Children and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels

**Holiday Cheer: 20 New Books to Warm Your Heart**

As the festive season approaches, there's no better feeling than curling up with a great book by the fire. This year's crop of children's books and novels promises to deliver just that – warmth, joy, and plenty of holiday cheer.

For younger readers, Harriet Howe and Julia Christians' **The Street Where Santa Lives** is a sweet treat. When an old man moves into their street, the little neighbour thinks he must be Santa Claus. As she tries to look after him, the other neighbours come together to help out – making this picture book a heartwarming celebration of community.

Lauren Child's **I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas** is another festive favourite. Twenty-five years on from their first appearance, Charlie and Lola are back in action, with Lola's excited impatience leading her into all sorts of holiday merriment.

Meanwhile, art lovers will adore Jacques Goldstyn's **Sketch**, translated by Helen Mixter. This lively picture book tells the story of a creative firecracker who stands out from the crowd, despite his differences – a perfect message for kids and adults alike.

For those who love nature, Maciej Michno and Danio Miserocchi's **The Tomorrow Tree: How Nature Creates New Life from Old** is an essential read. This nonfiction book explores the fascinating world of fallen trees, where insects, animals, and microorganisms work together to create a new generation of life.

Illustrators will also delight in Valentina Gottardi's stunning illustrations for this book, which is perfect for budding naturalists aged 6+.

The diary series continues with **The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School**, where the talented Wisklings navigate change and friendship dilemmas. Young readers will be enthralled by this absorbing full-colour adventure.

Wild adventures await in AM Dassu's **Wild Journey**, a thrilling collection of stories about kids facing challenges from getting lost to helping wolves. With striking black and orange illustrations, these 7+ tales are sure to captivate young readers.

Fans of Robert Muchamore will love Simon Fox's **Avalanche**, an action-packed thriller that follows Tom as he stops kidnappers in their tracks – perfect for 9+ readers who love a good mystery.

Romantic comedies abound with Bethany Rutter's **Ask Me Anything** and Manjeet Mann's **Roar**, both ideal for young adult readers. Who can resist the charms of Mary-Elizabeth, the agony aunt with a secret crush?

Last but not least, Marissa Meyer's **The House Saphir** is a dark and romantic retelling of Bluebeard, complete with mystery, magic, and maybe just a little bit of romance – perfect for fans of YA fantasy.

As the festive season approaches, these 20 books are sure to bring warmth and joy to children and adults alike. So grab a cuppa, get cozy by the fire, and let the stories transport you to a world of wonder and magic.
 
I'm still waiting for these kids' books to come up with something that'll make me cry 😭 like that one time I saw my little cousin try to 'help' his friend by giving him a super awkward hug 🤣, but apparently, Harriet Howe's **The Street Where Santa Lives** is going to be that book... or maybe not? 🙃
 
📚❤️ can't wait for xmas 🎄 read all these awesome new bookz 🤩 love how they cover diff topics like community 👫, nature 🌳, art 🎨, adventure 🏞️ & romance 💘 got a fave already 🤔 #booklover #holidaycheer
 
😊 ugh i'm so done with all the hype around christmas already its like everyone is just waiting for the holiday season to start so they can pretend to be all cheerful and stuff 🤷‍♀️ anyway i'm trying to get into this list of 20 new books that are supposed to "warm your heart" and honestly idk what that even means 🙄 but if i had to pick one that sounds decent its gotta be that harriet howe book about the old man who lives on santa's street like a million times before lol 🤣 maybe its the community aspect or whatever but also can we talk about how predictable it is that it has to be an old guy living next door or what even is the point of that plot twist 🤔
 
OMG 🤩 I'm so excited for the new holiday book releases! There's something about getting lost in a good story while snuggled up with a warm cup of tea that just feels like the ultimate winter treat 🍁☕️ It's amazing to see how these books cater to all sorts of ages and interests - from little ones learning about community and nature, to young adults swooning over romantic comedies 💘📚 And I'm loving the mix of classics and new authors in this lineup! Can't wait to dive into all of these and get my holiday reading on 🎄📖
 
I'm totally getting those feels from reading about all these new book releases 🎄! Reminds me of when I was a kid and my mum used to read us Christmas stories around the fireplace every year. You know how it's always a big fuss over old picture books like 'The Snowman' or 'Where the Wild Things Are'? These new ones bring back those same feelings but with fresh stories to enjoy 📚

It's great that they've got such a diverse range of titles too – something for everyone, just like my old school had different classrooms for different subjects. I'm particularly stoked about 'The Tomorrow Tree' and 'Wild Journey', sounds super educational and exciting!
 
📚 The proliferation of children's literature during the holiday season is truly heartwarming 🌟. This year's crop of books is replete with wholesome tales that celebrate community, friendship, and personal growth 🤝. From picture books like **The Street Where Santa Lives** to novels like **Avalanche**, there's something for every reader to enjoy 📖.

I find it fascinating how these stories often serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, kindness, and inclusivity 🌈. The themes of acceptance and self-discovery are particularly noteworthy in books like **Sketch** and **The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School**, which offer valuable lessons for young readers about navigating social challenges 📚.

Moreover, the diverse range of authors and illustrators featured in this list is a testament to the richness and complexity of children's literature today 🌎. Whether you're a fan of adventure stories, romance, or nonfiction explorations, there's something on this list that's sure to captivate your imagination 🤩.

As we head into the holiday season, I highly recommend curling up with one (or more!) of these wonderful books and letting their stories transport you to worlds both magical and real ✨.
 
omg i just read this list and i am DYING to get my hands on those new book releases esp that wiska wildflower diary thingy seems so relatable lol anyway i have been meaning to start reading more books over the holidays but like my cat is being super lazy rn & also got a new job which means less time for me . still gonna try tho 📚💫
 
omg i am literally so excited for christmas!! 🎅😍 i've already preordered like half of these books lol my little sister is gonna love The Street Where Santa Lives 🤗 and I'm obsessed with Lauren Child's Charlie & Lola series since forever 😊 Maciej Michno's book about trees is kinda me and nature, you feel? 🌳📚
 
📚💕 it's amazing how a book can make us feel all warm & fuzzy inside, isn't it? like when harriet howe's story comes alive & shows us that even in our daily lives, we have the power to bring people together & spread kindness 🌟 we should definitely take note of that & try to do the same for those around us! and honestly, who doesn't love a good mystery or adventure? 😄 but what i think is most wonderful about these books is how they celebrate our differences & encourage us to be ourselves – like jacques goldstyn's story with the creative firecracker 🎨 it's all about embracing individuality & finding our own special talents 💖
 
I'm so down for some holiday cheer 🎄📚. These new book releases sound like they're gonna be absolute treats! I mean, who doesn't love a good underdog story? The Street Where Santa Lives is giving me all the feels - I love how it promotes community and kindness towards others. And can we talk about Lauren Child's Charlie and Lola series? Those two are just too adorable 🤣.

I'm also loving the diversity in this list, you know? From nature-based books to romance comedies and thrillers... there's something for everyone here. I'm definitely adding The Diary of Wiska Wildflower to my reading list - who wouldn't want to read about a talented young artist navigating school and friendships?

What I love most is that these books aren't just fun, but also teach us important lessons about empathy, self-acceptance, and the power of imagination. They're perfect for snuggling up by the fire with a cuppa on a cold winter's night. Bring on the holiday cheer! 🎅
 
I am totally stoked about this list of new books for the holiday season 🎄📚! The Street Where Santa Lives is so cute, I love how it celebrates community spirit ❤️. And can we talk about Lauren Child's latest Charlie and Lola book? Lola's antics always crack me up 😂. Art lovers will adore Sketch – I'm definitely checking that one out 🎨.

And for nature lovers, The Tomorrow Tree sounds like a fascinating read 🌳. Who knew fallen trees could be so magical? Valentina Gottardi's illustrations are stunning, btw 🤩.

I'm also excited about the new diary series, especially The Diary of Wiska Wildflower – I love how it tackles friendship and change in a way that's relatable to kids 👫. And who doesn't love a good mystery? Avalanche by Simon Fox sounds like an absolute thrill ride 🎢.

The romantic comedies on this list are also calling my name, Ask Me Anything and Roar are right up my alley 💘. But honestly, I'm most excited about The House Saphir – dark fantasy is not typically my thing, but something about it just drew me in 🔮.

Overall, this list has got me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside 🎅️. Which books on here are you guys looking forward to reading?
 
😊 So I was thinking about how much we all love getting lost in good books during the holidays... like me 📚! What's your go-to holiday read? Is it something classic or do you prefer newer releases? Do you get more into reading during this time of year? 🤔
 
📚💕 I'm so hyped about this list! There's something about snuggling up with a good book on a cold winter's day that just feels like the coziest thing ever 😊. And these books sound like they're gonna be total mood-boosters for kids and adults alike 🌟. I love how there are so many different genres and themes represented - from picture books to thrillers, rom-coms to fantasy novels... something for everyone, really! 🤩 What's your go-to holiday read? Do you have a favorite book that always puts you in the holiday spirit? 💬
 
OMG 🤯 I'm telling you, there's something fishy going on with all these new book releases just before Christmas 🎄📚. Like, is it a coincidence that most of them are about community and kindness? It sounds like someone (or some people) want us to be all feel-good and stuffy during the holidays 🤝. And have you noticed how many books are about kids being brave and helping others? Sounds suspiciously like a government agenda to me 👀💡. And don't even get me started on the illustrations – Valentina Gottardi's style is so... uniform, you know? Like she was hired by some secret organization to create a cohesive look for all these books 🤔📸. And what about the books that are specifically marketed towards "budding naturalists" and "young adult readers"? Is it just a coincidence that they're all about kids facing challenges and growing up? No way, I think there's something more to it... 🚀
 
📚🎄 I'm so glad someone is trying to make me feel less guilty for not reading any holiday books this year... 20 new ones, though? That's like asking if I really need another excuse to overbuy e-books on my Kindle 🤣💸. Seriously though, some of these sound actually kinda cute - Harriet Howe's **The Street Where Santa Lives** is adorable, and Lauren Child's **I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas** has got that classic Charlie & Lola vibe going on. But let's be real, I'm gonna end up binge-reading 5 of the YA rom-coms in one weekend 😂💁‍♀️
 
📚😊 I just love reading books with kids during this time of year, it's so special! My grandkids always have such a blast snuggling up together to read, and it's amazing how these stories can bring them closer together. And let's be honest, who doesn't need a little more magic in their lives? 🧚‍♀️ I've been meaning to check out some of these authors, maybe even sneak into the school library to find "The Street Where Santa Lives" – sounds adorable! 😊
 
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