Review: The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts by Alex Bell

*Written by Alex Bell*
*Illustrations by Tim McDonagh*
*Published by Faber*

Wow! Wow! Wow! I know it’s only the start of the year but The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts is already a contender for my book of the year! A splendiferous, magical adventure that transported me into an incredible world that I didn’t want to leave. The sheer enjoyment, connection and immersion I felt whilst reading this is a testament to the brilliance of the storytelling. This is the kind of story that makes readers – and that’s a real-life magic power! If there’s any doubt – this is an absolute must-read!

Twelve-year-old Eli is an apprentice librarian at the Royal Library in the Port City of Harmonia. And this is a job that suits the quiet, tweed-wearing Eli perfectly. He can live a safe, sensible life with his best friend, Humphrey who just so happens to be a poetry-loving moon tortoise, looking forward to celebrating his hundredth birthday. Whilst Eli may not be looking for adventure, adventure has a way of finding those with courageous, true hearts …

When Eli discovers that his Nana is unwell, he decides to enter the Glorious Race of Magical Beasts in order to sell the prize to pay for the treatment his Nana needs. This is no easy decision for Eli as his parents died during a race. But Eli adores his Nana and is prepared to do anything to save her, even if this means defying her wishes, and sailing into the adventure of his life …

And so begins the most magical, daring and dangerous adventure as Eli boards his friend, Jeremiah’s, ship, the Nepo to compete to get to each checkpoint in the race. It is not long before he is joined by Raven and her ice hare, who has her own reasons for winning the race. Can this trio work together, not only to overcome the many perils placed in their path by the race, but also a threat from someone hunting one of them? Can they trust each other in a race which can only have one winner, or will their secrets pull them apart? I really don’t want to say anything more for fear of spoilers, but suffice to say that this is an action-packed adventure brimming with unexpected happenings, oodles of danger, both scary and wonderful magical creatures and the most exciting race through the most fantastical places.

The world-building is quite simply sublime from the Royal Library (oh yes – libraries of all sorts are an important part of this adventure – and I’m all for that!) with its own bats to a dessert-selling restaurant with chocolate penguin waiters and an island where you will never view balloons the same again! Be prepared to meet a sentient ship, a vampire librarian and a mermaid queen and so many other extraordinary creatures of sky, land and sea as the race unfolds. I must say I am in awe of the author’s imagination and wonder if she has her own inspire-rat!

Oh my goodness! I absolutely adored Eli who has so much inner strength, kindness and courage. It is so wonderful to see that quiet, bookish children can have great adventures whilst remaining true to themselves. We underestimate them at our peril! It was so wonderful to see Eli find that he has things in common with Raven as their friendship grows. There is so much more to these three remarkable children than I have mentioned, but I think this is something readers need to discover for themselves. I have no doubt that they will be just as awestruck by these revelations as I was. I just have to mention Humphrey, the moon tortoise, who is just adorable with his penchant for over-confidence in his own abilities which brought me lots of smiles.

The illustrated chapter headings include a range of magical beasts and are absolutely stunning.

A marvellously magical adventure into a fantastical world that will completely captivate its readers, and take them on an incredible reading experience that they’ll want to return to again and again … an absolute must-buy!

Thank you to Faber Children’s Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Dreamstalkers: The Night Train by Sarah Driver

*Written by Sarah Driver*
*Cover Illustration by Diana Renzina*
*Published by Farshore*

Dreamstalkers: The Night Train is a mesmerising, magical adventure that took me on an unforgettable journey into a world of disappearing dreams and roaming nightmares aboard the Night Train as I entered the world of the Dreamstalkers …

Twelve-year-old Bea Grimspuddle lives in a cottage on Thunderheart Tor with her mum, Ula and her long-eared owl, Pip. Sitting in an ancient dragon-skull, Bea views the wild moors below pondering why her dreams have disappeared. When she sees a girl from the settlement, Martha Hearthsweep, approaching her cottage, she races towards home where she discovers that everyone’s dreams have disappeared … and in their place nightmares have escaped into the living world. This scourge of nightmares threatens to destroy Thunderheart, forcing those living there to abandon their home.

When Bea breaks the news that they must leave to her mother, she discovers that Ula has been keeping secrets from her, secrets that may reveal the reason behind her mother’s sickness. But before Bea can persuade her mother to leave, a mysterious steam train arrives outside the cottage, and Bea finds herself boarding the Night Train …

And so begins the most incredible adventure as Bea, Pip and Martha journey aboard the Night Train to Silvervein where they are thrown into the mysterious world of the Dreamstalkers, a secret guild of mages, who are responsible for keeping the balance between dreams and nightmares. But what happens when the balance is broken and someone is intent on usurping dreams and inflicting nightmares for their own gain? Can Bea connect with her wild magic, enter the world of the Dreamstalkers and find a way to save her mother before the nightmares stalking her catch up with her, destroying her hopes and dreams?

This is an adventure that really immersed me in a fascinating, intricate world with the most incredible, cinematic world-building: a world of dreams and nightmares; of magic and secret guilds; of music and theatre; of mythical creatures, sentient locomotives and malefic rivers; and of wild mountains, moors and wandering towers. I absolutely loved exploring Silvervein and the world of the Dreamstalkers with Bea, learning about their history, their remarkable magical abilities, and their terrible exploitation. Utterly absorbing!

I was completely captivated as I eagerly followed Bea on her quest, not only mesmerised by the world I found myself in, but on the edge of my seat as the increasing danger for Bea and her friends reached a crescendo, as secrets were revealed and as friends and foes were unmasked.

Bea is a wonderful protagonist and I liked her all the more because of her fallibility. She has been ostracised by her peers and finds friendship with her adorable, long-eared owl, Pip – their close bond is wonderfully heart-warming. Her developing friendship with Martha is by no means easy and at times it is fractious and difficult laced with jealousy and hurt. Bea is trying to find her place in the world, who she really is, whilst finding the courage and strength to fight against a terrifying foe who seeks to control the world that she wants to become part of. I really liked that she is a complex young girl which makes her feel more genuine and someone who readers can relate to.

A captivating, magical adventure into an unforgettable world where nightmares roam, but dreams may be realised … perfect for young adventurers of 9+.

Thank you for the Publisher, Farshore, for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: Find Peace in a Poem

Find Peace in a Poem is a beautiful illustrated collection of poetry celebrating mindfulness. It includes a wide range of much-loved and brand-new poems which are perfect for both reading aloud, or curling up alone to enjoy.

Each of the twenty poems are presented on a single or double page with gorgeous, vibrant illustrations which will help bring the poem to life for readers, and will spark curiosity and reflection.

The poems centre on a range of experiences in an imaginative way, all focussing on aspects of mindfulness from living in the moment, expressing thoughts through art, noticing the things around us to help deal with emotions and finding an inner calmness.

In ‘You Are Here’ the familiar idea of a map of a town is inverted into a map of a person’s day allowing them to reflect in the simple and memorable moments. ‘The Ink Cure’ reminds the reader of dealing with sad emotions by expressing themselves through art such as doodling. ‘Listening for Silence’ addresses the importance of noticing the silences in the noise of everyday life.

I must admit that my two favourite poems in this collection, The Colours of My Dreams and The Magic Box, are ones I’ve used with my classes and both focus on the senses and imagery, using them in the most creative and beautiful way.

I loved being introduced to both familiar and new poems and felt that all of these are perfect to help take a pause from the stresses of everyday life.

This is a powerful, stunning collection of poetry for everyone , each one offering a unique insight into mindfulness, allowing readers an opportunity to listen, reflect and dream.

Thank you to Little Tiger for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Graphic Novel Review: The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner

*Written and illustrated by Doogie Horner*
*Published by Scholastic*
*Published on 4th January*

The Adventures of Invisible Boy is a full-colour graphic novel which begins the adventures of a wonderful new superhero, and I have no doubt that children of 8+ will be keen to follow his first incredible adventure – and will be eager for more!

Eugene is working hard on his entry for the science fair, something he needs to keep secret from his parents as they don’t approve of his inventions. But he is hoping that, after he wins the science fair, he will be allowed to invent again.

Meanwhile, Stanley is worried about starting a new school in the middle of the year – what if he can’t make new friends? When he accidentally knocks over a potion at the science fair, something happens that will change his life: he is invisible! And the last place he intends to stay is in school … he’s off to have some fun!

But, when Stanley discovers that the creator of the potion has also turned invisible and he is out to cause trouble, Stanley decides that he must use his new powers to fight back – to become a superhero! Can Invisible Boy defeat the new supervillain in town? And, of course, every superhero needs a sidekick and what an unexpected, but brilliant, one he finds!

This is such a fun adventure with oodles of humour and mayhem as Stanley learns to use his new power; as he finds himself facing trouble in his efforts to help others; and, as he battles to defeat his would-be nemesis. There are so many cool inventions shared throughout the adventure and I can just imagine children wanting to use them – and maybe even come up with their own inventions!

This is also a story that lots of children will be able to relate to, or which will encourage empathy as it deals with issues such as worries about starting a new school, making new friends and loneliness.

The full-colour illustrations are brilliant and complement the action, humour and mayhem perfectly.

This is a fantastic first adventure for Invisible Boy, and is one that I know my class are going to love.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Some favourite reads of 2023 …

I’ve really enjoyed looking back through my reviews over the year in order to compile my list of 2023 favourite reads. I’ve read over 150 children’s books this year, and have chosen 20 of my most memorable reads to share. I’ve had the most amazing reading adventures this year, and have loved sharing these books with my class. I’ve really enjoyed returning to series I’ve loved, reading new books by favourite authors and enjoying books by new-to-me or debut authors.

I’ve included the opening to my review in each of my choices with a link to my full review.

Impossible Creatures: What an incredible, impossibly amazing adventure! I was absolutely gripped by Impossible Creatures from the opening lines until the final page. A powerful, stunning epic fantasy that swept me into a magical world that I didn’t want to leave. This is a story that melts into your heart and leaves an indelible mark – utterly breath-taking!

Podkin and the Singing Spear: Well, that was just incredible! 357 pages of epic fantasy perfection that I didn’t want to end, but just couldn’t stop reading! I’m a huge fan of The World of Podkin One-Ear so absolutely loved joining Podkin again for another breath-taking, thrilling adventure as he battles against an evil he thought he had defeated …

The Secret of the Blood-Red Key: The Secret of the Blood-Red Key is the next incredible adventure in the Stolen Dreams Adventures series, and follows on from the events in The Book of Stolen Dreams which was in my top reads of 2021. I have no doubt that this one will be in my top reads of 2023: it is an absolutely superb, unmissable adventure.

The Light Thieves: Search for the Black Mirror: Search for the Black Mirror is the second in The Light Thieves trilogy: a thrilling, gripping rollercoaster of an eco-adventure that kept me utterly entranced throughout. This can be read as a standalone as it starts with an innovative four-page illustrated synopsis of the first book. I also thought this was a brilliant quick reminder of the events in the first book for those of us who have read the first book, and were left with the tantalising cliffhanger that made this one an eagerly anticipated read.

The Silver Road: The Silver Road is a stunning fantasy adventure that swept me into a world of magic and myth, of danger and hope, of family and friendship that completely entranced me. This is a book I really cannot recommend highly enough – outstanding storytelling from a master storyteller who weaves magic into words.

The House Trap: The House Trap is a deliciously scary, intriguing mystery that is spine-tinglingly thrilling: an adventure that kept me utterly enthralled throughout.

The Song that Sings Us: The Song That Sings Us is a powerful, visceral and lyrical masterpiece: an environmental thriller that completely gripped me and took me on a heart-wrenching, but ultimately, hopeful journey.

Call of the Titanic: I am a huge fan of Lindsay Galvin’s historical fiction adventures, so was eagerly anticipating Call of the Titanic. Oh my goodness – this is the most incredible, heart-wrenching story of courage in the face of terrible tragedy, that completely captured me … an absolute must-read, and definitely one of my books of the year.

Fablehouse: Fablehouse is a stunning story of connection, friendship and belonging set in the 1950s, blending magic, history and Arthurian legend: an unforgettable quest adventure that completely captivated me.

Norah’s Ark: Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship. This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little. Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read. This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools.

Saving Neverland: Saving Neverland is the most magical, mesmerising story that swept me wholeheartedly into its icy world adventure with unforgettable characters, incredible feats of peril and delight and heart-warming bonds of family and friendship. In fact, this was so good that I have already read it twice, and cannot wait to share it with my class.

Jodie: Jodie is a spine-tinglingly haunting and eerie ghost story that kept me enthralled throughout. Utterly compelling, and so beautifully written.

Carnival of the Spider: Carnival of the Spider is the third stunning adventure in the Carnival series which has absolutely captivated me with its atmospheric, dark and dangerous Victorian steampunk vibes which swept me into an action-packed, intriguing adventure that I really could not put down. This series can be read as standalones, but I have no doubt that, once one adventure has been read, the others will prove irresistible!

Until the Road Ends: Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him. Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

The Boy Who Made Monsters: I’m such a huge fan of Jenny Pearson’s heartfelt, humorous stories that have all found a place in my heart: stories that bring both laughter and tears, written with such tenderness, warmth and hope. The Boy Who Made Monsters is another absolute belter! A beautifully poignant, humorous and hopeful story of family, friendships and the courage and strength it takes to face monsters.

Spellstone: Spellstone is an absolutely gripping fantasy adventure that kept me utterly enthralled from start to finish: an epic battle blending ancient legend in a modern setting where magic swirls, evil hides where people fail to notice, and hope sparks with a young sorcerer …

The Swifts: The Swifts is a wickedly humorous, action-packed whodunnit with the most brilliant opening that perfectly captures the quirky playfulness and delicious darkness that makes this a dazzlingly mesmerising read, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie: The Dark and Dangerous Gifts of Delores Mackenzie is a deliciously dark, spine-tingling, supernatural adventure that completely enthralled me. This is a must-read for those of 10+ who enjoy darker, spookier adventures that are guaranteed to bring shivers of delight – and just the right amount of fright!

The Song Walker: The Song Walker is an absolutely stunning, transcendent, and deeply moving story: a story of friendship, of courage and of hope set in the fierce beauty of the Australian Outback that held me spellbound throughout. I have no doubt whatsoever that this will be one of my books of 2023!

The Octopus, Dadu and Me: The Octopus, Dadu and Me is an incredibly touching, sensitively portrayed story of friendship, family and acceptance that brought tears and smiles as I was completely captured by both Sashi’s rescue mission and her emotional journey.

Have you read any of these? What have been some of your favourite books this year?

Review: Harley Hitch Takes Flight written by Vashti Hardy and illustrated by George Ermos

*Written by Vashti Hardy*
*Illustrated by George Ermos*
*Published by Scholastic*

Harley Hitch Takes Flight is the fourth fantastic adventure in this wonderfully exciting series of books that is guaranteed to capture the imaginations of younger readers.

Harley is joyously excited to spend her summer holidays with her best friend, Cosmo and her robot pet dog, Sprocket. To celebrate the start of the holidays, she’s had another hair colour change – vibrant pink!

After a rather eventful picnic in the Iron Forest which culminates in a flight from a swarm of ironstings, the friends find themselves in Forgetown where they make an exciting discovery. The Aviation Parade is taking place in Forgetown and local inventors are being encouraged to take part by creating and racing a flying machine inspired by nature. It is no surprise that Harley is keen to take part but she will have competition from her rival, Fenelda Spiggott, who is determined to come first.

But, this time, Harley is less interested in beating her rival, and more eager to create a robot pet for Cosmo, something she knows he wants. Can she work with Cosmo to build a mechanical flying machine whilst, in secret, adapting it into a robot pet? What could possibly go wrong with keeping secrets? Well … this is Harley … and trouble just has a way of finding her … and this time, it’s taking her to new heights!

I absolutely loved this lively, high-flying adventure as Harley uses her engineering talent to construct the most impressive hippogriff, adding pet feature upgrades in secret. Will she be able to control her fledgling robot pet during the Aviation Parade, or will chaos follow her into the air? Will she learn that being part of a team is better than trying to go it alone – even with the best intentions?

I just adore Harley with her zest for adventure, natural curiosity and tenacity to succeed in whatever she attempts. She is kind-hearted and has the best intentions, despite not always making the best decisions. However, she is always determined to accept responsibility and put things right. I love that her wonderful Grandpas and best friend Cosmo are always there for her, helping her when she needs it, and forgiving her when she makes mistakes because they love her and can see her kind heart. I also really liked that Harley has a great role model in Clementine Brown who could see Harley’s engineering potential and encouraged her to reach for the stars!

The partial and full-page illustrations are, as always, wonderfully expressive and capture the fun and excitement of this adventure perfectly. And I’m so glad that the stars appeared! I loved the full-colour Aviation Parade Guide on the inside covers. I think children would have great fun designing their own flying machines for entry into the Inventia Aviation Parade Guide and, even better, have a go at building them!

Harley Hitch Takes Flight will see young readers soar into an exciting, action-packed adventure that will keep them utterly captivated.

Thank you to Scholastic for sending me an early copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is Books On My Winter 2023-2024 To-Read List.

I’m looking forward to a break over the Christmas period, so I’m sharing some of the books I’m hoping to read over this time. The first 10 are middle-grade titles released next year (except for The Book of Secrets which has already been releaed), and the final two are adult books on my TBR.

What books have you on your Winter TBR? Are any of these included

Children’s books … festive reads …

I love reading books set during the Christmas period/about Christmas in the lead-up to and over the Christmas holidays, so I thought I’d share some of my favourite reads over the last few years. I have a selection of new books to read over this Christmas.

Where I have written a blog post of these, I have shared it alongside the synopsis from Waterstones.

Ever since her sister, Agnes, died, Pearl has a tradition every time it snows. She makes a person out of snow. A snow sister. It makes Christmas feel a little less lonely.

On Christmas Eve, her father receives a letter about a long-lost relative’s will. Is their luck about to change? In anticipation of a better Christmas, Pearl goes to beg credit at Mr Noble’s grocery to get ingredients for a Christmas pudding. But she is refused, and chased down the street where she is hit by a hansom cab. The snow is falling so hard that they can’t take her home. She’ll have to stay at Flintfield Manor overnight, in a haunted room… Will Pearl make it home for Christmas?

It’s the Christmas holidays and Thea is looking forward to spending them with her father. She can tell him all about her plans to become a writer, and maybe he’ll buy her the typewriter she’s been dreaming of.

But when Thea arrives in snowy Norway, everything feels… wrong. Her father is as distant as ever and now she has to share him with his new family: his girlfriend Inge and her children. Then Thea makes a surprising discovery. Deep in the snowy woods by the house, is a bear. He’s scared and hungry and he desperately needs Thea’s help.

When the town hears about a bear living in the woods, Bear’s life is in even greater danger. Thea needs to show everyone that he’s not dangerous – he’s a good bear – if she’s to save him.

After a tumultuous term in Paris, Libby and Connie are looking forward to a quiet holiday at Connie’s family home. But before long they find themselves caught up in another mystery, this time set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh.

You can find my review here.

For Aiden, Chloe, Ava and Josh, holidays at their grandparents’ cottage mean wild beaches, no curfew, Bella the dog, and most of all – adventure!

The lead actress in Frost Castle’s winter play is sure she’s cursed! A break-in, a car accident, and now her precious locket is missing. But the cousins suspect a ruthless thief. With a blizzard raging outside and a legendary ghost in the castle corridors, unmasking this villain will take all their bravery and skill…

Eleven-year-old Emily doesn’t think Badger Cottage will ever be home. But there is something out there that needs her; a bright pair of eyes in the darkness.
In the middle of a fierce battle between conservationists, who want to to rewild the lynx in the woods, and the local farmers, Emily tries to shield a baby lynx she calls Lotta, afraid it will be killed by the person who killed its mother. But can Emily work out who the illegal hunter is in time, and who can she trust?

A magical story of snow and stars by Catherine Fisher. The Clockwork Crow is a mysterious gothic Christmas tale set in a frost-bound Victorian country mansion. When orphaned Seren Rees is given a mysterious package by a strange and frightened man on her way to her new home, she reluctantly takes it with her. But what is in the parcel? Who are the Family who must not be spoken of, and can the Crow help Seren find Tom, before the owner of the parcel finds her?

George is about to spend his third Christmas without his mum. Since she died, George’s life has felt dull and grey; his dad has thrown himself into his work and has no time for family, and definitely no time for Christmas.

Then, George stumbles across Marley’s Curiosity Shop. There he finds a mysterious snow globe, which – though George can’t quite understand how – appears to show a scene from George’s past. A Christmas in which he and his family were together, and happy…

That night, George and his dad are swept on an adventure to three Christmases – past, present, and future. With help from new friends, and just a touch of magic, can they begin living life in full colour again?

When Oscar and Molly rush outside to investigate a crash in the night, they’re not expecting to find a dazed Angel Gabriel wandering around their grandparents’ back garden. And they’re certainly not expecting to find themselves in a race to save Christmas.

But if they don’t track down a missing shepherd, wise man, donkey and the actual Mary and Joseph, who’ve all crash-landed in Chipping Bottom, not only will Christmas cease to exist, but they will too.

Operation Nativity is on.

You can read my review here.

Wish it could be Christmas every day? Well, for nine-year-old Holly Carroll and her family, it is! Living her merriest life in a house with year-round fairy lights and Christmas trees, a carol-singing toilet and a diva donkey who thinks he’s a reindeer, home-schooled Holly tries to spread cheer wherever she goes.

But when she goes to a new school with a singing Santa backpack and first day Christmas cards (during a heatwave in September!), she realises not everyone shares her enthusiasm for spreading cheer. In fact, when the neighbours try to remove the Carrolls from the street and Holly discovers a group of children that may not get a Christmas at all, her snowglobe world begins to crack. Is the world’s most Christmassy girl about to lose her Christmas spirit?

It’s 1952 in smog-shrouded London. Christmas might be fast approaching, but with her mum away and Uncle Frank busy running the post office, Penny Black is lonelier than ever. All that changes when Penny discovers a small, fluffy, funny, springy and – most importantly – talking creature in the post office one night, trying to make off with a letter. But Wishyouwas is no thief.

He’s a Sorter, and he soon introduces Penny to a fascinating secret world hidden in the tunnels underneath the city’s streets. Self-appointed guardians of lost mail, the Sorters have dedicated their lives to rescuing letters that have gone astray and making sure they get delivered to their rightful owners. Penny is determined to protect the Sorters, but how long will she be able to keep them safe with Stanley Scrawl, the sinister Royal Mail Rat Catcher, on the prowl? Can Penny save the Sorters and deliver a joyful Christmas?

You can read my review here.

What if somewhere along the way we’ve all got the Santa story a bit wrong…?

Join Blanche Claus and her best friend Rinki for a funny festive sleigh ride you’ll never forget!

You can read my review here.

Sometimes at the darkest hour, hope shines the brightest…

When Col’s childhood imaginary friends come to life, he discovers a world where myths and legends are real. Accompanied by his guardians – a six-foot tiger, a badger in a waistcoat and a miniature knight – Col must race to Blitz-bombed London to save his sister.

But there are darker forces at work, even than the Nazi bombings. Soon Col is pursued by the terrifying Midwinter King, who is determined to bring an eternal darkness down over everything.

You can read my review here.

It’s a dark and lonely Christmas Eve in the dining room of ancient Soul’s College. The kitchen boy, 11-year-old Lewis, has helped prepare a highly unusual meal, made with unrecognisable ingredients, cooked by a mysterious chef. And then the guests arrive … and carnage ensues. They are ex-students of Soul’s College, and they are all completely demented. They demand bottle after bottle of wine, flinging their cutlery and howling like banshees until … silence. The Dean of Soul’s College has arrived, and the evening’s ceremonies must begin.

For this is the annual meeting of a secret club for those who despise children, warmth, happiness, and above all Christmas. Each member must try to outdo the others by telling the most terrible, disgusting story they know.

Without hope there would be no magic.

Once upon a time, Father Christmas didn’t come to visit children every year. In fact, it nearly came to pass that there was no Christmas as we know it.Father Christmas had a lot to deal with; there were troubled elves, reindeers that kept falling from the sky, and more than a few angry trolls for him to contend with.

The reason? There was not enough magic in the world. Magic is born of hope – and if the children of the world couldn’t see any magic, then why would they hope for it?

It is Christmas Eve and all is not well. Amelia Wishart is trapped in Mr Creeper’s workhouse and Christmas is in jeopardy. Magic is fading. If Christmas is to happen, Father Christmas knows he must find her.

With the help of some elves, eight reindeer, the Queen and a man called Charles Dickens, the search for Amelia – and the secret of Christmas – begins …

It’s Christmas, and the snow is falling in Cambridge, where the detective duo Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are spending the festive period.

But Hazel’s hopes of relaxing amongst the beautiful spires, cosy libraries and inviting tea-rooms are dashed by the danger lurking in the dark stairwells of Maudlin College.

Two days before Christmas, there is a terrible accident.

At least, it appears to be an accident – until the Detective Society look a little closer, and realise a murder has taken place.

Faced with several irritating grown-ups and fierce competition from a rival agency, they must use all their cunning and courage to find the killer (in time for Christmas Day, of course).

Whether you’re looking to find a Christmas mystery, a heart-warming treat, a rib-tickling read, an engrossing fantasy or a little horror, I hope there is something from this list that will appeal.