Whiz Bang Christmas Crackers!

By Damien Jones 

With The Yuletide season fast approaching here a few of my favourite picture books of recent months, some have a Christmas theme some are set to bring a little sunshine into your life on these long cold winter nights. 

By Jo Byatt

Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle – Published by Chronicle Books

A stunning wordless lift-the-flap story set in a magical icy landscape. Flora and her Penguin twirl, glide and leap off the pages as they explore the boundaries of their friendship in this breath-taking balletic picture book. I have rarely seen such a clever and subtle use of the lift the flap format. Completely magical from beginning to end.

FOLLOW MOLLY ON TWITTER 

 

Snow by Sam Usher Published by Templar Publishing

Set to be a modern classic this book perfectly encapsulates the silent crisp magical moment in which the first snowfall settles. A beautiful observation of a grandson’s special relationship with his grandfather. A must have. 

FOLLOW SAM USHER ON TWITTER 

 

Katie's London Christmas by James Mayhew Published by Orchard Books

This glittering traditional tale deftly illustrated by Mayhew whisks us away on a spectacular sleigh bound adventure across London, as Katie and her brother help a delightfully rotund Father Christmas deliver Christmas gifts to a very special Royal resident.

FOLLOW JAMES ON TWITTER 

 

The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Britta Teckentrup Published by Little Tiger Press

Clever cut-away pages reveal 12 beautifully illustrated gifts, encouraging a special shared reading experience as the story builds to a magnificent climax. Perfect for reading together or singing along to on Christmas Eve.

FOLLOW BRITTA ON TWITTER 

Snow by Walter de la Mare Published by Faber Children’s Books

Exquisite Scandinavian style illustrations by Carolina perfectly compliment this traditional poem. A celebration of family, nature and the magic of winter. One for sharing under a warm blanket.  

FOLLOW ILLUSTRATOR CAROLINA ON TWITTER 

Bear Hug by Katharine McEwen Published by Templar Publishing

A perfect introduction to the seasons, this picturesque picture book follows a family of bears as they prepare for hibernation and the arrival of spring. Heart melting collage style illustrations draw the reader right into the depths of the forest. Truly magnificent. 

FOLLOW KATHARINE ON TWITTER 

Is there a dog in this book? By Viviane Schwarz Published by Walker Books

For all those little ones hoping for a puppy this Christmas this could be the perfect solution. This outstanding bright and imaginative picture book contains fabulous flaps to lift and surprise pop out features creating the most wonderful interactive and immersive story experience.

FOLLOW VIV ON TWITTER 

Santa's Noisy House - By Sebastien Braun Published by Campbell Books 

Perfect for managing the anticipation of imminent festivities, this book has intermittent prompts so small readers can press the corresponding sound effect button thus bringing the story to life. Sebastien Braun Braun has created a joyful, bright and engaging Yuletide adventure as we join Father Christmas as he prepares for the big day. 

The Christmas Treasure Hunt by Ag Jatkowska - Published by Campbell Books 

A completely absorbing festive treat, wander though the wintery woodland making friends with the forest residence whilst helping them to find their Christmas gifts hidden under the flaps on each page. 
This fabulous picture book culminates with a breathtakingly spectacular pop-up Christmas tree scene. 
The essence of Christmas wonderment all wrapped up in one book. 

A Good Home for Max – Published by Chronicle Books Published by Chronicle

In this enchanting tale Tabi the mouse takes great care to keep the shop he lives in ship shape, but realising his friend Max the toy dog is being overlooked he sets about finding his beloved companion a new home just in time for Christmas. With charming echoes of 'Corduroy' this will quickly become a family favourite.

Blown Away – By Rob Biddulph Published by Harper Collins

One of my new favourites, Penguin Blue is thoroughly enjoying his new kite when he is unexpectedly whisked away by a gust of wind. Where will he end up and who will he meet along the way? A supremely stylish and humorous picture book to read again and again. We are especially fond of Clive the polar bear! We want more Penguin Blue, the coolest Penguin on the ice floe. 

FOLLOW ROB BIDDULPH ON TWITTER 

What a Wonderful World – Based on the song sung by Louis Armstrong Illustrated by Tim Hopgood  Published by Oxford University Press

A delightfully vivid splash of colour in the depths of winter, this book is brimming with joy and optimism. Filled with bright vibrant illustrations this charming homage to that famous song with its universal appeal will make a charming gift.

FOLLOW TIM HOPGOOD ON TWITTER 

AMAZING CHRISTMAS BOOK COMPETITION

via Steve Lenton! 
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Christmas portrait by Dougal Trump 

Dearest Chums ...

WARNING: I'm about to gush like Gwyneth Paltrow plunging down the Niagara Falls and no mistake..

I've been pondering this post for many weeks now, following a flurry of wonderful deliveries at Book Sniffer Towers.

SO in a mammoth extravaganza here are reviews by some authors and illustrators (and friends) so very dear to my heart I might just pop with pride. 

Troll Swap 

By Leigh Hodgkinson 

Published by Nosy Crow

Here for your delectation and delight is a modern day tale of mischief and mess!

Ever feel like you don't fit in? Well, that's just the problem Timothy Limpit the troll has, he's far too tidy and neat (a troll after my own heart). Fortunately Timothy meets Tabitha Lumpit who happens to be a girl with the manners of a stinky troll so together they embark on the great Troll Swap. 

A book with just the right balance of smelly burps and spick and span tidiness. Have you ever in your life seen such a bright and bonkers book jacket, it literally bounces off the shelf, Leigh's illustrations just get better and better. Grab a copy of troll swap as quick as you can!

We give Troll Swap 3 whiffy socks and some shake'n'vac out of 5! 

Smelly Footnote : OBVIOUSLY my own manners are faultless and I've not tooted in years 

Follow Leigh on Twitter @hoonbuton and check out her marvellous non-stinky blog here

Primrose 

By Alex T Smith 

Published by Scholastic 

Roll out the red carpet Sniffers this latest offering is a picture book worthy of a huge stamp of royal approval. 

Princess Primrose is a flame haired bundle of joyful frivolity but is her behaviour fitting of that of a perfect princess? HRH Grandma pays an emergency visit to teach the straight laced royals a very important lesson (in having fun!). 

Primrose is clever, entertaining, refreshing and most of all a jolly good chortle. 

This picture book will put a right royal spring in your step. 

Those Sniffers who are lucky enough to have a copy in their mitts may notice a certain familiar face in the form of Percy the royal pug who I am assured by Mr Smith himself is ever so slightly based on ME! Would you Adam and Eve it.  Actually-absolutely THE proudest day of my life!

DASHING

We give Primrose 5 plump pugs on a platter out of 5 

Actually-absolutely THE proudest day of my life!

I had to breath into a paper bag and sit on my comfy cushion for a good while when this little gem arrived on the doorstep. 

It is well documented that I am and always have been a HUGE fan of 

Alex T Smith, (read here...and here .. and here ) his work is clever, unique, charming and hugely tittersome, his characters and attention to detail are second to none and he is without doubt just an all round nice chap, you MUST follow Alex on Twitter @Alex_T_Smith - #bloominhilarious! #allhailprimrose #toot-toot

Bubble and Squeak 

Written by James Mayhew Illustrated by Clara Vulliamy

Published by Orchard Books

I always new my heart would be fit to burst if Clara and James created a book together they are without doubt a total dream team with a cherry on top. I had heard whisperings about Bubble and Squeak some time ago, a magical legend I dare not believe it until I laid my actual peepers on its magnificent pages.. It is a thing of purest wonder and joy. 

Roll up Roll up for a thrilling tale of dare devil adventure. With all the glamour of the golden age of the circus and a good smattering of mild peril Bubble the elephant and Squeak the mouse forge a very special friendship.

This beautifully written story is perfectly complimented with sumptuous and joyfully bright illustrations which are good enough to eat and bounce like a clown on a trampoline off the pages.

A picture book as sweet as candyfloss and as bright as a string of technicolor fairy lights.

We give Bubble and Squeak 4 hot dogs and a bucket of glitter out of 5 

Follow James and Clara on Twitter @claravulliamy and @mayhewjames also visit their blogs! here and here 

Mabel and Me Best of Friends 

Written by Mark Sperring Illustrated by Sarah Warburton 

published by HarperCollins 

An utterly charming story following the hilarious friendship between Mabel and her well meaning chum. Beautifully expressive illustrations bring this hilarious tale of misunderstandings to life. I have recommended this book over and over, it's just beautiful and funnier than a monkey in a fez.  

One to relish reading over and over with your very best friend. Congratulations to this dynamic new team who have created a very special book. Lets hope we see more of Mable very soon! 

We give Mabel and Me 4 love hearts and our last Rolo out of 5 

For a hilarious and touching insight into the creation of this book read this blog post by Sarah herself.. truly inspiring! 

Visit Sarah's blog here and follow her on Twitter @SarahWarbie 

Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam 

Written by Tracey Corderoy and illustrated by Steven Lenton 

Published by Nosy Crow  

Move over Boney and Clyde, there's a new pair of mischief makers in town!

Two more lovable rogues you're not likely to meet, as Shifty and Sam turn their backs on a life of tricksy pinching to open a magnificent bakery. 

A sublime and chuckle-some rhyming text with illustrations good enough to eat. Move over Mary Berry, Shifty and Sam are the new patisserie du jour. This book will tickle your funny bone and have you immediately reaching for a sticky bun....or two 

We give Shifty and Sam  4 cream horns and a macaroon out of 5 

Read our full review here   

Follow Steven on Twitter @2Dscrumptious and visit his website here  and follow Tracey on Twitter here @TraceyCorderoy 

 With thanks to the publishers / authors and illustrators for sending me such a mind bogglingly fabulous array of pure gold picture book wonderment  - TOOT TOOT!