The Great Books Christmas Gift Guide
*Please note that many of these products were gifted to me for the purpose of sharing in Great Books Christmas Gift Guide. This post also contains affiliate links which, if clicked on and a purchase made, will provide me with a small commission – which goes towards supporting my family. Thank you*
Books have to be one of the most important things in life for any human being. They educate, they support and they offer a sense of escapism that no film will ever be able to do. This list This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights many titles which you may like to consider including for Christmas this year.
There are some brilliant new titles available as well as some old favourites. I hope you will find some great ideas here.
For Kids
Bert Smells by P a Weasle
Bert is a dog who lives on a farm. But Bert’s thing is smelling. He smells things and he smells of things – and it gets Bert into trouble. The farm gate is open and Bert follows his nose and gets lost. But Bert smells and no-one will help him. Until someone lends him a paw…
Meet Bert in this heart-warming tale which shows how you can be lost or different, and someone will always love you. This is an Amazon print-on-demand publication for children of ages 4 – 6, priced £5.99.
You can also see the beautiful pictures and images in the style of the book can be seen on the blog wealse.art, or on Instagram drawings_of_bert (Bert has his own page too! It is bert_spanner)
Little Ruffle and The World Beyond by Jodie Jackson
Little Ruffle and The World Beyond is an illustrated children’s book about a little bird who can’t see out of her nest, so listens to stories about the world from her elders. As a result, she becomes afraid to fly the nest because it sounds like a bad and scary place. But Little Ruffle soon learns through a heart-warming adventure that the world is filled with beauty, kindness, courage and brilliance – we just have to know where to look.
A beautiful book which I cannot wait to share with Rex. Little Ruffle’s Resources are also available at www.littleruffle.co.uk to help children actively develop the skills to become empowered explorers, hopeful heroes and solution seekers. The book is available to buy from the same website and also available on Amazon.
Og
‘Og’ fuses rhyming story with spellbinding, vivid artwork, to take readers on a series of book-bound adventures alongside a friendly Ogre. After listening to a young girl read stories every night, Og becomes concerned when her books are stolen, and takes it upon himself to get them back. It’s an adventure that will not only keep young readers entertained time and time again, but have them guessing which popular books Og listened to…and inspire them to read them, too.
‘Og’ by Joanne Hutchinson retails at £6.99 and is available to buy from Amazon, Waterstones and www.joannehutchinson.co.uk
BLUE PLANET II
With a foreword from Sir David Attenborough, BLUE PLANET II is full of the incredible stories we first watched in the landmark BBC Blue Planet II TV series, reimagined and brought to life with stunning illustrations, alongside exciting facts and surprises.
Did you know that 71% of the Earth is covered by ocean? Or that the Atolla jellyfish has a built-in burglar alarm which flashes lights when under attack? Or even that there is a kelp dwelling Weedy Sea Dragon who is a master of disguise?
There is also a look in to how effects of climate change are altering our Blue Planet at a faster rate than ever before in human history. There has never been a more crucial time to discover what goes on beneath the surface of the waves, so BLUE PLANET II celebrates some of the conservationist heroes who are dedicated to safeguarding our seas and offers suggestions of how everyone, whatever age, can get involved to help protect our blue spaces.
With incredible stories brought to life by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, accompanied by stunning illustrations from Emily Dove, BLUE PLANET II celebrates the wonder, emotion and humour of the BBC TV series and helps us discover how much there is to love about our Blue Planet. Available from Amazon and many other online retailers, priced £10.99.
Cyril Squirrel and the Wonderfully Worrisome Task by Matthew A Scott
Cyril Squirrel is tasked with the responsibility of a very important job. Unfortunately, in his overexcitement, Cyril ignores some very valuable advice and finds himself feeling extremely worried indeed. How will he get the job done? Will anyone want to help him? Available from Amazon on Kindle, Paperback and Hardback from £3.50.
Veggie Adventures: Mr Broccoli by Natasha Rose Mills
Talking vegetables teach children valuable life lessons. Veggie Adventures: Mr Broccoli is an adorable and entertaining picture book with talkative vegetables encouraging youngsters to eat well, love each other’s differences and learn the importance of healthy living. This well-written book targets young audience brilliantly with simple, easy-to-read words and an enriching storyline.
Its enchanting set of chatty characters and colourful cartoons (by talented artist Ramile Imac) brighten every page and bring the vivid characters to life. A heart-warming narrative with a happy ending. Available from Amazon priced £6.99.
Harry the Karate Monkey by Stuart Simmonds
‘Harry the Karate Monkey’ will have both children and parents laughing out loud at the actions and exploits of an extremely average monkey. Ideal for early readers, these beautifully illustrated books are large, colourful, and easy to read with an eye-catching format.
In the first book in the ‘Harry the Karate Monkey’ series mad scientists, secret agents and the baddest of baddies all come together with a stuffed toy monkey and a little girl called Lucy. Together, they embark on the most amazing adventure of their lives…so far.
The ‘Harry’ books are written by ex-pro cricketer Stuart Simmonds who originally created the stories as bedtime reading for his youngest daughter Lucy. ‘Harry the Karate Monkey’ is available from Waterstones and all good bookshops, Amazon and direct from: www.stuhead.co.uk priced from £7.99.
The North Pole Lockdown By Danielle Corrigan
A fun, rhyming Christmas tale about how a community came together, even though they had to stay 2 metres apart. ‘The North Pole Lockdown’ is a bold and unforgettable story about Father Christmas, his elves, the reindeers and everyone else at the North Pole – as they deal with the pandemic of 2020. It’s of course a wholly-unique Christmas children’s story, and one that opens up discussions about hygiene, mental health and how to embrace the festive spirit in this most unusual time. Available from Amazon priced £6.99.
Wild Symphony by Dan Brown
Travel through the trees and across the seas with Maestro Mouse and his musical friends! Young readers will meet a big blue whale and speedy cheetahs, tiny beetles and graceful swans. Each has a special secret to share.
Along the way, you might spot the surprises Maestro Mouse has left for you-a hiding buzzy bee, jumbled letters that spell out clues, and even a coded message to solve!
Children and adults can enjoy this timeless picture book as a traditional read-along, or can choose to listen to original musical compositions as they read-one for each animal-using a free interactive smartphone app which uses augmented reality to instantly play the appropriate song for each page when the camera of a mobile device is held over it.
New York Times bestselling author Dan Brown makes his picture book debut with this mindful, humorous, musical, and uniquely entertaining book! Available from Amazon priced £8.99.
Dogger’s Christmas by Shirley Hughes
It’s that special time of year: Christmas. The time of carol-singing, tree-decorating, and of course lots of presents. But in the excitement of new toys, will Dave forget about his old friend, Dogger? The very special story of one boy and his beloved toy – who always manages to be found…
I can remember the first Dogger book and I can faithfully say that this is just as heart-warming. Available from Amazon priced £10.
It’s a Long Night for Santa by Chris Tetreault-Blay
It is Christmas Eve night and the Little Brown Moth finds himself lost in a blanket of fog. He spies a distant red light and realises that – yes! – it is Rudolph and the other reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh! The moth stops for a rest upon the sleigh, where he is found by Santa. Having a longer-than-normal “good children list”, Santa enlists the moth’s help to deliver the remaining presents, making one particular little boy’s Christmas dream come true.
It’s a Long Night for Santa is the second instalment from Chris, following on from It’s a Long Way to the Moon, where we first meet the determined little brown moth. Available from Amazon priced £5.99.
The Christmas We Spent Apart By Toni McAree and Stephanie Hope
The creation of twins Toni McAree and Stephanie Hope, ‘The Christmas We Spent Apart’ is a love-filled poem and activity book for children, designed to be given to a relative they won’t see this Christmas. The rhyming story is uplifting and poignant, while the five included activities allow young readers to remind their relative or friend how much they’ll be thinking of them. With Christmas just around the corner, the duo’s creation couldn’t be timelier. Available from Amazon priced £5.49.
For Teens
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
An utterly addictive and twisty thriller, full of dark family secrets and deadly stakes. Avery has a plan: keep her head down, work hard for a better future. Then an eccentric billionaire dies, leaving her almost his entire fortune. And no one, least of all Avery, knows why. It’s filled with secrets and codes, and the old man’s surviving relatives – a family hell-bent on discovering why Avery got ‘their’ money. Now there’s only one rule: winner takes all.
How to Spot An ArtisT by Danielle Krysa
With over 200,000 Instagram followers, Danielle Krysa has helped a lot of people overcome the fear that they “aren’t creative.” She uses her characteristic playfulness, lively illustrations, and humour to help kids overcome negativity about their artistic endeavours-and to help them redefine what being an artist means. Every page delivers encouragement to the kid who thinks artists all live in cities, or that art has to look like something familiar, or that painting and drawing are the only way to make art.
In a world that drastically undervalues creative freedom, Krysa’s whimsical paintings and collages joyfully proclaim that art is essential and that artists are everywhere. Additionally, there is a page at the back of the book includes ideas for art projects. Available from Amazon priced £8.99.
Create Your Own Calm by Becky Goddard-Hill
In a world that’s increasingly chaotic and uncertain, Create your own calm sets kids on a path to becoming emotionally resilient and helps them to take practical, positive steps towards being calm and happy.
• Full of simple, practical ideas to help manage feelings of stress, anger and anxiety
• Fun activities that can be done on their own or with friends and family
• Try out yoga, grow a pizza garden or go cloud watching
• Learn about the surprising science behind emotions along the way
• From award-winning blogger and author of Create your own happy
Becky Goddard-Hill is a genuine, warm and caring person – and is a good blogger friend of mine. I totally recommend this as a support to any teen dealing with trying times such as they are right now. Buy from Amazon priced £7.99.
For Adults
Get your Kids to Eat Anything by Emily Leary
Get Your Kids to Eat Anything is an achievable ‘how to’ for parents in the battle to overcome picky eating and ‘make new the norm’. The unique 5-phase programme looks at the issue of ‘fussy eating’ in a holistic way that links imagination with food, and which situates parents alongside – not in opposition to – their children.
A brilliant support for any parent who is struggling with what to feed their kids. Emily Leary is another blogger friend of mine who has found massive success with her writing and deservedly so! Find the book on Amazon priced £12.76.
A ZEST FOR LIFE COOKBOOK
A Zest For Life is packed with 70 fresh and tasty recipes and will make eating well effortless. The dishes are all easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. There are plenty of full of colourful, energising recipes, made with ingredients that taste great and also help you to feel great!
With superfoods galore and meals that keep you full for longer, this collection of clever, nutritious recipes is one that you’ll turn to time and again. All ingredients are widely available – no faddy foods here!
Discover delicious recipes for a healthy lifestyle throughout the year including dishes suitable for vegetarians and vegans. RRP £9.99
Five Minute Mum by Daisy Upton
This book is simply genius! Daisy Upton has two little kids. She loves them – but they drive her mad. So, to try and keep her sanity she started to come up with quick, easy games using stuff from around the house. As a result, Five Minute Mum was born.
She has collected 150+ games that take 5 minutes to set up & 5 minutes to tidy up. These range from pasta posting to alphabet knock down, it’s a recipe book for guilt free parenting! And as Daisy was a teaching assistant, your little ones will be learning while they play! What could be better? GIVE ME FIVE is the perfect companion for anyone who wants five minutes peace. RRP £10.96 from Amazon and many other online retailers.
Sort Your Sh•t Out by Caroline Jones
Part interactive journal and part step-by step guide, this book focuses on the pretence of clean house, clean mind. Using journaling and life-coaching techniques to guide you, the easy activities and practical tasks aim to make you richer in time and money, more organised, driven and clearer-headed than ever before. Available from Amazon priced £9.83.
The Easy Life by Lynsey Crombie
Focused around an easy to follow ‘clean regime’ for every season of the year, the book contains multiple interactive ’smart lists’, tables and charts. Including guides for getting the whole family involved, techniques to get your body moving and calories burning without even noticing and most importantly ideas on how to create the calm, organised household of your dreams. Available from Amazon priced £5.99.
Clean Sleeping by Lisa Helmanis
Supported by comprehensive scientific evidence, the book explores the lifestyle and medical factors that can trigger sleep disturbances from insomnia, sleepwalking and night terrors to apnoea and narcolepsy, and the strategies that can be employed to rebalance them. As well as describing symptomns and solutions, Lisa Helmanis offers simple self-help measures that banish sleep problems gently and effectively, while fitting around your lifestyle. Available from Amazon priced £9.99.
