Christmas Books of 2018

In this post, we take a look at our pick of essential Christmas books, all by authors of Wales.

The Newborn Child (Otter-Barry Books) tells the story of a child born to change the world. A special child; a baby born of a first-time mother. Jackie Morris’ detailed, thoughtful and glorious artwork accompanies her own tender poetry. The focus on the innocence and fragility of a newborn and the pure love and adoration of a mother, make this a book for life, not just for Christmas.

The Dog That Saved Christmas (Barrington Stoke) is Nicola Davies’ newly published book telling the story of someone who dislikes the festive season. There are plenty who feel uncomfortable, anxious or lonely at Christmas and this dyslexia-friendly tale shines a light and will help to develop empathy amongst its readers. Brilliantly illustrated by Mike Byrne, the titular dog comes to the rescue, making Christmas a more bearable, even loving time. (See our full reviews of this book).

There are more dogs in Sam Hay and Loretta Schauer’s A Very Corgi Christmas picture book (Simon & Schuster). And what gorgeous corgis they are! Belle keeps getting under everyone’s feet at Buckingham Palace so she sneaks out to explore the bright lights of the city. She’s given a fabulous guided tour by Pip, experiencing the various highs of London life. A simply wonderful story with irresistible illustrations make this an absolute delight (with a super cute ending).

A Child’s Christmas in Wales is one of the best read-alouds ever – Daddy Worm loves channelling Richard Burton and getting his tongue around the sing-song phrases and Thomasisms. Full of humour, dry and profound as the narrator reminisces on Christmases past, this classic short vignette is evergreen. Our own version (Puffin Books) contains the evocative illustrations of Edward Ardizzone which we cannot do without.

Santa’s Greatest Gift (Gwasg Gomer), was nominated for this year’s Tir na-nOg Award and is an excellent picture book about Gwydion who ends up helping Santa to deliver presents. However, Santa has forgotten Gwydion’s present so has to think on the spot! This is a real favourite in our house particularly due to the beautiful illustrations of Valériane Leblond. Tudur Dylan Jones rhyming verse is engaging and fast moving.

The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel (Little Tiger) is a new offering from Tracey Corderoy and Tony Neal. It’s a big, bold and bright picture book with real heart. Frog arrives at Bear’s house thinking he’s in for the time of his life at the amazing Christmas Extravaganza Hotel – but he’s not the best map reader and has taken more than a few wrong turns. Bear, being a kind and compassionate soul, doesn’t want Frog to be disappointed at Christmas time so tries to equal the promises of the glossy brochure. Here’s a book that shows there is awe and wonder in simple pleasures and that spending time together can bring fulfilment and joy.

The Clockwork Crow (Firefly Press) is destined to win yet more awards for Catherine Fisher and is a highly satisfying read by an extremely talented writer. A victorian Christmas in Wales promises to be everything Seren dreamed of, but there’s more to Plas-y-Fran than meets the eye. The Mid-Wales manor house has a gateway to the underworld which Seren must explore (with the flying, talking Clockwork Crow) if she is to solve the mystery of the missing Tomos. Enchanting, riveting, accomplished and highly enjoyable middle grade fiction.

The Dog That Saved Christmas

The Dog That Saved Christmas

Nicola Davies; illustrated by Mike Byrne

Barrington Stoke

The Dog That Saved Christmas, written by the magnificent Nicola Davies is a wonderfully heartwarming book published by Barrington Stoke. We are absolutely delighted that this book is dedicated to all the bookworms and want to mark that with something special. We will have an exclusive interview with Nicola coming soon on the blog, and we thought it appropriate that all five of us should review the book for you. Five reviews for one – should give you a balanced view of the book!

 

For most kids, Christmas is the best time of the year. For Jake, it’s a nightmare. He hates the bright lights, the noise and the way everything around him feels different and strange. But then Jake meets Susan, a little dog who is lost and scared. Jake takes Susan home and the special bond they share helps him to cope with all the things that usually stress him out. Maybe there’s a chance that this Christmas will be one that the whole family can enjoy.

 

Mummy Worm

This book is a treat for the whole family. Kit and I read together, although he read on after bed-time and finished before me, meaning I enjoyed the last chapter on my own. Kit was very keen to tell me what happened, but I managed without the ‘spoiler’!

“Super-readable”, the narrative is a moving account of how the familiar joys of Christmas can create great unease for those with autism such as Jake. The bond between Jake and Susan, the Collie dog is central and develops the theme of the importance of enabling animals to soothe those in distress. The joy of Christmas is saved, and lessons learned will resonate long after the festive season comes to an end.

Kit – Age 6

My favourite character is Susan because she is like our dog. Our dog is called Tedi and he makes me happy. Susan makes Jake happy.

I think Jake is brave because he struggles with things most people enjoy – like Christmas. Jake doesn’t like Christmas because it changes things around. In the first chapter, Jake is upset when a big blow up snowman is outside his window! When Susan is with him he feels OK, so it was sad when she goes away, but I did like the ending.

I think people who like dogs would really enjoy this story. It’s for anyone aged 6 (like me) to 94.

Nina – Age 9

This is a great book to read aloud – I really enjoyed sharing it with Daddy and I would rate it 100 / 10. There is something for everyone to enjoy in this book – Jake proves that anyone can do anything. He meets a dog (Susan) who makes him less scared. He usually gets scared when things change – he likes to know what he is doing. That’s why he does not like Christmas because the lights make him agitated. Jake has autism which means he doesn’t like change. So Christmas time in school is a bad time because people are singing and there is a Christmas play to produce. Susan the dog calms Jake down when he is nervous. Thank you Nicola Davies for a wonderful Christmas book!

Noah – Age 11

This unique story by Nicola Davies is not just a good book, it helps people understand how Jake feels and Jake is autistic.

People with autism like Jake like to keep everything the same. Christmas is not normal – it changes a lot of things. Like the houses in your street that get covered in lights and those lights shine in through other people’s windows and for Jake that is very annoying. So when he finds Susan, she comforts him and that makes Jake very happy. In a way, when he’s got Susan, he doesn’t mind the flashing lights anymore.

The wonderful illustrations show how close Jake is to Susan.

The Dog That Saved Christmas is a rollercoaster of emotions and as you read you get to understand Jake’s feelings and you may treat people differently.

Daddy Worm

As a zoologist, Nicola is well known for connecting readers with the natural world. It always strikes me though that she is entirely focussed on the human element of the story, in order to bring about a change (of heart / of perception / of understanding). So many of her books encourage empathy as characters struggle with belonging, being compassionate or showing understanding. Jake is on the autistic spectrum and this book will help readers understand how he is troubled by stimulating lights and noises; how changes in routine can be unsettling and how worries and frustrations can boil over to outpourings of anger. It is also testament to the calming nature of pets. Dogs are a great source of comfort and companionship for their owners and Susan relieves Jake’s anxiety giving him purpose and feeling valued.

As always, there’s a compelling and touching story here, and even though the chapters are short you’ll be hard pressed not to find yourself engrossed in Jake’s daily struggle – likewise, you’ll find it hard not to shed a tear in the moving final pages.

Throughout, Mike Byrne’s illustrations delight and engage making this a simply irresistible package.

Y Lolfa Review 2018

Y Lolfa celebrated 50 years in publishing in 2017. The Tal-y-bont-based company publishes books in English and Welsh for adults and children. Their 2018 releases are dominated by sports biographies by the likes of headline-makers Geraint Thomas and referee Nigel Owens. We’ll now take a look at Y Lolfa’s 2018 books in English for children, and there are some gems here:

Little Honey Bee by Caryl Lewis; Valériane Leblond (£5.99)

This is a tale of hope and healing, about looking forward to a brighter and warmer future.

Elsi is left to the care of her grandmother who tends her broken heart with patience, kindness and understanding.

When Grandmother shows a collection of beehives at the bottom of the garden, Elsi’s curiosity is awakened and so too, a  desire and interest that sparks her into being.

Accompanied by the compassionate and beautiful illustrations of Valériane Leblond, Caryl Lewis’ story is educational too, as Grandmother teaches Elsi the names of the flowers.

Originally written in Welsh, Caryl’s own translation encourages children to take notice of their surroundings and to appreciate what matters.

Echoing the sentiments of The Lost Words (Jackie Morris and Robert MacFarlane), Caryl explained, “I wrote the book partly to teach children about the seasons and the names of things in the countryside around them, words like foxgloves, bluebells, catkins. Children don’t get to learn the names of trees and flowers these days.”

This is reiterated by Valériane, “It’s so important to be aware of what’s around us, and children as well as adults should know and understand more about nature and its relationship with everything.”

Moonbeam’s Arctic Adventure, David Morgan Williams, Molly Holborn; Maria Moss (£5.99)

This hardback sees established author David Morgan Williams collaborate with his granddaughter Molly Holborn on a picture book with an essential environmental message. It features two bottle-nosed dolphins, Moonbeam and Sunbeam from Cardigan Bay who answer the distress signals from other creatures.

On their journey to the Northern ice caps, they meet a variety of species – and David and Molly take the opportunity to educate young readers on arctic terns, fin whales, polar bears and others.

Molly said “My grandfather and I have a mutual concern for endangered species and global warming. We wrote this book for young children to make them aware of the issues. Hopefully, by raising awareness, they can help prevent drastic environmental changes.”

Ultimately, the book is about doing what you can to make a difference, as Moonbeam and Sunbeam exert themselves to support and help others.

Teach Your Dog Welsh, Anne Cakebread (£4.99)

Here is a colourful, cleverly-designed book for Welsh learners – which works equally well for children and adults. We should know, as soon as it arrived, the Worms were using it to command our Tedi to Sit, Come, Stay and Fetch.

Each double page has a dynamic illustration on one side with the English and Welsh command on the other, together with a phonetic pronunciation guide.

The inspiration for the book came to Anne Cakebread when she rehomed Frieda, a rescue whippet. Frieda previous owner spoke Welsh to her, so Anne realised she would only respond to Welsh commands. Anne found the process of speaking Welsh to her dog helped her overcome her nerves about speaking Welsh aloud and recognised that her Welsh was improving.

Largely, the phrases are universal and are useful in many situations – lots about the weather and time of day – we’ve certainly had hours of fun and I can say that pronunciations are improving.

This would make a great stocking filler for Christmas!

When Ravens Screamed Over Blood, Williams Vaughan (£4.99)

When Ravens Screamed Over Blood, a novella for teenagers has its foundations in the magic and violence of the Welsh Mabinogion. As the author explains, “One of the main characters, The Prince, was inspired by a character and certain magical events in the ancient Welsh tales of the Mabinogion. The story also draws upon Irish mythology. The title is taken from a poem in The Black Book of Carmarthen, one of the icons of Welsh literature.”

The novella deals with issues such as sexuality, the joys of love and dealing with conflict. We have not read the book yet but it has garnered high praise from Phil Carradice for its lyrical quality and for handling some complex issues carefully and delicately.

All of these titles are available to purchase direct from Y Lolfa online. We are extremely grateful to them for providing review copies and would especially like to thank them for supporting our Little Honey Bee giveaway. (See Twitter)

24 Authors of Wales – 2018

Here, for your amusement and education, are some of the authors and illustrators we have enjoyed this year. As it’s Advent, we’ve gone for 24 – one for each window of your calendar. These are the authors and illustrators that the whole family of bookworms have enjoyed in 2018: authors who have given us great pleasure; fits of the giggles; something to think about; episodes of escape; and moments to treasure.

Last year we set this criteria for qualifying as “Welsh”: firstly, through birth; secondly because parents or grandparents have been born in Wales; and thirdly, through residency – you must have lived in Wales for three successive years.

In alphabetical order, here’s our list (click on author/illustrator name to visit their own website and/or Twitter profile):

Sophie Anderson @sophieinspace

Sophie Anderson grew up in Swansea, studied at Liverpool University, and has worked as a geologist and science teacher in several parts of the UK. She wrote textbooks until characters from Slavic fairy tales began appearing in her work. Her debut novel, the House with Chicken Legs (Usborne) was published earlier this year and is amazing. When we reviewed the book on publication we called it “a lyrical and emotional debut; rooted in folklore but completely contemporary. As Marinka struggles with the circle of her own life, we get to explore human themes of friendship, purpose, contentment, life and death.”

Dan Anthony

As an experienced scriptwriter and short story writer, Dan Anthony has written extensively for children and a particular favourite of ours is The Bus Stop at the End of the World from 2017. He was born in Cardiff, lives in Penarth, and his radio plays have been performed on Radio Wales, Radio 4 and Radio 2. This year, The Last Big One (Gomer) was an absorbing and important story of self-discovery and belonging.

Peter Bell @PeterGBell

Peter lives in South Wales and published The Train to Impossible Places (Usborne) in 2018. This terrific fantasy novel was fought over by a number of publishers and is an incredibly inventive story, initially made-up for his children at bedtime. Noah loved it saying that it has “everything” a fantasy novel needs and Daddy agreed – it’s perfect for fans of Harry Potter, CS Lewis, Enid Blyton and Doctor Who! As the first in a series, we’re going to be hearing plenty more about PG Bell.

Zillah Bethell @BethellZillah

Zillah was born in Papua New Guinea and came to the UK when she was 8. A graduate of Wadham College, Oxford, she settled in South Wales and has published two fantastic novels aimed at the #mglit market. A Whisper of Horses came in paperback during 2018 together with the fantastic news that Zillah’s next book will be published with Usborne.

 

Stephanie Burgis @stephanieburgis

Stephanie Burgis grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, but now lives in Monmouthshire with her husband and two sons, surrounded by mountains, castles and coffee shops. Her Bloomsbury-published ‘The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart’ is a favourite in our house and its sequel ‘The Girl with the Dragon Heart’ landed in 2018. We thought it was a compelling thriller with brilliant characters in a totally absorbing world. 9 year old Nina absolutely loves both books and cherishes them.

Lucy Christopher @LucyCAuthor

Dr Lucy Christopher was born in Wales but went to school and university in Melbourne, Australia. She moved back to the UK to study an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University, as well as a PhD in Creative Writing.  She is now a Senior Lecturer on the successful MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. This year she published her fourth novel, Storm-wake (Chicken House), a delightful homage to Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Full of lyrical phraseology, Storm-wake is a visceral experience.

Karin Celestine @andthehare

Karin Celestine is a fibre artist, writer and illustrator living in Monmouth. She needle felts small creatures and tells stories from her small shed workshop. She loves swimming. But Bertram doesn’t. In 2018, she added two more books to her canon (yes, we’re calling it that), Bertram Loves to Sew and Bert’s Garden (Both Graffeg). Karin’s books are full of love and gentleness and extol the virtues of kindness and calm – they are an absolute delight!

Nathan Collins @NathanCollins15

Nathan is an illustrator born and bred in South Wales. He graduated from Swansea College of Art, with a degree in Illustration. He works with traditional and digital media. In 2018 he illustrated the Anthology of Amazing Women (20Watt) and also produced new cover art for a new edition of The House with a Clock in Its Walls by John Bellairs (Piccadilly) – the first of the Lewis Barnavelt series. The second book in the series, A Figure in the Shadows, with another cover by Nathan will be published in January.

James Davies @drawjamesdraw

James Davies is an illustrator and author born in Wales, but now living in Bristol. He graduated from the University of the West of England in 2009 with a first class degree in Illustration. During his studies he received a “highly commended” in the 2008 Macmillan Prize and he’s focused on creating children’s books ever since. In 2018, he published two non-fiction books – Meet The… Ancient Egyptians and Meet The… Ancient Romans (Big Picture Press) and a fabulous picture book entitled Long Dog (Templar). Long Dog has had us laughing aloud for months – we love James’ bold illustrative style and his sense of humour works for both adults and children.

Nicola Davies @nicolakidsbooks

Nicola Davies was born in Birmingham and worked as a zoologist and TV Presenter before settling in Powys to write. Many of her books are rooted in her scientific training and are essential additions to any library. These successful narrative non-fiction books cover, amongst other things, the diversity of living things, microbes, owls and bears. Recent picture books published by Walker and Graffeg have delved more deeply into the human condition providing opportunities for children to reflect on refugees, grief and trauma. In 2018 she was nominated for the Tir na nOg Award and published a number of books (we lost count at 9) including the important The Day War Came (Walker), as well as new additions to the Shadows and Light series.

Thomas Docherty @TDIllustration

Thomas Docherty is an author and illustrator living in Swansea – he has produced a number of picture books on his own and with his wife Helen, our favourites being The Knight Who Wouldn’t Fight and Snatchabook. He is also the illustrator for the Polly Puffin books written by Jenny Colgan. In 2018, he illustrated a new edition of Julia Donaldson’s World War II play, Bombs and Blackberries (Hodder) – a stunning depiction that allows readers to empathise with characters and really feel the power of emotions as they ‘read’ the pictures.

Jonny Duddle @JonnyDuddleDum

Jonny spent his childhood in North Wales and recently returned to the ‘wet and windy hills’. After studying illustration at college he wrote his first picture book ‘The Pirate Cruncher’ which was published in 2009. Subsequently, he helped design the characters for Aardman’s stop-motion movie ‘The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!’. More picture books followed with a focus on pirates, dinosaurs and space. He also produced a full set of brilliant designs for the Harry Potter covers in 2014. In 2018, he published the long awaited Pirates of Scurvy Sands (Templar) – a fantastic and fun/pun-filled joyfest. This isn’t just any illustration, this is Jonny Duddle illustration – oozes quality.

Claire Fayers @ClaireFayers

Claire was born in Cardiff and used to work in the science library of Cardiff University. The award-winning Accidental Pirates books (Macmillan) are ideal for children in Year 4 (age 8 upwards). In 2018, Claire published Mirror Magic, a fabulously imaginative adventure full of fairy magic. We also got to make a video interview with her on the book’s publication!

 

Catherine Fisher @FisherAuthor

Catherine Fisher was born in Newport, and her fantasy books are aimed at Year 6 (age 10) upwards. Having worked as a teacher, lecturer and archaeologist it is no surprise that her books are often set in Wales and are heavily influenced by Arthurian legends, old myths and the Mabinogion. Her latest, The Clockwork Crow is influenced by the Tylwyth Teg, the fairy folk of Wales who take children from their homes and is set in Victorian times – it’s a brilliantly atmospheric story with gothic fantasy overtones and a superbly tetchy eponymous crow.

Sam Hay @samhayauthor

Sam Hay grew up in Scotland, and always wanted to be a writer. She trained as a journalist in Edinburgh and worked in newspapers and television in London. Then she moved to Wales to have a family and start writing her first children’s book. Since then she’s had around 30 books published including the Undead Pets series about zombie animals and Screaming Sands, a ghostly trilogy set at the seaside. In 2018, Sam published Star in the Jar, a picture book with Sarah Massini (Egmont) and A Very Corgi Christmas, illustrated by Loretta Schauer (Simon & Schuster).

Valériane Leblond @triaglog

Valériane is a French and Quebecker artist who has lived near Aberystwyth since 2007. Primarily a painter, her artworks often deal with the idea of belonging, how people inhabit the land, what makes the place they call home. Valériane Leblond has illustrated a number of picture books, in Welsh and English (and other languages too!). This year she illustrated Merch y Mêl/Little Honey Bee by Caryl Lewis (Lolfa) and Cymru Ar Y Map/Wales On The Map by Elin Meek (Rily). We just love Valériane’s style – the folksy houses, the agricultural landscapes, the light and the dark – we could happily buy everything in her Etsy shop!

Gill Lewis @gill__lewis

Gill Lewis’ family are from the Gower and it is clear that the landscape and wildlife of Wales has inspired her. In a National Trust article, she says “I remember many childhood holidays pootling about on the water at Whiteford. In fact I think it gave me my love of estuaries – places of change, where the sea, the sky and the earth become one, and watching the multitude of life feeding on the ebb and flow of the tides.” Gill trained as a vet and travelled the world to work – from Africa to the Arctic. After having children, she rediscovered her love of stories and returned to University to study. Her first novel, Sky Hawk, received an avalanche of award nominations. More novels with themes of conservation, the environment and animal welfare followed, and this year she published Run Wild (Barrington Stoke). We felt this book was a passionate and compelling argument not just for the rewilding of nature but for connecting children to the wild too. A fantastic story to be cherished.

Max Low @themaxlow

Max Low is a graduate of Hereford School of Art, and now lives and works in Wales. In 2018 he illustrated Bee Boy and The Moonflowers (Graffeg), written by Nicola Davies. He also published his first solo picture books, also with Graffeg. Ceri and Deri – Good To Be Sweet and No Time For Clocks are the first two in a series and we just love Max’s dynamic, animated, colourful style which reminds Daddy Worm of TV cartoons Roobarb and Custard, Chorlton and the Wheelies and Magic Roundabout.

Jackie Morris @JackieMorrisArt

Jackie Morris lives on the wild Pembrokeshire coast. Before settling there, she had lived in Evesham and London. She is inspired by “our” environment; particularly the birds (peregrines, goldfinch, buzzards), seals, foxes and landscapes surrounding her home. She says “I am a stranger here, a foreigner. And yet I am at home.” Her beautifully illustrated international bestselling books have wide appeal, and are mostly published by Frances Lincoln, Graffeg and Otter-Barry. Following on from last year’s The Lost Words (with Rob MacFarlane), and Mrs Noah’s Pockets (with James Mayhew), 2018 saw new artist editions of Tell Me A Dragon, The Snow Leopard and The Ice Bear (all published by Graffeg).

Jenny Nimmo @jennynimmo1

Jenny Nimmo has lived in Wales for most of her life, having married Welsh artist David Wynn Millward in 1974. Her stories are rooted in Welsh mythology and she is also inspired by the landscapes of Wales. She appeals to Junior age children (age 7 and up) and has plenty to occupy them – 2018 saw the 30th anniversary of The Snow Spider Trilogy and a new story, Gabriel and the Phantom Sleepers. This new book features ancient supernatural beings and a wicked sorceress, while Gabriel must strive to lift an evil curse. Another exceptional story from a writer of supreme skill.

Gav Puckett @GavPuck

Gavin Puckett is from South Wales, where he lives with his wife, young son and their beloved cat, George. Gavin was the winner of the 2013 Greenhouse Funny Prize, and his first book ‘Murray the Horse’ was published with Faber Children’s in June 2015. In 2018, the fourth Fable from the Stable was published entitled Poppy the Police Horse – another hilarious horsey tail written in rhyming verse – perfectly achievable for new readers and reluctant readers. A really enjoyable series with one more to come in 2019!

Wendy White @Wendy_J_White

Hailing from Llanelli, Wendy White was inspired by her local library to become an author. Her books for children are available from Gwasg Gomer and have a Welsh theme. Welsh Cakes and Custard won the Tir-na-n-Og Award in 2014 and last year’s St David’s Day is Cancelled is a joyous tale for 7-9 year olds. This year, Wendy gave us Mamgu’s Campervan (Gomer) – another fun story with its boots firmly planted in Welsh soil.

Eloise Williams @Eloisejwilliams

Eloise Williams lives in West Wales. She has worked on stage as a singer and an actress after graduating from the Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. 2017’s Gaslight, a Victorian thriller won the Wales Arts Review Children’s Book of the Year. In 2018, Eloise published Seaglass (Firefly), a chilling ghost story with captivating characters and wild and windy (Welsh) landscapes. Gripping.

Justine Windsor @justinewindsor

Justine Windsor is a previously shortlisted author of The Times/Chicken House children’s fiction competition. She lives in Cardiff and this year her third middle grade crime caper ‘Goodly and Grave’ was published (Harper Collins). Goodly and Grave in a Case of Bad Magic is an accomplished and witty detective (ish) novel for younger readers aged 8 up.