It’s the most MAGICAL time of the year and you know what that means...the holidays have arrived! In all the rush and the fuss, it’s easy to forget to make your own list and check it twice because we all know you’ve been nice...or at least naughty in a “still-on-the-nice-list” kind of way, right? Right! If not, you know you know someone that has, and I’m here to give you a little nudge in the direction of a couple titles that should be on those MUST BUY lists for your gifting needs. So whether you’re shopping for the kiddos, your grandparents, friends, or even yourself, there’s bound to be something bookishly delightful in today’s MERRY GIFT-MAS post! Ready, set, here we go…
by Phillip Pullman
Illustrated by Chris Wormell
Knopf | November 13th, 2023
Once upon a time, I read the His Dark Materials trilogy. Once upon a time, I was ensconced in the world of the North, Lyra, magical companions, DUST, and so much more. Once upon a time is here once again in this beautifully rendered tale that sweeps us back into the story with gorgeous illustrations to steal your breath away. If you read (or watched) any of the first stories, you'll remember Iorek Byrinson (the battle ready bear?) fondly, and even perhaps Lee Scoresby with a kind smile on your face. This is the story of how they first met, so it's technically a prequel to the original trio of books, but that just means that those familiar and those just stepping into this magicial world are on equal footing. You get to see the adventure before the biggest battle/quest has begun, while meeting those that will play memorable parts in the tales to come...all while having your eyes dazzled along with your mind because of the rich illustrations throughout. It's an edition that collector's will adore, but readers will cherish just the same.
by Eoin Colfer
Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Candlewick | October 2023
Dragons are definitely a thing right now (well, I guess they were always a thing, but I digress), and so it should come as no surprise that this tale of knights, dragons, and a maiden with magical powers (of a sort) caught my attention, and I think it might do just that for the readers in your life (even yourself!). The illustrations are grand, the story one of the ages and yet new all the same, and it's something that can be shared with kiddos embarking on their own knightly quests because who doesn't love a challenge, especially when you get to turn the tables on the one's that sent you!
by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by Julie Morstad
Candlewick | October 2023
The author alone would have drawn my attention, but when combined with the curious cover and illustrations, and I was sold. It's a shorter story in length, but big on presentation, and the first in a projected trilogy of tales. Puppets of different walks of life, sharing a journey to a most unexpected end...but along the way they draw strength from one another, and build courage within to face whatever comes their way. A tale that begs to be experienced, whether on ones own, or with an audience!
by Jorge Cham
Amulet | September 2023
An 11 year-old boy taking on middle school while tackling subjects like the Big Bang, Mercury, and sun burps? I can definitely see this one being a draw to fans of the Wimpy Kid series, and even MacKenzie Blue. It totes the fact that Science is not a subject to be shunned, nor the person who has an interest in it (score one for STEAM!), and elevates the leading lad for his brainy triumphs. Grant it, he has a side that could end him on the Naughty List, but who doesn't love a challenge, am I right?
by Jason Shiga
Amulet | August 2023
Part book, part graphic novel....part story, part literary escape room, this is definitely a CURIOUS read indeed! Although it is book 2 in the series, it seems to read perfectly fine on its own, and I'm loving the fact that we, the readers, only become privy to things along the way that the author and illustrator want us to. We don't start out with all the facts, merely a direction, and it's up to us to follow in order to uncover where we are, why we are, and find a way out. A good selection for hesitant readers, or those wanting to crossover from one reading style to another without embarking on a lengthy tome.
by Emma Carroll
Illustrated by Lauren Child
Candlewick | September 2023
Most have heard of the classic Little Match Girl, and while it's a story that spans the ages, this one was written for a new generation. This one takes the sad tale and spins it in a new direction. No longer is the little girl doomed to spend her last match on dreams and visions, but empowered to spark change in her circumstances and bring about a revolution (of a sort). I love the powerful retelling, and the striking illustrations scattered throughout where the pops of color really bring it to life. A great way to introduce the story of yesteryear, while setting the light of forward motion in the hearts of those taking those steps towards the future.
by Claire McFall
Walker Books US | October 2023
OMG. When I saw this one land on my doorstep, I legit did a happy dance. No, you don't understand! If you haven't read any of the Ferryman trilogy, you really don't know what you're missing. I've read the first, and second...the third (TADA!) is happily added to my own reading list, and I can't recommend this series of books enough for YA lit fans that love the lush world of folklore and legend brought to life, love found against impossible odds, strength found that could conquer death itself, and ultimately the realization of whether all that fighting, all that pushing against the norm was worth it in the end. DON'T WALK, RUN TO SNAG THIS TRILOGY!
by Elodie Harper
Union Square & Co | November 23rd, 2023
Book three in The Wolf Den trilogy...of which I have still only read the first (don't judge!). It's not that I didn't like the first one (you can see how much I did or did not right here on my site if you type the title into the little search bar over there on the left), it's just that it took me a bit because it was darker, and heavier than I imagined, and ye olde reading schedule has been a bit overbooked this year (hence to purposefully open December, and a bit of January...but watch out for February! 😁). Perhaps I can catch a break and sneak back into the set, but this is definitely one for those that like some historical in their fiction, some romantic elements in their literature, but also keep it to the ADULT READERS because some of the topic matter is definitely geared in that direction. Don't miss what I've heard has been a trilogy that has gotten better and better with each release!
by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Avon Books | October 2023
A holiday rom-com with some steamy fun? Yes please! Sounds like just to ticket to heat up those cold winter nights...not that it's actually cold down here (we joke that our winter weather passed us last week), but that doesn't mean warming up is frowned at either. 😉 I'd come in from the cold to check out this tale of opposites attract, where catching feelings is easier than dodging a snow ball!
by Vivienne Lorret
Avon Books | November 28th, 2023
I won this little beauty over on GoodReads (yeah, can you believe it because I STILL can't!), and I'm happy to say it was definitely a title on my wish list...so Merry Christmas to me! 🤶 Spinsters, dukes, enemies to lovers, and fake engagements...color me trope happy! All I can say is that I love a good Historical Romance and this sounds like a great add to MY reading list, and even more so because it's the first of a new series! Woo hoo! Also...GORGEOUS cover, no?
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Special thanks to the publishers, and publicists for the copies for review and feature here today, and to the authors and illustrators for sharing their amazing talent. (THANK YOU!) For more information on any titles featured above, feel free to click through the links provided. Don't forget to snag your copies when you're out and about this holiday season because books are definitely the gift that keeps on giving!
Until next time, happy holidays and remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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