3 new chapter books for getting in the spirit of Christmas

After last week’s first gift-buying at Spirit of Christmas I’ve removed all the books from the children’s bookshelf and replaced them with a selection of Christmas and winter books. I regularly receive children’s books to review, and these are three of recent new titles I’ve received that I will be talking about with friends for helping young readers get in the spirit of Christmas:

The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo (Puffin, £12.99)
According to six-year-old Big Girl, the new Michael Morpurgo book retelling Raymond Brigg’s picture book classic The Snowman ‘is a great book with loads of adjectives!’ I think she’s pretty spot on as this delightful story about the snowman that comes to life–originally narrated only through illustrations–has been turned into a chapter book with Michael Morpurgo’s beautiful descriptive language and storytelling. Readers are taken to a farm where James lives with his family, now also a grandmother, and goes into the field to create a magnificent snowman. The book, celebrating the 40th anniversary of The Snowman, also features charming illustrations by Robin Shaw and will be ideal for anyone planning to catch the show at The Peacock this Christmas season.

Isadora Moon Makes Winter Magic by Harriet Muncaster (Oxford University Press, £8.99)
For young readers who like a bit of sparkle, look out for the new Isadora Moon book where Isadora is out in the snow. The new book in the popular series about the half vampire, half fairy sees Isadora’s snowman coming to life too, making it a great book for getting in the spirit of the Christmas season. With charming illustrations in black and pink and a good dose of magic, this book will be a treat for many fans, who I think will like the special gift edition–a hardback with silver-foiled edges.

Winnie and Wilbur: The Santa Surprise by Laura Owen (Oxford University Press, £8.99)
Fans of the Winnie and Wilbur series should look out for the new Winnie and Wilbur: The Santa Surprise, which was published in October, and takes readers on a festive adventure after the duo opens the last door in the advent calendar and start wondering: ‘Who gives Santa a present?’. The new chapter book brings a new design to the series and is ideal for young, independent readers who will enjoy the colourful illustrations by Korky Paul.

Tags: Isadora Moon, Oxford University Press, Puffin, Review, The Peacock, The Snowman, Winnie and Wilbur