Books We Love in December 2020
Explore our pick of the very best new children's books in December 2020.
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Honey For You, Honey For Me
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Interest level: 1-5
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Honey For You, Honey For Me
Author: Michael Rosen Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Interest level: 1-5
Reading age:
A gorgeous collection of nursery rhymes and playground songs which toddlers and pre-schoolers will love joining in with.
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Goodnight, Little Llama
Author: Amanda Wood Illustrator: Bec Winnel and Vikki Chu
Interest level: 0-3
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Goodnight, Little Llama
Author: Amanda Wood Illustrator: Bec Winnel and Vikki Chu
Interest level: 0-3
Reading age:
Little Llama is the smallest in the herd and she can't always keep up! When Chinchilla offers to go to the top of the mountain wit…
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The Snowman and the Sun
Author: Susan Taghdis Illustrator: Ali Mafakheri Translator: Azita Rassi
Interest level: 4-5
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The Snowman and the Sun
Author: Susan Taghdis Illustrator: Ali Mafakheri Translator: Azita Rassi
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age:
Told from a snowman’s perspective, this unusual, charmingly wintery tale explores the water cycle, the continuous journey water ta…
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It's Only Stanley
Author: Jon Agee
Interest level: 3-6
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It's Only Stanley
Author: Jon Agee
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age:
The Wimbledon family keep getting woken up by their dog, Stanley - what could he possibly be up to in the middle of the night? Fin…
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We're Off To Find a Fairy
Author: Eloise White and Cory Reid
Interest level: 3-5
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We're Off To Find a Fairy
Author: Eloise White and Cory Reid
Interest level: 3-5
Reading age:
A family sets off in the countryside to find a fairy - surely they won't be too difficult to find? A lovely rhyming tale that intr…
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Dogger's Christmas
Author: Shirley Hughes
Interest level: 2-5
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Dogger's Christmas
Author: Shirley Hughes
Interest level: 2-5
Reading age:
Calm, classic and atmospheric, this new story about Dave and his beloved toy Dogger is perfect for sharing in the days leading up …
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The Hospital Dog
Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Sarah Ogilvie
Interest level: 2-5
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The Hospital Dog
Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Sarah Ogilvie
Interest level: 2-5
Reading age:
This is the charming story of Dot the dalmatian, a very special dog indeed, who finds out just how important her hospital visits a…
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Thank You
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Sam Usher
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 6+
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Thank You
Author: Joseph Coelho Illustrator: Sam Usher
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 6+
A touching, colourful picture book about gratitude and how a small ‘Thank you!’ can grow and grow and brighten up the world.
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Crocodile Tears
Author: Roger McGough Illustrator: by Greg McLeod
Interest level: 4-6
Reading age: 6+
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Crocodile Tears
Author: Roger McGough Illustrator: by Greg McLeod
Interest level: 4-6
Reading age: 6+
This brilliantly illustrated, funny, touching and insightful tale follows the adventures of a restless, young crocodile desperate …
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The Night the Reindeer Saved Christmas
Author: Raj Kaur Khaira Illustrator: Kasia Nowowiejska
Interest level: 4-5
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The Night the Reindeer Saved Christmas
Author: Raj Kaur Khaira Illustrator: Kasia Nowowiejska
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age:
It's Christmas Eve and Santa is getting ready to deliver all the presents - but disaster strikes and his sleigh won't fly! Will he…
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The After Christmas Tree
Author: Bethan Welby
Interest level: 2-5
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The After Christmas Tree
Author: Bethan Welby
Interest level: 2-5
Reading age:
When Brian sees an abandoned Christmas trere on the side of the road, he knows he has to take her home. But his family aren't too …
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A Dancer's Dream: The Real Story of The Nutcracker
Author: Katherine Woodfine Illustrator: Lizzy Stewart
Interest level: 6-9
Reading age: 7-9
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A Dancer's Dream: The Real Story of The Nutcracker
Author: Katherine Woodfine Illustrator: Lizzy Stewart
Interest level: 6-9
Reading age: 7-9
Loosely based on the history of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, this heartfelt story brings the magic of the ballet to a whole new a…
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Marshmallow Pie the Cat Superstar on TV
Author: Clara Vulliamy
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
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Marshmallow Pie the Cat Superstar on TV
Author: Clara Vulliamy
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
A giggle-inducing, illustrated, first chapter book narrated by Marshmallow Pie, a big, fluffy, grumpy cat who is full of his own i…
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Fearless Fairy Tales
Author: Konnie Huq and James Kay Illustrator: Rikin Parekh
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
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Fearless Fairy Tales
Author: Konnie Huq and James Kay Illustrator: Rikin Parekh
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
A hilarious, subversive collection of thoroughly modern fairy tales reflecting a new morality inspired by 21st century issues.
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A Christmas in Time
Author: Sally Nicholls
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 6+
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A Christmas in Time
Author: Sally Nicholls
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 6+
Ruby and Alex slip through a magical mirror to Christmas 1872 where they must race against time to save sad, motherless Edith from…
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If You Come to Earth
Author: Sophie Blackall
Interest level: 4-8
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If You Come to Earth
Author: Sophie Blackall
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age:
Quinn writes a letter to a potential visitor from outer space, explaining the different things they might experience when they vis…
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Is There Anybody Out There?
Author: Dara Ó Briain
Interest level: 8-11
Reading age: 9-11
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Is There Anybody Out There?
Author: Dara Ó Briain
Interest level: 8-11
Reading age: 9-11
An entertaining and funny book exploring what we currently know about space - and how likely it is that we'll find alien life.
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Shoestring: The Boy Who Walks on Air
Author: Julie Hunt Illustrator: Dale Newman
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9-11
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Shoestring: The Boy Who Walks on Air
Author: Julie Hunt Illustrator: Dale Newman
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9-11
Shoestring is a marvel on the tightrope, but what will happen when he becomes haunted by a pair of white gloves seemingly offering…
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The Miracle on Ebenezer Street
Author: Catherine Doyle
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9-11
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The Miracle on Ebenezer Street
Author: Catherine Doyle
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9-11
When George discovers a snow globe containing a memory of his late mother, he and his Christmas-hating dad end up going on an adve…
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Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow
Author: Jessica Townsend
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
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Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow
Author: Jessica Townsend
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
An excellent follow-on to the two previous novels, this instalment in the Nevermoor series sees heroine Morrigan desperately searc…
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The Wizard in My Shed
Author: Simon Farnaby Illustrator: Claire Powell
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 8+
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The Wizard in My Shed
Author: Simon Farnaby Illustrator: Claire Powell
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 8+
Medieval magic meets a 21st century TV talent show when a vengeful warlock, an ordinary girl and a talking guinea pig are thrown t…
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Adventures on Trains: Kidnap on the California Comet
Author: M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
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Adventures on Trains: Kidnap on the California Comet
Author: M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
Harrison Beck returns to solve another train-based crime! This time a tech billionaire fuels the mystery on the California Comet.
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Kay's Anatomy: A Complete Guide to the Human Body
Author: Adam Kay Illustrator: Henry Paker
Interest level: 9+
Reading age: 9+
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Kay's Anatomy: A Complete Guide to the Human Body
Author: Adam Kay Illustrator: Henry Paker
Interest level: 9+
Reading age: 9+
A funny, gruesome guide to your body by the best-selling author of This Is Going to Hurt.
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Frostheart: Escape From Aurora
Author: Jamie Littler
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
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Frostheart: Escape From Aurora
Author: Jamie Littler
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
In the second book in Jamie Littler's epic series, Ash and the crew of the Frostheart arrive at the majestic stronghold Aurora in …
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Emily Lime, Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case
Author: Dave Shelton
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 8+
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Emily Lime, Librarian Detective: The Pencil Case
Author: Dave Shelton
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 8+
Emily Lime and her hapless cohorts George and Daphne return in this madcap mystery - will they track down a priceless painting sto…
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On The Move
Author: DK Braille
Interest level: 7+
Reading age: Young braille readers
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On The Move
Author: DK Braille
Interest level: 7+
Reading age: Young braille readers
One of a new series of books developed in consultation with the RNIB, this particular title focuses on transport. The board book f…
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David Roberts' Delightfully Different Fairy Tales
Author: Lynn Roberts-Maloney Illustrator: David Roberts
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 6-8
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David Roberts' Delightfully Different Fairy Tales
Author: Lynn Roberts-Maloney Illustrator: David Roberts
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age: 6-8
A collection of three retold fairy tales, full of fun and tongue-in-cheek humour - all accompanied by David Roberts' beautiful ill…
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The Dragon Ark
Author: Curatoria Draconis Illustrator: Tomislav Tomic
Interest level: 8-11
Reading age: 8-11
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The Dragon Ark
Author: Curatoria Draconis Illustrator: Tomislav Tomic
Interest level: 8-11
Reading age: 8-11
In this stunning book, Curatoria Draconis - also known as the Dragon Protector - takes us on a journey around the world to meet di…
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Northern Lights
Author: Philip Pullman Illustrator: Chris Wormell
Interest level: 9+
Reading age: 10+
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Northern Lights
Author: Philip Pullman Illustrator: Chris Wormell
Interest level: 9+
Reading age: 10+
Chris Wormell brings Philip Pullman's magnificent adventure to life in this beautiful new illustrated edition - a wonderful additi…
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Love, Love
Author: Victoria Chang
Interest level: 8-12
Reading age: 8+
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Love, Love
Author: Victoria Chang
Interest level: 8-12
Reading age: 8+
Facing bullies at school and feeling lonely at home, Frances embarks on an investigation to figure out why her sister's hair is fa…
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All I Want for Christmas
Author: Beth Garrod
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 9+
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All I Want for Christmas
Author: Beth Garrod
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 9+
Christmas-crazy Holly swaps lives with an American influencer for the holidays in this fabulously festive story - but will they bo…
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Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel
Author: Jason Reynolds Illustrator: Danica Novgorodoff
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 10+
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Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel
Author: Jason Reynolds Illustrator: Danica Novgorodoff
Interest level: 12+
Reading age: 10+
Will's older brother Shawn is shot dead in front of him, leading Will to the conclusion that revenge is his only option. This hard…
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Come on Life: Highs, Lows and How to Live Your Best Teen ...
Author: Nikki Lilly Illustrator: Julia Broughton
Interest level: 9+
Reading age: 9+
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Come on Life: Highs, Lows and How to Live Your Best Teen ...
Author: Nikki Lilly Illustrator: Julia Broughton
Interest level: 9+
Reading age: 9+
Written by teenage vlogger and campaigner Nikki Lilly, this inspirational book about growing up highlights some of the many pressu…
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