages, including eye-witness reports and unsolved appearances. With a new foreword by comedian, actor and writer Robin Ince, the book remains otherwise unchanged from the original. Dive into mysteries such as whether the Loch Ness monster exists, learn about jackal-headed Egyptian gods, ship-crushing Krakens and the murderous Minotaur, and revel in stories of dragons and monsters from some of the most remote regions of the world. A monstrously good read!
(Usborne, paperback, £7.99)

Age 8 plus
The World Book
Joe Fullman and Rose Blake

WHERE in the world would you like to visit? If you can’t decide, here’s your chance to take an epic tour of every single country in the world from the comfort of your armchair and along the way, explore different cultures, landscapes, and the best things to see, do and taste on this planet. The brilliantly clever World Book is an almanac of fascinating information, containing geography, history, food, sport, wildlife, art and culture. It is packed with facts, stats and flags of every country, no matter how big or small, and lets youngsters find out what life is like in other places and learn some key phrases in several languages. Discover how to say ‘good morning’ in Maltese, the most popular dishes in Colombian cuisine, and where you can see over sixty species of hummingbird. Journey across oceans, forests and deserts to seek out the tallest mountain, the longest river and everything in between. Joe Fullman provides all the fascinating facts and Rose Blake’s illustrations display the variety of the planet in glorious technicolour. It’s the world we call home and now you can find out some of its many secrets, wonders and gems!
(Welbeck, hardback, £19.99)

Age 8 plus
A History of the World in 25 Cities
Written by Tracey Turner and Andrew Donkin and illustrated by Libby VanderPloeg

DISCOVER what cities can teach us about our past – and be inspired to build a better future along the way – with this stunningly illustrated book of extraordinary city maps. A gorgeous, large-format gift hardback with a stunning neon cover, A History of the World in 25 Cities is published in collaboration with the British Museum and features twenty-five beautifully illustrated city maps from all over the world, from ancient history to the present day, and tells the story of human civilisation throughout history. Co-authored by award-winning writers Tracey Turner and Andrew Donkin, in consultation with specialist curators at the British Museum, readers can visit cities from every continent on Earth, from the walled city of Jericho built over 10,000 years ago to the modern-day metropolis of Tokyo, the most-densely populated city in the world today. Featuring the vibrant, beautifully detailed artwork of Libby VanderPloeg, each carefully researched map takes readers on a city tour at a unique moment in time… from exploring Athens in ancient Greece during the birth of democracy to walking the beautiful lamp-lit streets of medieval Benin, deep in the West African rainforest. Readers can even visit China’s long-lost capital city of Xianyang, a city for which no original map exists and which was painstakingly recreated with help from British Museum experts. Each map is followed by two illustrated pages of fascinating information about what life was (or is) like for the inhabitants of each city at the time, including a bite-sized look at each city in numbers. Packed with facts, this is the perfect gift for budding explorers and history fans.
(Nosy Crow, hardback, £16.99)

Age 11 plus
Plasticus Maritimus: An Invasive Species
Ana Pêgo, Isabel Minhós Martin
and Bernado P. Carvalho

MOST youngsters are aware that we have an invasive species in our oceans… plastic! And now comes this helpful and imaginative guide which is filled with tips and tricks for identifying – and combatting – pollution in our oceans. Inspired by marine biologist Ana Pêgo’s life’s work, and filled with engaging science and colourful photographs, this exploration of plastic pollution in the sea explains why it is such an urgent contemporary issue. When she was young, Pêgo didn’t play in a back yard but on a beach. She walked along the shore, looked at tide pools and collected fossils. As she grew older, Pêgo noticed a new species at the seaside… plastic. She decided to collect it, study it, and give it a Latin name – plasticus maritimus – to warn people of its dangers to our planet. And in this revealing book, she tells us how plastics end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, shares plastic’s chemical composition and physical properties, and offers a field guide to help readers identify and understand this new invasive species in all its forms, from the obvious (fishing nets and water bottles) to the unfamiliar (tiny, clear particles called microplastics). Finally, she offers a critical look at our current ‘solutions’ to plastic contamination and in her most important proposal – revolutionise – she calls for profound changes in our habits, motivating young and old alike to make a difference… because together we can send plasticus maritimus packing!
(Greystone Kids, paperback, £9.99)

Age 6 plus
It’s Up to Us
Written by Christopher Lloyd, illustrated by thirty-three artists and with a Foreword by The Prince of Wales

‘CHILDREN have a unique curiosity for Nature and for this amazing planet we call home,’ writes the Prince of Wales in his introduction to this inspirational book which encourages a new generation of children to help form their own action plan to save our endangered planet. It’s Up to Us, published by the innovative What on Earth Publishing, written by renowned author, lecturer and storyteller Christopher Lloyd, and illustrated by thirty-three award-winning artists from around the world, this is a lyrical and thought-provoking voyage through nature, the threats we face and an action plan for the future. With its simple but poetic language, and a cast of diverse characters, this beautiful picture book is based on the Terra Carta, a roadmap to sustainability, issued by Prince Charles and his Sustainable Markets Initiative. More than 400 corporations have already signed up, agreeing to put the health of nature, people and the planet at the heart of their activities. And now it’s up to all of us to make sure our leaders keep their promises! It’s Up to Us has been developed in partnership with The Prince’s Foundation, a charity established by the Prince of Wales to demonstrate how nature can be put at the heart of human activities. Half of all the proceeds from sales will go directly to the work of the charity.
(What on Earth Books, hardback, £16.99)

Age 3 plus
William Bee’s Wonderful World
of Things That Go!
William Bee

VROOM Vroom! Peep Peep! William Bee is just buzzing with excitement… the man who loves vehicles that go has his foot on the pedal and is raring to show us his weird and wonderful collection of trucks, trains, tractors, aeroplanes, submarines, rockets and more. This bumper gift book of all William’s favourite vehicles features his turbo-powered high speed truck, his fire truck, his super collection of tractors – from extra-wide to super-small – and his locomotives, as well as the rocket in which he travels to the moon and his super speedy speedboat (which gets stolen by his dog!). This ultimate manual (formerly published as three separate books) has a marvellous mix of fun and facts irresistible to little ones who have plenty to spot as they make an exciting whistlestop tour of William’s amazing collection. Whether the vehicles are steam-powered, coal-powered, petrol-filled or jet-propelled and travel by land, air, sea or space, there is something to enjoy for every young transport enthusiast. William will show you how they work and what they do so jump aboard and join William, his dog and his gang of unruly traffic cones on a grand tour of the world of transport. And have fun along the way spotting the toy rabbit hidden on every double page spread. A fantastic gift book and guaranteed to put your own little dynamos well and truly in the driving seat!
(Pavilion Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age one plus
Britannica’s 150 First Words
Claire Laties Davis and Kasia Dudziuk

GET babies and toddlers talking all day long with a colourful board book of first words and phrases created by the experts at Britannica. Written by speech and language therapist Claire Laties Davis, and with an array of bold, bright, inclusive illustrations by Kasia Dudziuk, this engaging large-format board book encourages toddlers’ language learning through the repetition of simple words and phrases for everyday objects and activities. Take a trip around the world by following nine babies from different ethnic backgrounds through their daily routines. Under Laties Davis’ expert hand, dressing, mealtime, playtime, bathtime and more become opportunities for babies to learn new words and phrases. Each illustrated spread also includes photographs of a diverse cast of babies and everyday objects drawn into the art, creating a delightful search-and-find on every page to allow more time for parents and babies to connect. A fantastic word manual that puts fun and colour into learning!
(What on Earth Books, board book, £8.99)

Never

Ken Follett

‘Every catastrophe begins with a little
problem that doesn’t get fixed.’

THIS prophetic line by a fictional US president – uttered in the dark heart of master storyteller Ken Follett’s big, bold new thriller – sets the scene perfectly for a terrifyingly plausible scenario that could see the end of the world.

And no, this isn’t a topical story of climate change Armageddon but a chilling, cautionary, contemporary tale that imagines how a series of political acts of aggression, diplomatic blunders and dangerous power play could see nations edging closer and closer to the brink of the unthinkable… full-scale nuclear war.

Forty-three years after Follett’s first thriller, the wartime spy drama Eye of the Needle, became the fuse that lit a stellar writing career, and in the wake of his Century trilogy and the pulsating, groundbreaking Kingsbridge historical novel series, this ever-inventive author springs yet another surprise on his readers. Inspired by his extensive research which revealed the First World War was a war that nobody wanted, but instead came about through ‘logical, moderate decisions – each of which took us a small step closer to the most terrible conflict the world had ever known,’ Follett (pictured below) ponders whether it could ever happen again.

And it is this fascinating, fearful and all too believable thought process – that major wars can still be sparked by way of ‘a tragic accident’ – which spawned what looks set to be one of the most gripping, disturbing and entertaining novels of 2021.

Set on a world stage that encompasses a spy working undercover with jihadists, a brilliant Chinese spymaster, America’s first female president beleaguered by a populist rival, a game of brinksmanship featuring humanity at its best and its worst, and a compelling exploration of the relationships that form the bedrock of our personal lives, Never is guaranteed to keep readers enthralled right through to the nail-biting finale.

In the Sahara Desert, two elite intelligence agents are on the road from N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad, and on the trail of a powerful group of drug-smuggling terrorists. Tamara Levit, a CIA agent attached to the American embassy, and Frenchman Tabdar ‘Tab’ Sadoul , an attaché at the European Union Mission, are risking their lives every day and, when they fall desperately in love, their careers are also at risk at every turn.

Nearby, beautiful and determined young widow Kiah, accompanied by her baby son Naji, is resorting to human traffickers to help her travel illegally to Europe. And it’s on a bus heading north to the Mediterranean that she meets the mysterious Abdul John Haddad who is working undercover with the CIA to hunt out drug smugglers and jihadists.

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Meanwhile, in China, Chang Kai, a senior government official with vast ambitions for himself and his country, battles against the older Communist hawks in the government who may be pushing China – and its close military ally, North Korea – towards a place of no return.

And in the United States, Pauline Green, the country’s first woman president, navigates terrorist attacks, illegal arms trading, and the smear campaigns of her blustering political opponent, Senator James Moore, with careful and deft diplomacy. She might only be four feet eleven inches

You Must Endure: The Lancashire Loyals in Japanese Captivity, 1942-1945

Chris Given-Wilson

‘You have not come here as honoured guests.
You must endure.’

THESE chilling words were just part of the ‘welcoming’ speech from a camp commander who addressed weary soldiers of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment when they were captured by the Japanese Imperial Army after the fall of Singapore during 1942.

Amongst those brave prisoners of war was junior officer 2^nd Lt Patrick ‘Paddy’ Given-Wilson who suffered three-and-a-half years of incarceration at the Keijo PoW camp in Korea and who, as the Japanese instructed, ‘endured’ and survived despite their brutal treatment. And now the untold story of these courageous Lancastrians has been revealed in a book written by Paddy’s son, Chris (pictured below), Professor of History at St Andrews University and a much-published, popular historian.

In his moving – and yet inspirational – account of the starvation, disease and deaths suffered by the men of the Lancashire Loyals, Given-Wilson takes us from the fall of Singapore in 1942 to the end of the Second World War, documenting how the PoWs’ resilience and sheer bloody-mindedness also resulted in great feats of ingenuity.

And it is this tale of creativity amidst the cruelty, and the bravery which ultimately vanquished brutality, that lies at the heart of Given-Wilson’s journey through the long-suffering prisoners’ years of captivity and their covert disobedience and resistance.

It all began at 7.40pm on February 15^th in 1942. The light was fading fast, the Allied forces were encircled and the bombardment was relentless as Singapore fell to the Japanese. Discarding their weapons, the Lancashire Loyals quietly withdrew to their quarters, where they ‘composed themselves as best they could for the silent ordeal of the night, numbed and galled by the bitterness of enforced surrender.’

It was a humiliating defeat for the British troops who were ‘never given the chance to redeem themselves – a bit like Dunkirk without D-Day.’ But they never gave up… and discovered that there were many ways in which to keep up their spirits. For some it was staging surprisingly sophisticated shows, complete with Gloria d’Earie, the resident female impersonator who was better known to his fellow PoWs as Bombadier Arthur Butler, and a singing star of Radio Singapore before war broke out.

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Other prisoners grew fresh vegetables to improve their health, and Paddy Given-Wilson co-edited a secret satirical and subversive magazine called Nor Iron Bars (a line taken from Richard

A Three Dog Problem

S.J. Bennett 

LIFE is proving more than a little tricky for Queen Elizabeth II in October of 2016… the nation is divided by Brexit, the US is gripped by a worrisome presidential election, and now dark forces are at work in Buckingham Palace.

Our revered monarch is going to need the help of her irrepressible tough cookie personal assistant Rozie Oshodi if is she is to solve what turns out to be a dastardly murder.

Welcome back to a hidden (and delightfully unexpected!) corner of the Queen’s life in the second right royal mystery of a clever, funny and charming series from S.J. Bennett (pictured below), best known for her award-winning young adult books. Billed as Miss Marple meets The Crown – and with rights already sold across the globe – Bennett’s delightfully cosy and quirky Her Majesty The Queen Investigates series takes readers behind the ancient walls of castles and palaces alongside a super-sleuthing superstar sovereign. With a supporting cast of real and fictional players – including some wonderful cameo appearances by the late Prince Philip – and a plot that blends actual events with an intriguing mystery, this is an exhilarating romp that brings us the Queen (and her courtiers) as we have never before seen them.

As if the current post-Brexit referendum political turmoil wasn’t enough for the Queen to handle, the discovery of the body of the long-serving, very capable, but almost universally disliked, housekeeper Cynthia Harris at the Buckingham Palace swimming pool has only added to her woes.

Her Majesty is by no means convinced that Cynthia slipped on the tiles by the pool and died in what the police believe is just a tragic accident. Determined to dig further into the woman’s death, the Queen enlists (as always) the services of her trusted, and immensely discreet, assistant private secretary and Nigerian ex-Army officer, Rozie Oshodi.

It’s Rozie’s job to assist the ‘boss’ who, although the staff and public may not realise it, is a keen amateur sleuth. And this new task turns out be even more difficult than Rozie imagined. She is already at work on the trail of a missing and much treasured painting of the Royal Yacht Britannia which once hung outside the Queen’s bedroom, and her enquiries are leading to some disturbing discoveries. But when Rozie and other members of the royal staff receive menacing anonymous letter, the monarch knows dark forces are at work and far too close to home… it will take a Queen’s eye to see connections where no one else can.

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Queen Elizabeth II is undoubtedly the shining star of Bennett’s new laugh-out-loud, royal blue mystery which picks up perfectly every nuance and familiar characteristic of our long-serving

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Glowing trees, festive fun and snow-filled adventures

Santa has a sleigh simply bulging with Christmas cheer as authors and illustrators work their special magic on a whole host of spectacular children’s books for the season of sharing, loving and giving

Age 2 plus
The Christmas Pine
Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandøy

BASK in the warm glow of a very special Christmas tree in a beautiful and magical picture book for Christmas from Julia Donaldson, bestselling author of The Gruffalo and Stick Man. Written in Donaldson’s perfect, heartfelt, rhythmic verse, and fabulously illustrated by Norwegian illustrator Victoria Sandøy, this moving and inspirational story celebrates the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square in London which has been presented by the Mayor of Oslo in Norway for 70 years as a symbol of peace and friendship, and to thank you the British people for their support during the Second World War. 

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Deep in a snowy wood stands a little pine tree with a special destiny. When it grows up, it’s going to be the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and will be watched over by the statue of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson! This is the perfect picture book to snuggle up with and share at Christmas. Sandøy’s gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations whisk youngsters from frozen forests to the sparkling city square in a tale of festivity, renewal and hope. With its gold-foiled dust jacket and rich illustrative detail, this is the perfect Christmas gift for young children and a classic to treasure for generations.
(‎Alison Green Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 8 plus
Diary of a Christmas Elf
Ben Miller and Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini

INDULGE your youngsters with this gorgeous Christmas gift book – full of fun, festive warmth and comedy capers – from actor, comedian and bestselling author Ben Miller. Diary of a Christmas Elf delivers magic on every page as Miller, who has earned the title King of Christmas, lets loose his imagination on a heartwarming story about the true meaning of gift giving. All Tog Harket wants to do is work in Santa’s workshop and one wonderful day, the letter from Santa arrives. Tog has been selected as an apprentice elf! Making toys is a lot more technical and a lot less fun than Tog had imagined, and even though his new friend Holly tries to help him, he is quickly relegated to cleaning out the reindeer stables. But someone has been stealing the presents from the workshop and a case of mistaken identity finds Tog accused of being the culprit. Can Tog use his special Christmas magic to discover the real thief and save all the presents before Christmas Eve is over? 

Featuring the beautiful, atmospheric black and white illustrations of Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, this inspirational, seasonal adventure – laced throughout with Miller’s irrepressible wit – is set to become another Christmas classic for this exciting and inventive storyteller.
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, hardback, £9.99)

Age 8 plus
Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!
David Walliams and Tony Ross

TUCK into the wit and wacky adventures that spill from the pen of multi-million bestselling author David Walliams and the creative genius of illustrator Tony Ross in the uproarious sequel to their mega-hit adventure Gangsta Granny. From laugh-out-loud antics to breathtaking action and suspense-packed mystery, Walliams takes young readers on a thrilling ride through danger, derring-do and comedy… in his inimitable classic style. Ben is getting used to life without his beloved granny. She was a cabbage enthusiast, a Scrabble partner… and an international jewel thief known as The Black Cat. Now, only the memory of their extraordinary adventure to steal the Crown Jewels lives on. Then something inexplicable happens. World-famous treasures are stolen in the dead of night and the clues point to none other than The Black Cat! But that’s impossible… isn’t it? Walliams is on his best storytelling form in this raucous romp as young readers join Ben on his quest to unravel the mystery of the return of The Black Cat. And with a hilarious cast of characters and the gloriously anarchic illustrations of Tony Ross to bring this terrific story to life, this is Christmas heaven for all Walliams fans!
(HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks, hardback, £14.99)

Age 8 plus
The Very Merry Murder Club
Edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens
and illustrations by Harry Woodgate

HANDS up if you like a thrilling, chilling mystery story! Youngsters will be racing through the pages and soaking up the vibes when they get their hands on this super, snow-covered, wintertime journey of Christmassy crimes, festive foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries! This coruscating middle grade collection of mystery and crime adventures by thirteen of the most exciting and diverse authors in children’s books today includes contributors from the BAME and LGBT communities, writing about equally diverse characters and stories. Co-edited by Serena Patel, award-winning author of the Anisha: Accidental Detective series, and Robin Stevens, creator of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series, and with stunning illustrations by Harry Woodgate, the thirteen winter mysteries invite youngsters to join the Very Merry Murder Club and put their sleuthing skills to the test. And just to make the book even more special, the book’s dust jacket hides a stunning wraparound scene on the hardback cover with an element from each of the thirteen stories to spot in the artwork. The perfect Christmas gift for eagle-eyed, budding detectives!
(Farshore, hardback, £12.99)

Age 7 plus
Sasha and the Wolf
Ann Jungman and Gaia Bordicchia

ENJOY the chilly thrills of wonderfully atmospheric and snow-filled adventures as Ann Jungman and Gaia Bordicchia sweep us away to the steppes of Russia with a little boy and his wolf cub friend. Long ago and far away, on the great snow-covered steppe of Russia, Sasha has always been taught that wolves are dangerous, but when he finds himself lost in the snow with Ferdy, a wolf cub, he discovers they are not so different. But how can he persuade his village that the wolves can be their friends? Sasha is excited about the railway coming to their village but Ferdy is afraid that it will bring new people who do not know that the wolves and humans have learnt to live together. With winter coming, how will Ferdy’s pack survive if they have to hide away? This beautifully produced chapter book bind-up of Jungman and Bordicchia’s rediscovered classics about Sasha and Ferdy has important messages about conservation, acceptance and friendship for a new generation of youngsters who will delight in sharing fun and adventures with the adorable duo.
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £7.99)

Age 6 plus
Winter Animal Stories: Sky
Holly Webb

MEET Sky, a rare white snowy owl who takes the starring role in a stunning Winter Animal Story from favourite storyteller Holly Webb. This delightful winter wonderland adventure story comes in a beautiful hardback gift edition with a dazzling cover from award-winning illustrator Britta Teckentrup and the atmospheric black and white illustrations of Jo Anne Davies. Staying with her grandparents in the Scottish Highlands, Lara is fascinated by the snowy owl her grandad has spotted flying nearby. And when she follows the beautiful bird into the woods, it leads her on a magical adventure. Transported to a century back in time, Lara befriends Amelia who confides in Lara about her cruel cousin who she is sure is trying to hurt the baby owls nesting in the woods. When Lara discovers the hatchlings belong to her owl, Sky, she is determined to help. But how can she protect them when she needs to return to her own time? This enchanting and magical time-slip adventure is a heart-melting and evocative winter tale, full of Webb’s beautiful storytelling and imbued with a special seasonal warmth that will make the book a favourite with both children and adults.
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £8.99)

Age 6 plus
A Puppy’s First Christmas
Holly Webb and Sophy Williams

MUCH-LOVED author Holly Webb is back to enchant her young readers with the incredible 50^th heartwarming adventure in her adorable Animal Stories series which has sold hundreds of thousands of copies since the first book hit the shelves in 2006. Webb is one of the UK’s best-loved children’s authors and has written over 100 books for youngsters. In this new Christmas story, we meet Aria who is excited to celebrate her puppy Jackson’s first Christmas… they’ll make snowmen, eat lots of food, and she has bought him a special present with her pocket money! But when Aria’s family come to stay, Jackson becomes over-excited and scares Aria’s younger cousin. On Christmas morning things get worse. Jackson is shut out of the living room while gifts are being opened, Aria can’t find his present, and then the puppy eats Grandma’s fluffy winter boots! With her parents refusing to take her side, will Aria and Jackson get their perfect Christmas after all? Sophy Williams 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, £5.99)

Age 6 plus
Usborne Countdown to
Christmas Activity Book
James Maclaine and Abigail Wheatley

IF you need a crafty way to keep the kids busy in the countdown to Christmas, look no further than this brilliant activity book packed with fun and festive things to make and do. Every day in December, right up to Christmas Eve, is covered with this clever countdown selection of activities which includes making everything from garlands and gift tags to reindeer snacks and wrapping paper. Bright, colourful, engaging and inspiring, the book also has simple cooking recipes… delicious breadstick reindeer, star sandwiches and a tasty dish for the reindeer. Using items you will easily find around the house, this cracking Christmas countdown guarantees hours of fun for busy little hands!
(Usborne, paperback, £6.99)

Age 4 plus
Winter Wonderland: Little
Sticker Dolly Dressing
Fiona Watt, Stella Baggott and Non Figg

SO what DOES a dolly wear as the season of winter and Christmas draws near? Usborne has the answer all stitched up in this enchanting sticker book! Little children won’t be stuck for something to do with this beautiful activity book full of dolls to dress and scenes to decorate. Join the dolls as they choose and decorate a Christmas tree, have a walk in a snowy forest, go ice skating, and watch as twinkly Christmas lights are switched on. And have fun choosing their outfits and adding lots of other fashion accessories. With hundreds of reusable stickers of colourful outfits and winter accessories to choose from, this is a festive show no young fashionista will want to miss!
(Usborne, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa’s Stolen Sleigh
Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton

GET your skates on… Christmas will have to be put on ice unless reformed robbers Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam can stop someone stealing Santa’s flying sleigh! Welcome back to another slice of baking adventures with the two adorable bungling robbers who gave up a life of crime to become the best – and bravest – bakers in town. Favourite author Tracey Corderoy and star illustrator Steven Lenton cook up a storm as their two delightfully dogged detectives set off for Lapland to bake a festive feast for Santa and his elves. But there’s a Christmas crisis… the elves are ill and can’t finish the toys. Does mysterious stranger and gadget queen, Flo Frost, really want to help or could she have her eyes on the most magical gadget of all… Santa’s flying sleigh? It’s up to Shifty and Sam to race across the snowy slopes and save Christmas for everyone! With Corderoy’s trademark warmth, wit and charm radiating from every page, Lenton’s busy, bold and fun-filled illustrations and an eye-catching, gold-foiled cover, this is the perfect Christmas morning stocking-filler.
(Nosy Crow, paperback, £6.99)

Age 3 plus
Little Bear
Richard Jones 

DISCOVER what happens when a boy meets a bear in this magical story about friendship and growing up, up and away. Little Bear is a tender and stunningly illustrated fable about letting go of love and is the work of talented author and illustrator Richard Jones. On Monday, a boy finds a polar bear in his garden... only, this polar bear is so small he can fit in the palm of the boy’s hand. ‘Are you lost, Little Bear?’ the boy asks. ‘Can I help you?’ Day by day the bear grows, and so does their friendship, until the boy realises that it’s time for the bear to go home. This is a story that grows in stature with each page, just as the bear grows from a tiny handful to a giant presence. The pathos of growing older is gently explored… accepting that distance, departure and change are inevitable without losing sight of the memories of love and friendship that last a lifetime. Add on the ethereal magic of Jones’ illustrations, with their enchanting palette of colours and simple but powerful charm, and you have a picture book classic that will be loved by all generations of readers.
(Simon & Schuster Children’s Books, hardback, £12.99)

Age 3 plus
The Christmas Department Store
Maudie Powell-Tuck and Hoang Giang

GIFTS at Christmas don’t all come wrapped in festive paper… there’s often more joy to be found in love, laughter and family. That is the resonant message in this warm, gentle and inspirational picture book from the expert team of author Maudie Powell-Tuck and illustrator Hoang Giang. Christmas for Benji has lost its magic. This year, his family can’t afford a tree, or even a turkey. But then he stumbles upon the most extraordinary department store where polar bears talk, a leopard likes storytelling and the presents are out of this world. Can he make the magic last through the Christmas season? Powell-Tuck’s gentle story speaks loudly and reassuringly to children about celebrating Christmas with family, and the heartwarming delights of sharing and giving while Giang’s atmospheric and richly detailed illustrations brings extra emotional power to the action. With its perfect blend of real life and magic, this festive tale is perfect for reading together in the run-up to Christmas and will be loved, treasured and enjoyed every year.
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £8.99)

Age 3 plus
First Magic Painting Christmas
Matthew Oldman and Emily Beevers

USBORNE brings the magic of Christmas to life with the sweep of a brush in this painting book just made for tiny tots. All you need for First Magic Painting Christmas is the paint brush provided and a jar of water and hey presto, youngsters can transform black and white illustrations into pictures bursting with colour. Watch as a carol-singing mouse, a well-filled stocking and even Santa himself spring to life. The perfect way to help young children develop their brush control skills, and to keep little hands busy in the run-up to Christmas.
(Usborne, paperback, £6.99)

Age 2 plus
A Christmas Story
Brian Wildsmith

CHRISTMAS is all about sharing and there can be no better way to celebrate the true meaning of the season than with this classic and charming retelling of the birth of Jesus. Internationally acclaimed author and artist Brian Wildsmith’s beautiful and evocative story features magnificent illuminated gold pictures which add extra depth and meaning as we travel to Bethlehem with a little girl and her faithful donkey. While the wonderful events of the Nativity unfold, the adventures of Rebecca, Mary and Joseph’s next door neighbour, provide an intimate, innocent, and child-centred perspective on the Christmas story. Wildsmith’s enchanting book has been in print since 1989 and is an enduring favourite with children, and this beautiful edition, with its stunning new cover design, will delight a whole new generation of young readers. A magical introduction to the birth of Jesus and the wonderful world of Christmas.
(OUP, paperback, £7.99)

Age 2 plus
Santa’s New Sleigh
Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels

IT'S green for go when Santa’s sleigh stops working in a fun and festive picture book from the top team who brought us Santa’s New Beard. Author Caroline Crowe and illustrator Jess Pauwels deliver sackfuls of guffaws and giggles in this adorable new Christmas adventure which sees Santa’s big night saved by a very special – and very eco-friendly – solution. On Christmas Eve, the countdown clock is ticking fast but when Santa turns the key on his sleigh, nothing happens! The elves rally round to help. They could use a slingshot, the owls could help, or how about polar bears? Will they be able to sort out the sleigh out before it’s too late? Things are not looking good until one small elf has a bright, eco idea! With Crowe’s jolly, bouncing rhyme and Pauwels’ cheeky, accident-prone elves and reindeer, this story has Christmas written all over it!
(Faber & Faber, paperback, £6.99)

Age one plus
Time to… picture books
Penny Tassoni and Mel Four

ALL children need a helping hand when it comes to learning life skills so here is a set of picture perfect books to teach them the important basics of everyday tasks and play. Ideal for home bookshelves or any Early Years setting, these sturdy Time to… are written by education consultant Penny Tassoni and beautifully illustrated by Mel Four. The series includes Time to Go to Bed, Time to Go to Nursery, Time to Care and Time to Get Dressed, and each comes with a simple-to-read text and delightful full-colour illustrations to help children follow everyday routines and understand the important personal skills. Explain to children why everyone needs sleep, encourage them to feel confident about going to nursery, explore empathy, kindness and caring for others, and help them understand what they should wear and how to get dressed. Featuring practical advice and tips for practitioners, carers and parents, these books are invaluable as they explore positive behaviour and a whole range of emotions in a fun and friendly way. The ideal way to make learning fun!
(Featherstone, hardback, £5.99 each)

Age one plus
Nibbles Christmas
Emma Yarlett

NIBBLES, the adorable yellow monster who stole our hearts with his munching antics in Emma Yarlett’s bestselling The Book Monster series, is back for some jolly, holly, jingles madness! Multi-talented author and illustrator Yarlett goes into her special brand of imaginative overdrive again as naughty Nibbles chomps and gnaws his way through a clever, Christmas-themed introduction to counting. Packed with objects to spot and count, and with a fun-filled, bouncy rhyme, this ingenious Nibbles book is brimming with the kind of multi-coloured, lively illustrations that children love, and with the cheeky monster as their guide, you can expect mischief right up to the last page!
(Little Tiger Press, board book, £7.99)

Age six months plus
Don’t tickle the Polar Bear!
Sam Taplin and Ana Martin Larrañaga

LITTLE ones will go barking mad to get their hands on this super soft and fabulously ‘feely’ novelty gift book. There’s a whole host of cute sea creatures just waiting to croak, bark, growl and grunt when you give them a tickle. Tots and toddlers won’t be able to resist pressing the fluffy touchy-feely patches to hear the different sounds in this delightful novelty book. And after the polar bear, seal, puffin and walrus have been tickled, there’s a surprise on the last page as they all join together for a hilarious animal and music finale guaranteed to get everyone dancing! With Sam Taplin’s fun narrative and the wonderfully vivid artwork of Ana Martin Larrañaga bringing the animals to life, expect winter gales of giggles and tons of touchy-feely encores!
(Usborne, board book, £12.99)