It is a truth universally acknowledged that 2020 is a dumpster fire. But as we all know, the months keep coming and they don’t stop coming (bet you’ll have that song stuck in your ears for the remainder of the day now) and the most wonderful time of the year is upon us. The world might be in upheaval, but what better way to escape grim reality than by disappearing into a few fantastic middle grade novels that will make you wish for snow to fall just so you can cuddle up under cosy blankets, burn all the scented candles (did anyone say gingerbread?!) and drink all the delicious beverages and feel like a kid again!
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
Is Christmas really Christmas if you don’t watch The Snowman at some point during December? Well, how about this year, you cuddle up with the book the iconic movie was based on? Join a little boy in his wintry wonderful time building a snowman who comes alive in his dreams that very night. The illustrations are whimsical and will make you want to build your very own snowman who might just end up becoming your best friend (Olaf, who?).
The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
The wholesome tale of little William who meets a dinosaur called Christmasaurus on Christmas Eve will make your heart flutter with excitement! With beautiful illustrations and the charming adventure the two of them embark on, you’re sure to leave this one with a grin that will last all winter long. The uplifting message that children have more power than they think because of their unerring belief in the goodness of the world (since us adults have already given up on it, hah) warms every heart, young or old!
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
Have you ever wondered how Santa became Santa? What was the man in the red coat and with a sled full of Christmas up to before he became Santa? In A Boy Called Christmas, you’ll follow the origin story of the man, the myth, the legend Father Christmas from the beginning. Read about young Nikolas embarking on a nearly impossible quest to save his father and instead lands himself in trouble in Elfheim, the magical homeland of the elves who aren’t too fond of humans anymore. Full of found family, adventure, and the search for what you’re born to do in this world, A Boy Called Christmas will leave you gasping and grinning! P.S:. Stephen Fry narrates the audiobook for this one and there is nothing cosier than listening to Stephen Fry narrate!
The Miracle on Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle
Ever since George’s mom died three years ago, his father has refused to celebrate Christmas – any mention of the feast gets George and his grandmother in hot water. Then George stumbles into Marley’s Curiosity Shop full of Christmas fanfare like Christmas crackers and beautiful snow globes, each item more curious than the other. When George discovers one that portrays his family, happy, together and no less celebrating Christmas, all he wants to do is make that snow globe scene reality. Follow along as his wish comes true and he finds himself on an epic adventure caught up in the past, present and future. This magical reimagination of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol will show you that a little party never hurt nobody (eh, Christmas celebration, that’s what I meant) and that the real gift of Christmas is to be merry and thankful to all!
The Night I Met Father Christmas by Ben Miller
Another “Father Christmas Origin Story” (seriously, who needs the Avengers or Batman when you can read about how Father Christmas became the jolly-laughed, belly-protruding kind stranger that leaves presents under your tree?), The Night I Met Father Christmas follows young Jackson who finally gets to hear from the source itself how one becomes Santa! With unexpectedly malicious elves and a pinch of magic, this book will make you believe in Santa (again) and remind you that Christmas is only as wonderful as you make it yourself!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Another one that should not be missed! We all know and love the many adaptations of Dr. Seuss’s original How the Grinch Stole Christmas but few have ever read the classic that started it all?! Dive into the thoroughly entertaining and daunting rhymes about the Grinch that vies for Scrooge’s spot as grumpiest being alive regarding the festive winter days. But even the Grinch must learn his lesson and he’ll realise that Christmas is not about what you get but appreciating what you have…
