The twelve days
of Christmas are over so I thought that I would recommend some books for next
year! I was lucky enough to receive some brilliant new Christmas-themed picture
books and I would like to review three that particularly stood out to me.
Title: The
Mouse That Cancelled Christmas
Author: Madeleine
Cook
Illustrator: Samara
Hardy
Publisher: Oxford
University Press
Published: 2016
Format: Paperback
Source: My
own copy
In this lively
tale, the forest animals are getting ready to celebrate Christmas and get into
the spirit of it. However, the mouse is so obsessed with safety that he worries
that the festivities will be too dangerous for them all and tries to cancel
them. Eventually however, the animals work together to find a way to help the
mouse loosen up and the Christmas festivities to continue. This is a very funny
story with endearing pictures that helps to teach the message about the
importance of the Christmas spirit and celebrating with your loved ones. The
cast of animals, including the eponymous mouse himself, are memorable and funny
like the story itself.
Title: Ollie’s
Christmas Reindeer
Author: Nicola
Killen
Publisher: Simon
and Schuster
Published: 2016
Format: Paperback
Source: My
own copy
This
heart-warming picture book tells the story of a little girl named Ollie who
hears the jingle of bells one night and sets off into the snow in order to
investigate. Upon finding a belt with silver bells on it and the reindeer that
it belongs to, both a magical journey and a long-lasting friendship begin. I
found this to be a very sweet story with endearing pictures to match, and the cut-outs
that lead to the next page serve as an excellent bonus. The red and silver highlights
add just the right level of festivity to the lovely monochrome illustrations.
In the same way that Ollie will always remember her newfound friend once the
tale has ended, this story will also remain with the audience with its charm
and lovable cast.
Title: A
Dot in the Snow
Author: Corinne
Averiss
Illustrator: Fiona Woodcock
Publisher: Oxford
University Press
Published: 2016
Format: Hardback
Source: My
own copy
