My dear bookish friends!
Christmas is finally here (can you believe it!?)! I’ve unfortunately not had time to read any books that are not for my thesis lately, so I can’t recommend any new Christmassy books, but I’ve been thinking of all the books I’ve read in the past and thought there were some really great ones among them for different reading tastes and moods, and so I thought I’d put them all in a post for you!
Maybe you still need a Christmas present for a middle grade reader, or you’re looking to escape the holiday madness for a little bit and read something funny, spooky or really festive yourself – then I’m sure you’ll find something you might like here! So, let’s get straight to it!
When you need extra proof for the existence of Santa Claus:
The Night I Met Father Christmas by Ben Miller
Oh, I love this book so much! I’ve read it the past two Christmases, and it’s definitely a book I could see myself picking up every year. Every child who doubts the existence of Santa needs to read this, but it’s just as beautiful for adults of all ages alike. This is a child-friendly retelling of Dickens’ Christmas Carol, and it answers the question how Father Christmas got the job, and why he started to bring children everywhere toys and presents every year on Christmas Day. I love the nostalgic feeling of the story, and how well all the possible questions that may arise are being answered. After reading this book, there is no room for doubt left that Father Christmas does exist!
You can check out my full review here.
When you feel like you need a big adventure:
The Great Reindeer Rescue by Stephen Mangan
This books is full of joy, fun, laughter and adventure! Holly can’t sleep because she is so excited for Christmas! Little does she know that she is about to have the most adventurous Christmas of her life, including travels to all the corners of the world, where she is looking to save Santa’s reindeer, her dad, and Santa himself, with the help of Dave, a reindeer who has only just started his new job. Such a lovely adventure story, and it will make you feel all excited for Christmas (if you aren’t already!).
You can check out my full review here.
When you want a little adventure at the North Pole:
Elf Road by Jacqui Hazell
Tizzy and Wilf are sad. They have to leave their nice and cosy Cornish cottage, and also their mum and dad and three cats, behind to spend Christmas with their grandmother in London. They have never seen her before, and is she even nice? But then, the two siblings find a hidden underground tunnel and make their way to the north pole, where they meet all the elves and even Santa himself! A fast-paced, unique Christmas adventure for readers of all ages, I recommend this book to those who like festive reads with new spins on Santa and the North Pole.
You can read my full review here.
When you want something nostalgic with an animal companion:
Wishyouwas by Alexandra Page
It’s 1952 in London, and Penny feels lonely this Christmas season. Her mum is away, and her Uncle Frank is busy running his post office. Outside, London is disappearing in the smog, so there is not much that Penny can spend her time with in the days leading up to Christmas. So, she helps in the post office. One evening, she hears something shuffling and scratching and scurrying. What is it? A mouse? A rat? Something else? No, it’s Wishyouwas, sorter of the lost mail! Together, they go on a big adventure through the secret underground world that Penny never knew existed. Such an imaginative, unique and special story!
You can read my full review here.
When you feel like reading a classic:
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Everyone knows the story of the Grinch who stole Christmas and Cindy Lou-Who, the little girl who can see past his very un-cheerful attitude and helps him see the true meaning of Christmas. There are quite a few movie adaptations out there (the 2018 version has got to be my favourite!), but have you actually read the original book? If not, I highly recommend it! In true Seuss manner, it’s full of rhymes that make the reading experience even more enjoyable, and there are some beautifully illustrated versions out there as well. Highly recommended!
When you want a classic that feels a little more nostalgic:
Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I’m not sure if this book qualifies as a middle grade novel, but the little lord’s age range should fit! It’s a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, who is probably much more famous for being the author of The Secret Garden, but I think Little Lord Fauntleroy is highly underrated. In fact, the 1980 movie adaptation is probably my favourite Christmas movie ever, perhaps especially because it’s so different from all the others. The story revolves around Cedric Errol, a generous and kind American boy who is told he is supposed to come to England to his grandfather’s estate, because he is supposedly the heir of the Earl of Dorincourt. The gap between middle-class America in the 19th century as well as British aristocracy is big, but Ceddie still adjusts very quickly – even though his grandfather is not very kind and loving for quite some time. Still – I love this book (and movie!) so much!!
Give it a go if you haven’t yet – especially fans of the classics will love this one!
When you need a book that feels like a warm hug:
The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
This is such a lovely book, and I’ve just remembered I need to read on in this series. I loved the family aspect here, the special bond the siblings share, and the entire family dynamic. I also loved how the neighbours have become part of the extended family, so to speak, and overall, this book just feels like a warm hug. The perfect winter read!
When you want something funny:
The Christmas Carrolls by Mel Taylor-Bessent
This is such a funny, fast-paced and quirky book! If you’re like me and wished it could be Christmas every day, well, for Holly and her family, it is! They have their Christmas decorations up all year round, as well as their tree, and singing Christmas carrols is not reserved for December either! But living in a new neighbourhood and going to a new school is not as fun as it first seems, and not everyone enjoys Holly’s continuous Christmas cheer. Will Holly be able to keep her festive enthusiasm going?
This is such a funny and heart-warming tale, and perfect for Christmas fans (of all ages!).
When you’re more of a Halloween fan but still want to feel festive:
Christmas Dinner of Souls by Ross Montgomery
This book collects many spooky, creepy, dark stories within a story, and it will give you the literal chills! In the ancient Soul’s College, a different kind of Christmas dinner is going on, and 11-year-old Lewis has to be present while all the creepy guests tell their tales. They all hate Christmas with a passion, and the purpose of the evening is to tell the most terrifying tale of them all to win the chance to enter the catacombs beneath Soul’s College. Why? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
This is a spooky collection of tales and not your everyday cosy, snuggly and festive kind of Christmas read, but that is what makes it special!
I hope you’ve found yourself some new Christmassy and wintery reading inspo!
Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone, and thank you so much for reading!
xoxo
