Winter books for older readers

The magical Night Train takes some very special passengers to Sleepy Town, where they will become the main characters in children​’s dreams. An imaginative, wintery tale with short chapters and colourful, expressive illustrations. 

Set in prehistoric Ireland during an endless winter, Fia and her snow deer set out on a perilous adventure to find the Deer Mother and bring warmth and hope back to her people.

Winter Magic is a fabulous collection of atmospheric, sometimes sad, sometimes unnerving but mostly warming stories for cosy bedtimes or cold winter afternoons under a blanket – with a mug of hot chocolate handy, of course.

After a daring escape, Lina and her best friend Bogdan find themselves on a quest to reach Moscow and find Lina’s grandmother. Many dangers lie ahead: including an angry ice witch and her spirit wolves. A magical, snowy adventure perfect for winter nights.

When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy – step through a wardrobe door in the strange country house where they are staying, they find themselves in the land of Narnia.

This glorious, gripping whodunnit is as immersive as the deep snow that provides the backdrop to the story and incorporates a realistic portrayal of a blended family. 

Featuring stories by Elle McNicoll, Joanna Williams, Maisie Chan, Patrice Lawrence, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson, this is a festive treat of a book for all young mystery lovers: perfect with a cup of hot chocolate and a cosy chair.

Fall into a prehistoric world of myth, mage craft, demons and the fight for survival in this spectacular fantasy adventure set in the deep winter of ancient Scandinavia.

Valor’s privileged family is brought to its knees when her sister, Sacha, is imprisoned in an ice fortress for stealing a valuable music box from the royal household. Ideal winter reading.

This is a magical, wintery tale that explores the relationship between the human and fairy world, featuring well-known characters from folklore. Amy Wilson’s debut novel is a perfect read for those who love wintery magic.

In the midst of a seemingly never-ending winter, Magda gradually loses all the things that give her life direction and meaning.

This is the first in a series and is sure to gather many fans. A great read.