Festive books
‘Tis the season to curl up with a good book, or gift one to others. Here’s our pick of the best
Unforgettable children’s reads
by Maz Evans (£7.99, PB, Chicken House)
Fans will lap up this spin-off (the first of three) from the popular Who Let the Gods Out? series. There’s mayhem all round when God Squad veterans Vesper and Aster navigate the Maya underworld, and tackle the immortals. An epic romp that covers unlikely territory (chocolate and human sacrifice) and is packed with jokes.
by Mel Taylor- Bessent (£7.99, PB, Harper Collins)
Holly Carroll and hercrazy-about-Christmas family are crossing the pond to spend the season in New York – and to lead the Christmas Parade. But things turn tricky when they’re invited to join the exclusive Christmas Club and a mysterious white reindeer appears. A funny, warm-hearted read that gently reminds its readers of the true meaning of Christmas.
by Stephen Mulhern and Tom Easton (£7.99, PB, Templar)
This is the second book about Max, a boy with magical powers, co-authored by magician and TV presenter Stephen Mulhern. Kids will be swept along by the mystery and mayhem that ensues when Max enters a national talent show and encounters a sinister masked magician, Mr Mysterio. Then there’s a snoopy reporter asking Max’s gran questions. A feel-good page-turner with a dyslexic-friendly layout.
by Karen M McManus (£14.99, HB, Penguin Random House)
A heart-thumping conclusion to the One of Us trilogy, this book has all the juicy plotting, pin-sharp characterisation and explosive reveals we’ve come to expect from the queen of teen crime. This time around, high-school friends the Bayview crew are menaced by a mysterious and malevolent person from their past. When one of the crew disappears, it’s clear things have got serious, and it seems everyone’s a target. Teenagers may be notoriously difficult to buy for, but the final book in this phenomenal YA series is sure to be a winner.
by Rob Biddulph (£12.99, HB, Harper Collins)
He may be the smallest whale in the ocean, but Gigantic is fine with that. He just keeps himself busy, flipping and somersaulting with his friends. Big brother Titan isn’t quite so confident in his little brother’s abilities and taunts him about his size, but when Titan gets stuck in the sand, could Gigantic and his friends be the unlikely saviours? With delightful rhyming prose and stunning illustrations, it’s a perfect book for children and parents to enjoy together.
by MG Leonard (£12.99, HB, Pan Macmillan)
Perfect for curling up with on a frosty day, this curious tale follows Bianca as she goes on a quest to discover why her little brother has been found frozen. The doctor say
