These books have a festive feel to them but are not overtly Christmassy…more frosty and snowy! Definitely perfect for cosying up with a hot drink and a blanket.
Iceberg by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft, Published by Allen and Unwin
As you read this epic tale of an iceberg, you too may be struck by the vivid use of vocabulary and technical terms, and how they are matched with a poetic narrative. Utterly enchanting illustrations bring the frozen world to light as we follow seasons, migrations and the circle of life, both for icebergs and nature. The barren land of white may look empty but there are small signs of life if you look closely enough. Readers will want to study each page, especially the fold out pages the middle, where an exquisite underwater scene unfolds.
Little Bear by Richard Jones, Published by Simon & Schuster
A simply told story about friendship, love and parting ways. The reader spends a week with the boy and this new friend, little bear, who over the week grows, just as their friendship grows. Completely charming, we watch as the boy and bear spend time together, play together and then go on a journey together. Placing the bear in his pocket, hat and bag, each new day finds the bear too big. When they sail to take the bear home, it is a beautiful reunion with his own family and eventually the boy must say goodbye. There is a sense of sadness but also of happiness in knowing they are loved though they can’t be together all the time.
Frindleswylde by Natalia and Lauren O’Hara, Published by Walker Books
A fairytale feel surrounds this book, from the divine illustrations to the story held within. Frindleswylde is the king of winter and he is keen to make Cora his Queen. Tricking her away from her home and setting her three impossible tasks, Frindleswylde is sure to get his way but perhaps he underestimates the human spirit. Having left her beloved Granny behind, Cora must find her way home again. Frozen storks, ice statues and a barren iceland all form the backdrop to this tale. Richly told and beautifully illustrated, this is a new favourite fairy tale to share on cold winter evenings,
Shine, Star, Shine by Dom Conlon and Asastasia Izlesou, Published by Graffeg
Moving and poetic, this book celebrates our star, the Sun! From the beginning of our star and through the years and lifetimes, the star keeps the circle of life spinning through time and space. Poetic in its language but scientific in its content, this is a brilliant blend of information and story. Readers will subtly learn about the food chain, constellations, death and light while reading. A completely inspired new perspective on the beginning of time and the way our world depends upon the sun. The illustrations are vibrant and bold, the perfect accompaniment for the celebration of the sun!
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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