written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline, Walker Books, £10.99
Newberry Medallist Kate DiCamillo and acclaimed illustrator Bagram Ibatoulline have teamed up again to create a timeless tale about the grace of sharing and the miracle of joy.
Set in 1950s New York, the story centres on Frances, a little girl who spots an old organgrinder and his monkey on Fifth Avenue a week before Christmas. Upset to discover that the old man sleeps on the street, she asks her mother to invite him to dinner. Her mother refuses, so Frances invites him instead to her Christmas play, where she is to be an angel.
She has only one line to speak but is unable to utter a word as her thoughts drift to the old man. Then the church door opens and the organgrinder walks in. 'Behold!' shouts Frances. 'I bring you tidings of Great Joy!' And, it goes on, 'because the words felt so right, Frances said them again. "Great Joy".'
Baby Jesus and the Noisy Stable
Lion Children's Books, 3.99
Part of the All Join In series, this is a simple but effective telling of the Nativity, featuring full-page images of all the creatures in the Christmas story and incorporating animal noises into the text.
The Christmas Story - A pop-up Nativity book
Dorling Kindersley, £12.99
This chunky book comes with a pocketful of scenery for making your own Nativity scene, while under the flaps of each spread is an advent calendar and other props to add to the Nativity scene.
Christmas Wishes
written by Tony Mitton and illustrated by Layn Marlow, Orchard Books, £10.99
A charming version of 'The Night Before Christmas' as seen through the eyes of two little mice. Cosy and festive images abound.
Just the Job for Santa
by Kate Lee and Edward Eaves, Campbell Books, £9.99
A touch-and-feel book that follows Santa as he tries out new jobs, from astronaut, in his shiny spacesuit, to racing driver, in his smooth red helmet. All the jobs, he thinks, are fun - just not half as much fun as his tiring old job.
