Christmas Bibliotherapy 2024

At Home in a Book by Lauren O’Hara,
(Puffin, 3rd October 2024)

‘Opening a book is like opening a door’. The introductory line to the newest release by talented illustrator Lauren O’Hara sets the scene for a stunning journey into the worlds of nine literary classics. Combining beautiful character maps, stunning cutaway illustrations of the places those characters call home, maps, diagrams and extracts, ‘At Home in a Book’ is a voyage into literary worlds that have found themselves on bookshelves since the 1800s. We explore the decks and depths of Captain Hook’s ship and maps of Neverland. We walk the hallways and rooms of 221B Baker Street and delve into Sherlock’s cabinet housing his ‘tools of deduction’. We dive Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea into Captain Nemo’s submarine and spy Sara high in the attic of Miss Minchin’s school from A Little Princess. With each turn of the page, classics such as The Wizard of Oz, Little Women and Alice and Wonderland are brought to life. A refreshing alternative to abridged versions of these classics, At Home in a Book would be a glorious and accessible introduction for young readers to the worlds of these books with a different spin on bringing them to life, serving as a tasting menu to tempt them further. Rich discussion opportunities in abundance, I will be gifting this book to my daughter this Christmas to help her decide which worlds she wants to venture to next! As the book concludes, ‘Travel far and wide, and let us always find a home in a book’.

Maisie vs. Antarctica by Jack Jackman
(Nosy Crow Ltd, 26th September 2024)

The Christmas holidays have just begun and Maisie (our wonderfully spunky and sarcastic narrator) is already bored of jigsaw puzzles with her dad. How on earth, she muses, is this the same man who writes books about riding kangaroos and diffusing bombs? It’s only when she convinces him to begrudgingly bring her along on his upcoming Antarctic research trip that Maisie discovers dad might not be so boring after all…

Jack Jackman has crafted an unputdownable debut, with each chapter name eliciting equal parts anticipation and dread: ‘how to crash-land a plane’ and ‘how to keep a secret’ (swiftly followed by ‘how not to keep a secret’) were just some of my favourites. Maisie’s Antarctic adventure is thrillingly fast-paced, exposing readers to the peculiarities and perils of the icy continent. From igloos to skidoos, Maisie experiences it all, collecting countless survival lessons along the way. But survival tips aren’t the only takeaways. Maisie and her dad learn lots about each other too, engaging in honest conversations about their shared loss. Who’d have thought an encounter with a penguin colony could trigger a poignant observation on loneliness, single-parenting and support networks?

Maisie vs Antarctica will make a hilarious and heart-warming class read, but could also be the perfect take-home pick for any key-stage-two children who, like Maisie, are craving some extra adventure this Christmas. I can’t wait to see what Maisie gets up to next, as she takes on the Himalayas in book two. I will be gifting this to a young cousin who will potentially stuck indoors because of the snow!

Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith
(Puffin, 24th October 2024)

At Literacy Tree I think we’d struggle to think of a more perfect author-illustrator pairing than Mac Barnett (I Want My Hat Back, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole) and Sydney Smith (Small in the City, I Talk Like a River) and so when we saw their joint new-release for the festive season, Santa’s First Christmas, we knew it would be one of our Christmas Bibliotherapy recommendations. Santa’s First Christmas isn’t the Santa origin story that it may seem like at a first glance at the title, but rather a book that attempts to answer the age-old question: What does Santa do on Christmas Day? Well, the answer was, according to Barnett and Smith, … not very much at all! That was, until the elves decided that it was important he celebrated too, just like everyone else. So, they surprise him with breakfast-in-bed, then take him out to pick a tree, have stories around the fire and prepare a feast of Christmas goodies. There’s even an appearance by someone ‘bearded in red’ to deliver the presents! This is such a delightful book that feels like an instant classic, with gorgeous illustrations that put us in the festive spirit immediately. We’ll definitely be buying multiple copies for all the small people in our lives because this book undeniably brings the Christmas joy and feels like something we all need in our lives right now.

Letters from the North Pole by Annie Atkins and illustrated by Fia Tobing
(Magic Cat Publishing, 8th October 2024)

This beautifully illustrated book by renowned Wes Anderson designer and visual artist Annie Atkins is the perfect festive treat. Five Letters from Santa Claus takes readers on a magical journey with five children from around the world who write to Santa with their Christmas wishes and are amazed when he writes back! The story allows readers to experience the joy of Christmas through the eyes of children from different cultures, almost as if you’re riding along with Santa on his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Fia Tobing’s charming illustrations will captivate parents, teachers, older siblings, and young readers alike.

What makes this book extra special are the tactile, removable letters: beautifully crafted with North Pole headers, envelopes, and Santa’s signature. Children can immerse themselves in the magic of letter-writing, experiencing the feel of special paper, which only enhances the strong sense of audience and purpose.

The text is rich with Christmas vocabulary (stockings, chimneys, reindeer names) and delightful onomatopoeia, all woven into authentic letter-writing. This is a fantastic way to engage young learners with different writing purposes and audiences while celebrating the festive season. I'd gift this to a friend's little one, who's just old enough to appreciate the ins and outs of naughty lists and the magic that Santa brings to Christmas.

Fia & The Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher and illustrated by Dermot Flynn
(Penguin, 26th September 2024)

Having recently been converted to the delights of verse novels via “The Final Year” by Matt Goodfellow, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of “Fia and the Last Snow Deer” by debut author, Eilish Fisher. It is an enchanting story set in a snowy, pre-historic Ireland, in a world that combines adventure, folklore, and a touch of magic. It is beautifully brought to life with stunning illustrations from Dermot Flynn.  

Born under the same solstice sky thirteen years ago, Fia and her snow deer Solas, have always had a powerful and unbreakable connection, but as Fia's village faces a seemingly eternal winter, they turn their sights to Solas and an ancient prophecy that promises the return of sunlight and life, if the ultimate sacrifice is made. Refusing to allow the worst to happen, Fia and her cousin Mish run from the village with Solas, seeking out the Deer Mother - the mythical being who wakes the sun at the winter solstice and who might be their only hope. But the wilderness is harsh and shadows lurk at every turn. Can they make it to the Deer Mother? And, if they do, what choices will Fia face to bring back the sun and save her village?

Told in free verse, the book becomes almost musical, lending an intimate, contemplative tone to Fia’s internal thoughts and her bond with the creatures she seeks to protect. Fisher’s characters are well-rounded and relatable, particularly Fia, whose bravery and compassion resonate throughout the story. The book’s themes are accessible but impactful, touching on environmental stewardship, empathy, and the consequences of unchecked exploitation.

The book’s poetic approach offers readers a memorable experience, engaging them not only with the narrative but also with the sounds and emotions of each line. Suitable for 8 years and up, this stunning debut novel will have immediate appeal for fans of writers like Michelle Paver and Abi Elphinstone. It would make an ideal Christmas gift or a perfect addition to any personal or school library. I loved it! I’d like to gift this to my niece who adores magical stories and reminds me of Fia in so many ways.

 

The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please
(Harper Collin’s Children’s, 26th September 2024)

Have you ever wondered where fantasy creatures might hang out for a bite to eat when they’re not lurking in forests or hiding under bridges? What would that eatery even be like? What would be on the menu? The Café at the Edge of the Woods is a delightfully refreshing and hilarious debut picture book by the BAFTA-award winning and Oscar-nominated animator Mikey Please that looks to address these important questions.

Rene dreams of opening up her own café and, after saving up and working hard in the big city, she opens her establishment in a beautiful location at the edge of the woods. She crafts a delicious menu and hires an unusual-looking waiter. However, on opening day, the café is dead. She faces the triple challenge of enticing new customers, gelling with her new employee and adapting to the frequenting clientele who are not what she expects.

The illustrations in this text are stunning and each frame is expertly crammed with vivid characters and delicious culinary details. Just like Rene’s titular café, this book seems to sit on the edge of the fairytale and legends genre: written in a rhyming style reminiscent of ‘legends and lore’, chock-full of creatures yet with a totally original perspective.

This book would be the perfect Christmas present for children of any age who could do with some joyful escapism. I will be buying this for my niece who has aspirations to open up her own café one day…but perhaps in a more central (human) location.

The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
(Walker Books, 1st August 2024)

‘The Dictionary Story’ is a gorgeous tale by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston about Dictionary, a book with all the words that have ever been written inside her but also with a longing to tell a story of her own, just like all the other books do. In an attempt to find out what she is about, she sets to bringing her own words to life. What ensues is utter mayhem, with alligators chasing donuts, tornados, a queen taking an unfortunate tumble and unlikely friendships forming between (of all things!) a ghost and a puddle. It is a hilarious romp of chaos. The illustrations are stunning. The way in which the classic dictionary style is played with is witty and fun and the book is a beautiful reminder not to underestimate the unique and important roles each of us plays. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys being playful with language and think it would be especially enjoyable around Lower Key Stage 2. I will be gifting it to the children of a friend this year and am sure they will get much enjoyment from it!

Tomorrow We Begin by Matt Goodfellow
Bloomsbury Education (12th September 2024)

In 2023, author and poet Matt Goodfellow set the children’s literature world alight with his stunning free verse novel, The Final Year. His new poetry collection, Tomorrow We Begin, packs a similarly powerful punch, capturing the highs and lows of school, friendships and family life with authenticity, depth and humour.

The book’s subtitle - ‘Poems to find yourself in’ says it all – there is something in this collection for everyone. There are poems in here that will make you laugh out loud, that will move you to tears and that will have you smirking – or sighing – in recognition of a familiar scenario.  ‘Friday’, describes the frustration, boredom and despair of finding yourself in the school ‘isolation’ room yet again, ‘Take a look at the sky tonight’ captures the intensity of finding yourself overwhelmed by the natural world and ‘At work, mum’s tough’ is an ode of admiration and respect for unsung family heroes everywhere.

This book would be the perfect Christmas present for older primary children or secondary-aged children, especially those who perhaps do not feel that their life and experiences are represented and captured through the literature and poetry they have encountered. I’ll be gifting this to my niece who is in her first year of secondary school and busy navigating all the challenges of being a very small fish in a very big pond.

The Nine Night Mystery by Sharna Jackson
(Puffin, 6th June 2024)

Somehow, I always associate winter with mystery, and this book is the perfect one to curl up with and get completely absorbed in. Although this is the second book featuring the super-sleuthing team ‘The Copseys’ (Wesley, Josie, and Margot), it works perfectly as a standalone, offering a fast-paced mystery with all the suspense and intrigue you’d expect from an Agatha Christie Miss Marple plot. Of course, this comes from the Queen of the mystery genre herself, Sharna Jackson, so it’s no surprise. Jackson crafts sophisticated stories that captivate both adults and children, with complex characters and plots that tackle serious themes.

When their neighbour Rachel is found dead after a party, her friends organise a traditional Caribbean Nine Night celebration to help guide her spirit to the afterlife. But as secrets about Rachel’s life are revealed, the Copseys find themselves drawn into a web of intrigue that pushes them to uncover the truth. With a dozen unexpected twists and turns, this is a truly unputdownable read. I’ll definitely be buying it for our neighbour’s daughter this Christmas, hoping it will spark a new neighbourhood watch and inspire more young readers and detectives!

 

The Language of Flowers by Shyala Smith, illustrated by Aaron Asis
(Lantana Publishing, 19th September 2024)

Juhi knows the language of flowers. In fact, she knows the language of many things: love, faith, celebration. Her Appa – a florist – is at the heart of the family’s community, arranging beautiful bouquets and displays of flowers for all sorts of occasions. And his little daughter helps. Juhi’s favourite customer is Mr Potter who visits each Wednesday and regales her with ‘a lot of stories from long ago’. His jollity is depicted in a series of gorgeous illustrations, showing the world of colour that Mr Potter so loves in the flowers available in the florist. But one Wednesday, it is Mrs Potter who comes to buy flowers: Mr Potter is in hospital. Several Wednesdays pass with no sign of Juhi’s friend and then, one Friday morning, Juhi’s Appa is creating the ‘biggest bouquet she has ever seen.’ They are for Mrs Potter…Mr Potter has passed away. ‘Juhi does not know the language of grief.’  And then, suddenly she knows what to do: she’ll create a garland of Mr Potter’s favourite flowers from his adventures…

This is perhaps not the most traditional of books to include in a Christmas bibliotherapy but acknowledging that not all of our readers celebrate and that, for some, Christmas can be a difficult, isolating time, we felt it an important inclusion. It is such a beautiful, life affirming read and it really spoke to me as a book that is about how our gifts – in this case, Juhi’s gift of knowing how the beauty of flowers can uplift us and reflect events and celebrations – should be treasured. I will be gifting a copy of this to my local library this year so it is ready for any little ones and their families who want to enjoy the beauty of flowers and who perhaps need support in navigating grief.