Since 2013, we’ve been counting down the four weeks to Christmas in the best way possible- using books! In that first year, we had our advent book wreath, followed in 2014 and 2015 by our advent book doors. Last year, thanks to our graphic designer friend Liam Drane, we had a very stylish makeover which was very gift tag-tastic indeed; we loved this redesign so much, that we’re excited to use it again for 2017!
Each week, we’ll be sharing four books covering a selection of themes; you may recognise some, others could be new to you but hopefully by the time Christmas rolls around, you’ll have sixteen new books to explore, either at your local bookshop or- most importantly- by visiting your local library (Norfolk residents: check the catalogue here!)
Below is the first installment and remember; if any of the books take your fancy, they’re available for loan from us along with thousands of other books- just get in touch!
Week One: Books Celebrating Nature
- The Lost Words: A Spell Book by Robert MacFarlane, illustrated by Jackie Morris
The most glorious book which should be on everybody’s wish list, whatever their age, this poetry book celebrates words from nature which MacFarlane fears are beginning to disappear from children’s everyday vocabulary. The pages are illuminated with Morris’ totally gorgeous golden illustrations.
(Hamish Hamilton, £20 hardback, ISBN 9780241253588, find it at a Norfolk Library)
- Ocean Monsters by Nicola Davies
Authoritative author of many nature books, this is an interactive book in the iExplore series where by downloading a free app it is possible to bring these sea creatures ‘alive’. With Blue Planet 2 fresh in our minds, this book provides lots of facts and figures as well as graphic illustrations.
(Carlton Books, £9.99 hardback, ISBN 9781783122332, find it at a Norfolk Library)
- Up & Down: A walk in the Countryside by Rosalind Beardshaw
This is a charming board book, published in partnership with the National Trust, which while ostensibly about opposites (those are the only words actually printed on each page), actually invites lots of chat about enjoying nature in the winter.
(Nosy Crow, £6.99 hardback, ISBN 9780857639448)
- The Racehorse Who Disappeared by Clare Balding, illustrated by Tony Ross
The author is a TV personality who really knows her stuff on this topic, as she grew up with racehorses. This is a heart-warming mystery story with attractive illustrations, and fans will also enjoy her first story in the series.
(Puffin, £10.99 hardback, ISBN 9780141374468, find it at a Norfolk Library)
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