Regardless of a child's age or interest, a good book will always make a great gift. Not only do books help a child's development in a number of ways, they provide a great way for children and parents to bond. There are so many great books to choose from that making a decision on what to gift can get a little overwhelming. Luckily I've rounded up a few of my favourites...
The Wind in the Willows | Karen Saunders & Robert Ingpen
The Wind in the Willows is a timeless tale that has never been out of print and is one of the best-loved children's titles in English literature. Kenneth Grahame's wonderful imagination and quiet humour continue to charm children and adults alike, and Robert Ingpen's stunning illustrations bring to life the adventures of Toad, Mole, Ratty, and Badger.
When the Mole leaves his spring-cleaning and heads up into the open air, he embarks on a series of exhilarating adventures with his new friends: the laid-back Ratty, the gruff yet kindly Badger and the self-satisfied, irrepressible Mr. Toad. The impulsive Toad leads the friends from one escapade to the next - from upturned gypsy caravans to stolen motorcars, a daring prison escape and, finally, to a heroic confrontation with the sinister inhabitants of the Wild Wood.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz | Karen Saunders & Robert Ingpen
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz | Karen Saunders & Robert Ingpen
An iconic classic, The Wizard of Oz is a must-read for adults and children alike. Dorothy thinks she is lost forever when a terrifying tornado crashes through Kansas and whisks her and her dog, Toto, far away to the magical land of Oz. Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City and find the wonderfully mysterious Wizard of Oz. Together with her companions the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion whom she meets on the way, Dorothy embarks on a strange and enchanting adventure.
Every Little Hippo Can | Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees
From the creators of the internationally bestselling Giraffes Can't Dance comes a brand new book about a little hippo who discovers that success often requires a little patience, and simply trying can bring its own unexpected rewards.
Horace the hippo and his sister Hope love going to the lake every day with their granny. But the long walk has become a little too long for Granny. So, Horace and Hope make a plan to bring the lake to her instead. But little Horace can't carry as much water as his sister, and he always comes back with an empty bucket. Can Granny help him to see that, with every little splash and spill, an even more wonderful gift is growing?
Every Little Hippo Can (£12.99 WHSmith) is an empowering new picture book about growth mindset and the 'power of yet'.
Every Little Hippo Can (£12.99 WHSmith) is an empowering new picture book about growth mindset and the 'power of yet'.
Iron Robin | Rose Tremain & Richard Jones
Rose Tremain is an award-winning author of fourteen novels and five collections of short stories. Her debut children's book Iron Robin (£14.99 lovereading4kids.co.uk) tells the story of Oliver, a boy who loves birds - watching them soar into the sky and wishing that just sometimes they would stay close.
So when Oliver discovers a robin made of iron, he thinks he's found the perfect friend - even if his pet dragon isn't quite so certain! When the robin begins to glimmer and hop, Oliver is overjoyed, but in a terrible turn of events, this new friend is lost. But the magic of Iron Robin and the joy of friendship means that there is wonder and excitement ahead for Oliver...
A lyrical and funny story that explores friendship, loyalty, and the power of hope, Iron Robin is the perfect bedtime story for children and parents to enjoy together.
Call The Puffins Tiny's Brave Rescue | Cath Howe & Ella Okstad
Tiny's Brave Rescue (£6.99 WHSmith) welcomes young readers back to the island of Egg, where a group of young puffins are training to join a search and rescue team.
Tiny is worried about whether he is good enough to join the team, particularly as he can't always see very well. But luckily Muffin and his other teammates are there to help. Together they can face anything – even a scary wild cat on the beach!
Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales | Naomi Lewis
When it comes to classic stories, it doesn't get better than Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales (£14.99 Waterstones).
Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales features a selection of stories translated by eminent writer and critic, Naomi Lewis, and housed in a beautiful clothbound hardback book.
All the best-known and most-loved stories are included in this magical book, including Thumbelina, The Snow Queen, and The Emperor's New Clothes. Alongside the classics are some of Andersen's less familiar tales, including The Goblin at the Grocer's and Dance, Dolly, Dance.
Hedgewitch | Skye McKenna
It tells the story of a young runaway called Cassie Morgan. After seven years spent waiting for her mother to return, she flees her dreary boarding school and sets out to find her. But the world outside her school is full of hidden magic and children have been going missing.
With the help of a talking cat and a flying broom, Cassie escapes to the enchanted village of Hedgely. There she will begin her training in the practical skills of witchcraft with the Hedgewitch, who watches over the Hedge, the vast forest that marks the border between England and Faerie.
How to Train Your Dragon is a universally loved book that follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, a smallish Viking with a longish name. The Hairy Hooligan tribe think he’s totally useless, but Hiccup is about to face his destiny... with one tiny dragon. Can he prove his worth and become a hero or will he be banished from his tribe for ever?
In celebration of 20 years of How to Train Your Dragon (£12.99 bookshop.org), this special commemorative edition features the original – now classic – How to Train Your Dragon story with exclusive content, including some rare Viking material (featuring Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III’s birth certificate!) and a hilarious brand new adventure called How to Train Your Hogfly starring fan favourites as well as exciting new dragons.
In celebration of 20 years of How to Train Your Dragon (£12.99 bookshop.org), this special commemorative edition features the original – now classic – How to Train Your Dragon story with exclusive content, including some rare Viking material (featuring Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III’s birth certificate!) and a hilarious brand new adventure called How to Train Your Hogfly starring fan favourites as well as exciting new dragons.
The Best Sleepover In The World | Jacqueline Wilson & Rachael Dean
The Best Sleepover In The World (£14.99 WHSmith) by beloved, best-selling children's author Jacqueline Wilson, is the long-awaited sequel to the hugely popular book Sleepovers!
Daisy's worst ever enemy Chloe is desperate to win back her friends so she announces she's going to have the best sleepover in the world. Chloe's party is going to have a swim in a luxury pool, a special makeover for every guest, and a real live meeting with a social media superstar. All Chloe's old friends are invited, even Daisy's best friend Emily. But Daisy is left out. Daisy's sister Lily is non-verbal but she's learned Makaton at her new special school. She signs to Daisy that she wants a sleepover. Will family and friends somehow make Lily's party the best sleepover in the world?
The Best Sleepover In The World is a moving look at friendship, sleepovers, and siblings.