Picture Books Bring Festive Joy with Community Themes
The season is upon us, bringing with it a flurry of festive releases that celebrate childhood's most special time of year: Christmas. Two picture books stand out in particular – 'The Street Where Santa Lives' by Harriet Howe and Julia Christians and 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas' by Lauren Child.
In 'The Street Where Santa Lives', an elderly man moves into a busy street, only to be noticed by his little neighbour who's convinced he's the real deal. As Santa falls ill, the community rallies round to take care of him. This charming book is a beautiful celebration of the power of community during the holiday season.
Lauren Child's 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas' is another delightful release. Lola and her big brother get everything ready for Christmas in this engaging new Charlie and Lola picture book, full of excitement and anticipation.
For those seeking something a bit different, 'Sketch' by Jacques Goldstyn – translated by Helen Mixter – is an inspiring 6+ picture-book paean to inspiration and the unconventional. Scribbly, lively Sketch has stood out since he was born, a creative firecracker who's different from his peers.
In 'The Tomorrow Tree: How Nature Creates New Life from Old', Maciej Michno and Danio Miserocchi explore the fascinating world of fallen trees, providing shelter, nourishment and play for a range of creatures. This involving, lyrical book is perfect for budding naturalists aged 6+.
'Wild Journey' by AM Dassu – illustrated by Joe Lillington – features striking black and orange illustrations that accompany stirring, evocative stories about getting lost in the desert, overcoming sibling jealousy, helping a wolf cub, starting a new school, and more. These interconnected adventures are ideal for 7+ readers.
A more recent release is 'Time Lions and the Chrono-Loop' by Martin Seneviratne and Krystal Sutherland, a fast-paced 9+ romp that boasts sensitive character development. Genius 12-year-old twins Pearl and Patrick build a time machine, falling foul of TIME when they upset the course of history.
Fans of feminist fiction will love 'Roar' by Manjeet Mann, a powerful 14+ verse novel about a girl who joins a group of vigilantes in pink saris seeking justice for acts of misogynist violence. Another great read is 'Ask Me Anything' by Bethany Rutter – a warm and witty YA romcom.
Finally, there's 'The House Saphir' by Marissa Meyer, an intriguing retelling of the classic Bluebeard tale. Mallory Fontaine must navigate her complicated family life as she gets caught up in a murder investigation, with potentially deadly consequences. A darker YA release is 'Girls Who Play Dead' by Joelle Wellington – a gripping punchy thriller about a girl's quest for justice after her best friend is murdered.
Each of these releases offers something unique to the festive season, ranging from heartwarming community themes to action-packed adventures and inspiring stories of self-discovery.
The season is upon us, bringing with it a flurry of festive releases that celebrate childhood's most special time of year: Christmas. Two picture books stand out in particular – 'The Street Where Santa Lives' by Harriet Howe and Julia Christians and 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas' by Lauren Child.
In 'The Street Where Santa Lives', an elderly man moves into a busy street, only to be noticed by his little neighbour who's convinced he's the real deal. As Santa falls ill, the community rallies round to take care of him. This charming book is a beautiful celebration of the power of community during the holiday season.
Lauren Child's 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas' is another delightful release. Lola and her big brother get everything ready for Christmas in this engaging new Charlie and Lola picture book, full of excitement and anticipation.
For those seeking something a bit different, 'Sketch' by Jacques Goldstyn – translated by Helen Mixter – is an inspiring 6+ picture-book paean to inspiration and the unconventional. Scribbly, lively Sketch has stood out since he was born, a creative firecracker who's different from his peers.
In 'The Tomorrow Tree: How Nature Creates New Life from Old', Maciej Michno and Danio Miserocchi explore the fascinating world of fallen trees, providing shelter, nourishment and play for a range of creatures. This involving, lyrical book is perfect for budding naturalists aged 6+.
'Wild Journey' by AM Dassu – illustrated by Joe Lillington – features striking black and orange illustrations that accompany stirring, evocative stories about getting lost in the desert, overcoming sibling jealousy, helping a wolf cub, starting a new school, and more. These interconnected adventures are ideal for 7+ readers.
A more recent release is 'Time Lions and the Chrono-Loop' by Martin Seneviratne and Krystal Sutherland, a fast-paced 9+ romp that boasts sensitive character development. Genius 12-year-old twins Pearl and Patrick build a time machine, falling foul of TIME when they upset the course of history.
Fans of feminist fiction will love 'Roar' by Manjeet Mann, a powerful 14+ verse novel about a girl who joins a group of vigilantes in pink saris seeking justice for acts of misogynist violence. Another great read is 'Ask Me Anything' by Bethany Rutter – a warm and witty YA romcom.
Finally, there's 'The House Saphir' by Marissa Meyer, an intriguing retelling of the classic Bluebeard tale. Mallory Fontaine must navigate her complicated family life as she gets caught up in a murder investigation, with potentially deadly consequences. A darker YA release is 'Girls Who Play Dead' by Joelle Wellington – a gripping punchy thriller about a girl's quest for justice after her best friend is murdered.
Each of these releases offers something unique to the festive season, ranging from heartwarming community themes to action-packed adventures and inspiring stories of self-discovery.
like 'The Street Where Santa Lives' is literally the perfect story about how community comes together during christmas 
and then theres 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas' which just makes me wanna be a kid again 
lol.
. And 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas' has me laughing out loud at Lola's antics 
. I'm also super stoked about 'Sketch' - who wouldn't want to be inspired by a creative firecracker like that? 
I am literally SO stoked for all these new Christmas picture books!!! 
'The Street Where Santa Lives' has me like totally melting into a puddle of feels – it's so beautiful how the whole community comes together to help Santa 
️! And Lauren Child's 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas' is literally my spirit animal 
, I need to get my hands on that ASAP!!! 
'Sketch' is just SO cool – I love how it's all about embracing your weirdness and being different 
Mind. Blown.
, I'm so here for those strong female characters fighting for justice 
!
. Like, don't get me wrong, they do sound cute and all, but are we really going to be reading 'The Street Where Santa Lives' every single Christmas? 
i mean what's not to love about a story that celebrates community & kindness ? 'The Street Where Santa Lives' is giving me all the feels 
and i'm loving the diversity in these releases - from sketched out characters to bold female leads 
but honestly, 'Roar' has me rooting for its strong heroine 
.
I just love how picture books are bringing so much joy this holiday season, especially with these amazing community-themed ones 
. It's like, we're all in this together during the holidays, and that feeling of community is just the best 
.
it's like, we should all be kinder to each other and help those in need, you know? 
. And then there are books like 'I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas', it's all about embracing that excitement and anticipation 
I just love picture books this time of year! There's something so magical about 'em, ya know? Makes me think back to when I was a kid and my mom would read us these amazing tales during the holidays