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 a book to suit every taste in a sparkling selection of children’s books this Christmas season

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)

A Legacy of Secrets

Lulu Taylor

BEING part of a family noted for its wealth, talent and good looks should surely be a blessing but two women from two different generations know that the legacy also comes with a curse… a curse that could destroy their happiness.

Lulu Taylor (pictured below), queen of a string of classic winter-warming novels like The Winter Children, A Midwinter Promise and The Last Song of Winter, dishes up all those favourite reading ingredients for a gripping and emotion-packed, dual-timeline story which was just made for log-fire reading on long, cold evenings.

Filled with this insightful writer’s acute observations on family relationships, a cast of beautifully drawn characters, and featuring the cruel slings and arrows of life and fate, A Legacy of Secrets is a poignant and enthralling story of secrets, love, determination and female resilience. 

Encompassing the lives of a mother and her daughter, and set against the backdrop of the buttoned-up Fifties and the more open society of the Nineties, Taylor’s evocative story explores the changing perspectives of two women whose lives, loves and destinies are very much shaped by the world in which they become adults.

In the summer of 1952, twins Flick and Brinsley Templeton – landed gentry members of the absurdly rich and glamorous Carrington family through their mother Gloria – are celebrating their landmark 18^th birthday at their grand but rather shabby home, a former priory called Caundle Court.

The business acumen of an eighteenth-century ancestor has blossomed into a banking empire in which generations have played their part and taken their share. And in true family style, Flick is blessed with good looks and ‘bursting with intellect’ but it is her twin brother and heir, Brinsley, who is about to go up to Oxford University while Flick is heading to an Oxford finishing school. Flick is eager to get away from her mother’s suffocating presence, escape stifling class strictures, find a man who loves her for herself, and avoid the family curse which has seen previous generations pursued by drama, addiction and bad fortune. These things poisoned their world, with each generation handing down its problems to the next.

Fast forward to 1991 and we meet Etta, Flick’s daughter, who inherits her own share of the family blessings along with its darkness. Growing up, she is pulled between caring for her beautiful but wounded mother and searching for her own identity. As Etta unravels the threads of Flick’s secrets, she starts to learn the truth about who she really is. But can both Flick and Etta ever truly break free from the shadows of a painful past, and the curse that seems to hang over every generation of their family?

Weaving between the lives of two generations of women decades apart, we are swept across continents and into the peaks and troughs of fortune, witnessing a forbidden love, the trials and tribulations of marriage, divorce and illness, and the ever-changing role of women in society. As the drama unfolds and secrets are revealed, Taylor explores how the repressive societal expectations of Flick’s formative years compare with the greater freedoms of her daughter Etta who is finally able to pursue the path to truth, peace of mind and redemption.

Turbo-powered by emotion, love and angst, and with a final act that will pull at readers’ heartstrings, this winter-warming romance is best enjoyed with a glass (or two!) of seasonal mulled wine!
(Pan, paperback, £9.99)

The Queen Who Came in from the Cold

S.J. Bennett

WHEN the Queen becomes embroiled in a claim that a murder has been witnessed from the window of the royal train, she little knows that her covert enquiries will take her into the heart of some Cold War skulduggery.

In a delightful series that has caught the imagination – and won the hearts – of an army of readers, Yorkshire-born author S.J. Bennett (pictured below) sweeps us away to the opulence of a state visit to Venice and into another right royal mystery involving espionage, subterfuge and murder most foul.

The aim of this cosy, quirky The Queen Investigates series was to celebrate our late monarch’s lifetime of dedication to public service, her role in all our lives, and her impact on the world at large, and her death in 2022 has added an extra layer of poignancy to the much-loved cosy crime series. In this charming fifth book, Bennett winds back the clock to the Sixties and the earlier days of Queen Elizabeth’s long reign, taking us behind the walls of palaces, inside the royal train and on board the royal yacht, to meet up again with an unexpected super-sleuthing superstar sovereign who has begun a royal lifetime of solving murder mysteries in between her more regular and recognised duties.

It's 1961 and the Queen is planning her state visit to Italy aboard the royal yacht Britannia and, not least, an upcoming and much-anticipated visit by the new American president, John F. Kennedy. But before she goes, one of Princess Margaret’s temporary ladies in waiting (not the most reliable of witnesses) claims to have seen a brutal murder from the royal train.

What the Queen wants to know is did it really happen, and could the victim be a missing friend of Princess Margaret’s new husband, Tony Armstrong Jones? As the Queen and Joan McGraw, her assistant private secretary and an ex-Bletchley Park code breaker, get to work on their second joint investigation, they are soon on the perilous trail of a plot involving spies, defections… and even the space race.

With a supporting cast of real and fictional players – including some wonderful cameo appearances by Prince Philip, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret – and a story that blends a fascinating exploration of the royals’ public and private lives with an intriguing mystery, this is an exhilarating romp that brings us the Queen, her family and her courtiers as we have never before seen them.

But it is the incomparable Queen Elizabeth who is undoubtedly the shining star of Bennett’s new royal blue mystery, picking up perfectly her nuances and familiar characteristics, and painting a dazzling, humorous and totally convincing portrait of the canny, compassionate and dedicated monarch without losing sight of her dignity and integrity.

With its richly detailed and authentic portrayal of court life, a fast-paced mystery littered with clues, red herrings, and revealing insights into the real-life events of the earlier years of the Queen’s reign, this is a wonderfully entertaining series with a pleasing – and distinctly British – flavour.
(Zaffre, hardback, £16.99)

Discover the fascinating stories behind famous styles and cinema icons

Discover the fascinating visual histories behind two world-famous style brands – Omega watches and fashion designer Calvin Klein – and two influential film directors in beautifully created pocket-sized gift books full of stunning photographs and intriguing facts

Omega: The Story Behind the Style
Rachael Taylor

DISCOVER the time-honoured story of luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Omega, creator of some of the world’s most coveted and collectible watches. From the founding of the brand in 1848 to its rise to global domination, author Rachael Taylor takes us on a spectacular illustrated journey through almost two hundred years of quality, innovation and style. Packed with photographs and information covering the company’s impressive history, the book reveals how Omega created the first minute-repeating wristwatch (a groundbreaking innovation in horology), its crucial role in military timekeeping during both World Wars, how the Omega Speedmaster Professional became the first watch on the moon, its role as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games… and how it became James Bond’s watch of choice in every movie from Golden Eye to No Time To Die. With an exploration of everything from Omega’s iconic Hollywood appearances and the thriving collectors’ market to the brand’s efforts to raise awareness of environmental issues, there could be no better time than Christmas to gift this to your own Omega fans.

Calvin Klein: The Story Behind the Style
Jessica Bumpus

MARVEL at the amazing story of the legendary designer who created one of the world’s most understated and iconic fashion brands. In a book packed with photographs and information covering the brand’s entire history, author Jennifer Bumpus reveals how Calvin Klein’s journey started with coats, how his line took off and how he used attention-grabbing adverts to help increase the reach of his fashion empire. Discover how the talented man – who was born into a Jewish immigrant family in 1942 and brought up in New York’s Bronx district – built on his success and expanded his business into fragrance and underwear, how celebrities such as Kate Moss, Jeremy Allen White and Bad Bunny came to model for the brand, and how his minimalist aesthetic became a modern fashion staple. With an exploration of everything from the iconic Nineties years to today’s attention-grabbing underwear adverts, this is the perfect gift for Calvin Klein lovers and all fashion fans.

Icons of Cinema: Greta Gerwig
Laura Venning

FROM the moment she stepped behind the camera to write and direct Lady Bird in 2017, Greta Gerwig announced herself as an extraordinary new filmmaking talent and a chronicler of the last years of girlhood. Now one of the world’s most celebrated movie directors. Gerwig’s storytelling is legendary and her films have become touchstones for young women wanting themselves and their experiences to be taken seriously. Her ability to make women feel seen is much admired but it was her directorial work on Barbie that made her a household name. With London-based film critic Laura Venning as guide, readers discover how Gerwig embraced her interest in theatre before turning her attention to Hollywood, explore her mumblecore films (characterised by naturalistic acting), understand why she focuses on key themes such as coming of age and female relationships, and take an in-depth look at her creative process for each major film. Fully illustrated throughout with stunning photographs and movie stills, a chapter is dedicated to each major motion picture. Relive the stories of Lady Bird, Little Women and Barbie… and discover what awaits with Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia films!

Icons of Cinema: Wes Anderson
Emily Maskell

MEET the iconic – and eccentric – movie director behind The Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom. In this fascinating illustrated book, author and film critic Emily Maskell takes readers through four decades of cinematic excellence, from Anderson’s directorial debut Bottle Rocket to The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More. Along the way, she explains what makes a Wes Anderson film, from textures and palettes to compositional tendencies and the people he chooses to collaborate with time and again. Take an in-depth look at his creative process for each major film, the themes he revisits, how his work has developed over four decades – collecting many awards along the way – and examine his influence on contemporary cinema, and pop culture in general. Fully illustrated throughout with stunning photographs and movie stills, the book also has a chapter dedicated to each of his major motion pictures including  other successes like The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr Fox and Asteroid City. Take your seats for movie magic!
(Studio Press, hardback, £13.99 each)

CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Inspire youngsters with the Christmas gift of knowledge

Knowledge is power so give your children the best start in life – and some truly spectacular, informative and innovative non-fiction books – to make this year’s Christmas gifting extra special

Age 5 plus
The Great Bear
Annie Booker

INSPIRE your children to treasure our precious but fragile natural world with this stunning, prize-winning debut picture book from Annie Booker, a Carlisle-based author and illustrator with a love for wildlife and a passion for protecting endangered species. An exciting new talent in the world of children’s books, Booker brings us the spectacular mythical tale of The Great Bear, a hope-filled and moving celebration of the wonder of nature and the power of storytelling. Since the dawn of time, the wise, all-seeing Great Bear has patrolled the oceans, protecting the Earth and her animals and overseeing the delicate balance of life. But now, one creature is changing everything and the Great Bear is unhappy and cannot stand by. Published in a large hardback format, and filled with epic, hand-painted illustrations depicting a world of snowy mountains, towering waves and deep, cold water, Booker captures nature in the raw and includes inspiring facts about real-life polar bears, and humanity’s ongoing efforts to restore the nature of the Arctic, protect animals from extinction and regenerate the oceans. A tale of our times with all the hallmarks of a future classic…
(Two Hoots, hardback, £12.99)

Age 8 plus
Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children
Illustrated by Lauren O'Hara and
foreword by Colm Tóibín

WHAT better way could there be to introduce a new generation of young readers to Oscar Wilde’s classic children’s tales than this stunningly illustrated luxury gift edition? Oscar Wilde has enchanted readers young and old alike for over a hundred years. In 1888, he published a collection of bedtime stories for children and this beautiful new book contains six of these classic tales, including The Happy Prince, The Selfish Giant, The Young King and The Nightingale and the Rose. For the first time, these much-loved stories from the great Irish author are being published in a major new edition by an Irish publisher. With high-quality paper, a linen-effect cover, gold foil details, a ribbon bookmark and classic binding touches, this keepsake hardback edition, printed and bound in Italy, is carefully crafted to be treasured and shared. Feeling both classic and fresh, timeless and modern, Dublin-based illustrator Lauren O’Hara’s delicate and richly colour artwork bring this cornerstone of children’s literature to life for readers of all ages. A must-have for youngsters this Christmas!
(Little Island Books, hardback, £19.99)

Age 8 plus
The Amazing Book of World Mythology
Stella Caldwell

FEED young senses and imaginations with this unique celebration of myths and culture, created by artists from across the globe. The Amazing Book of World Mythology features retellings of myths, brought to life in an engaging style by a host of talented illustrators. The book contains 20 stories as wide-ranging as Theseus and the Minotaur to Thor’s Hammer to the Journey of the Monkey King. They are split thematically into six chapters and include In the Beginning, Gods and Goddesses, Journeys and Quests, Fantastic Worlds, Monsters and Mythical Creatures and Magic and Trickery. Each of the stories is interspersed with beautiful illustrations which bring together different myths in an interesting unifying theme. Among the items featured are the many weapons used by the gods, the amazing objects collected by heroes and heroines on their quests, and the different relics found in the underworld. All the myths are brought to life by Stella Caldwell’s engaging and immersive storytelling and each is illustrated by an artist from the culture where the story takes place, creating a unique artistic account that is culturally sensitive to all featured tales. A picture perfect way to learn!
(Buster Books, hardback, £16.99)

Age 8 plus
The Roots We Share: 100 Words That Bring Us Together
Susie Dent and Harriet Hobday

PREPARE to be totally betwittered! Bestselling author, broadcaster and much-loved word expert, Susie Dent, is on a mission to find 100 joyful words and phrases that bring people together. There are times when the world feels more divided than ever but it is important to remember the things that unite rather than divide us. Dent, who recently celebrated 30 years as the resident etymologist on Channel 4’s Countdown, has searched far and wide to unearth words and phrases – old, new, and long-forgotten – that celebrate harmony, unity, and the universal languages that connect people across the world. Whether you want to conjobble (chat with a friend over some food), to be goodwilly (kind, generous, and cheerful), to atone for a mistake (become ‘at one’ with someone again) or simply head off on a coddiwomple (a journey with no destination), this heart-lifting collection of words celebrates the things in life that bind us together, from friendship, love and peace, to community, music and even the stars. These are the roots we share....
(Puffin, hardback, £16.99)

Age 7 plus
Head to Toe: An Introduction
to the Human Body
Pui Lee

WHAT makes your heart beat, how does your brain store memories, and why do we all look different? From bones to blood, and senses to skin, discover what makes you, YOU with the first in a stylish new series from Post Wave Children’s Books which explores key curriculum topics. Discover the human body from head to toe through vibrant graphic artwork and fun facts. Did you know women tend to have shorter tongues than men, or that the human eye can detect over 10 million colours? This visually stunning and colourful book is the work of talented illustrator and graphic designer Pui Lee and shows just how fascinating the human body can be! Head to Toe presents a collection of weird and wonderful facts about the human body, starting at the top of the body and moving all the way down to the bottom, with illustrations that will amuse and delight young readers.
(Post Wave Children’s Books, hardback, £16.99)

Age 7 plus
Mythical Tales
Laura Sampson and Lilla Bölecz

MEET amazing creatures and magical objects in this spellbinding treasury which whisks away youngsters to an exciting array of mythical worlds. This breathtaking and colourful compendium brings together a collection of 18 stories from all over the world… from Polynesia to Scotland, Africa, India, Japan, Croatia, France and more! Disappear into imaginary worlds full of fantastical creatures and colourful characters, from gods and goddesses to creators and tricksters. Find out why the hero Sosruko was humbled by a giant, how Mäui slowed the sun, and which mighty gods are thought to control the seasons. The ancient tales are retold for a young audience by storyteller and vocal performer Laura Sampson, with beautifully intricate artwork by Hungarian graphic artist and illustrator Lilla Bölecz. Mythical Tales is a timeless classic and the perfect way to introduce different cultures and traditions to readers of all ages.
(Templar Publishing, hardback, £16.99)

Age 6 plus
Build Your Own Solar System
Lauren Fairgrieve and Anja Susanj

DISCOVER our amazing solar system… and then build your very own 3D planets! No child could resist this creative and beautiful introduction to the universe around us, published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the University of Cambridge. Discover the wonders of our universe, from planets, comets and asteroids to galaxies, nebulae and black holes, in pages full of fascinating facts and Anja Susanj’s stunning, full-colour illustrations, and then turn to the back of the book to find ten more pages of eight press-out planets and the Sun which can be slotted together, hung up and displayed for everyone to enjoy. Written by Lauren Fairgrieve with expert consultation from Dr Matthew Bothwell, of Cambridge University Institute of Astronomy, this inventive and educational book includes a QR code linking to helpful videos showing how to assemble each planet. Who said learning was boring?
(Nosy Crow, board book, £12.99)

Age 6 plus
Super Great Kids’ Stories
from storytellers around the world
Kim Normanton

ENJOY the world’s wildest and most wonderful adventures at the turn of a page with this treasure trove of a book which is simply bursting with magic, mischief and merriment! These thirty expertly-curated and sensational stories – many of them told here for the very first time – come from the award-winning podcast Super Great Kids’ Stories. In West Africa, you’ll meet Anansi as he takes on the King’s hot pepper soup, in Ireland, you’ll meet a girl who tries to outwit a leprechaun, in Australia, you’ll discover how the Lyrebird got its voice, and in North America, you’ll laugh out loud at the story of the ghost who needs a plaster! Including timeless classics and hidden gems, each tale in this collection is told by a skilled storyteller and includes notes on the culture and history of the story, painting a vivid picture as to why each tale has stood the test of time. And, with the help of Story Owl, you can even become a star storyteller yourself! Curated by podcast hosts Kim Normanton and David Smith – who boast half a million downloads a month of their hit podcast – and illustrated by Sally Agar, Camila Carrossine, Tinuke Fagborun, Melissa Greenwood, Kaley McKean and Terri Po, this beautifully illustrated treasury will delight and inspire children everywhere.
(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, hardback, £14.99)

Age 6 plus
A Poem for Every Question
Brian Bilston and Joe Berger

DISCOVER how poems can be both fun… and informative! This brilliant, fact-filled book from much-loved poet Brian Bilston presents a hilarious, non-fiction adventure through the medium of one hundred poems, all gloriously illustrated by the irrepressible Joe Berger. The collection has subjects ranging from science and animals to unicorns, pyramids and technology while the questions include how many stars in the universe exploded today, who invented football, who is the champion weightlifter of the animal world, and how did the ancient Egyptians make a mummy? Each fascinating question about the world around us is answered with one of Bilston’s unforgettable, witty and characterful poems. Sometimes funny, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes poignant and sometimes downright silly, the poems are accompanied by an extra non-fiction explainer, filled with facts and written with just as much humour and heart as the poems. And each page is brought to life with bright and characterful artwork of Bristol-based illustrator Berger. So prepare to be amazed… and find some amazing stories and information to share with your family, teachers and friends!
(Red Shed, hardback, £16.99)

Is That You, Beth Cherry?

Lucy Dillon

EVERYONE deserves a second chance at love! Step into the troubled world of Beth Cherry and join her as she digs deep into her hidden reserves to take her life by the scruff of its neck… and become the hero of her own story. Is That You, Beth Cherry? is the latest warm, wise and witty romance from Lucy Dillon (pictured below) who grew up in Cumbria and is now the bestselling author of eleven novels set in the fictional market town of Longhampton.

Beth’s life, like the unfinished screenplay on her laptop, is stuck between chapters. Since her break-up with Fraser – which was not part of the script – she has retreated into a lonely working from home world of sweatpants, disordered hours and comfort eating. The one luminous constant in her life is her love for her rescue dog, Tomsk, and his for her.

When Beth’s house-share falls apart, she is thrown a lifeline by the least likely person… Fraser’s mother Martine who offers Beth and Tomsk a temporary space above her garage in which to start over.

Returning to Longhampton, scene of her happiest memories with Fraser and his family, feels like a second chance… might this be a sign that she and Fraser are meant to be?

But when Beth is recruited as a writer for a project called The Story of Your Life, she starts to gain more perspective on her own life. Run by the local retirement community, some of the stories she hears are heartwarming, some are heartbreaking. All of them, Beth notes, reveal a little more than the teller realises. And when she is sent an anonymous story of first love that threatens to destroy more than one family’s identity, Beth has to decide… is it sometimes better to keep a secret than reveal the truth? With its enchanting premise, a leading lady whose self-loathing cannot help but tug at the heartstrings, and a story of love and hope that crosses the generation divide, this gentle, insightful and thoroughly uplifting story will leave readers with the warmest of glows.
(Hodder & Stoughton, hardback, £20)