The long, dark nights have arrived, the Christmas lights are up and it’s definitely time to dig out your woolly hats and scarves. Winter is almost here.
We can think of no better way to spend the dark, cold nights than cosying-up indoors with a good book and a hot water bottle. Which is why we’ve collected together some of our best wintery reads so that you can still enjoy the chilly season without having to journey outside. Stay warm!
The Snow Spider Trilogy
Curl-up under a blanket and get lost in a magical fantasy land with Jenny Nimmo’s The Snow Spider.
Set against a shimmering backdrop of a magical domed city, Nimmo’s enchanting tale finds nine-year-old Gwyn battling evil with the help of the snow spider, a gift given to him from the wind itself.
This collection brings the first book together with the sequels Emily’s Moon and The Chestnut Soldier in one volume. This edition is perfect for bedtime story time and a beautiful stocking filler for fantasy fans this Christmas.
Grandpa Christmas
Celebrated children’s author Michael Morpurgo’s latest book has all the makings of a classic. Beautifully illustrated by Jim Field, Grandpa Christmas is a stunning seasonal picture book that is bound to warm hearts up and down the country this winter.
Every Christmas, Mia and her family read a letter which her Grandpa wrote to her. His letter is a warm, impassioned and heartfelt wish for a better world for Mia to live in. He remembers fondly the times they spent in his garden finding frogs and worms and planting seeds.
But Grandpa worries that all the things they love so much are in danger…
His letter is a hopeful plea to Mia (and to all of us) to continue to care for and protect our precious world.
The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark
On dark, cold nights there’s no better book to snuggle down with than Jill Tomlinson’s classic The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark.
Join Plop, the baby barn owl, as he is sent from the nest-hole to face his greatest fear: the dark!
On his journey Plop meets many characters who help show him that there was less to be scared of than he originally thought.
This sweet story is available as a beautiful picture book and a board book with warm, soothing illustrations from Paul Howard, to help little ones drift off for the night, and the original story – perfect for young readers to enjoy.
The Hundred and One Dalmatians
The wicked villain Cruella de Vil is enough to frighten the spots off a Dalmatian puppy. So when she steals a whole family of them, the puppies’ parents, Pongo and Missus, lose no time in mounting a daring rescue mission.
The Hundred and One Dalmatians is a family favourite and perfect for fans of the animated Disney film.
Relive this classic story with Dodie Smith’s original novel (and its sequel The Starlight Barking) to find out whether Pongo and Missus are able to thwart Cruella’s evil scheme.
And be on the lookout for Cruella’s return in a brand-new story Cruella and Cadpig, coming out World Book Day 2019.
A Walk Through the Woods
When it’s too chilly to venture outdoors, take a remote stroll through the woods with Louise Greig’s enchanting picture book A Walk Through the Woods.
Richly illustrated with intricately-crafted paper scenes by Helen Musselwhite, Greig’s lyrical story takes readers on a magical walk through beautiful woodlands.
Peep through the forest and discover wildlife and plants with a book that you’ll treasure and share for years to come.
