Winter Reads by Sue Steel from Simply Books

Hello again from simply books! This year our Christmas theme at the shop is about wishes and dreams. We are delighted that artist Jackie Morris is helping us with our Christmas window. She has painted us a very special ‘Holly Dragon' (based on her stunning book Tell Me a Dragon) who will fly across the star filled sky, gathering stories from far and wide .. We need lots of help as she needs a sky full of stars in which to fly, so throughout December we will have a star making table in the shop. Do come and see us and make your own star to hang.

I think there is something really special about a physical book that you can hold, handle and share with loved ones and with this sentiment in mind I've ‘gathered' a selection of stories for this winter which I think can be shared with all the family.

My first pick is ‘Twas the Knits before Christmas by Fiona Goble gives the whole family a chance to join in and create a knitted scene of the classic poem The Night before Christmas. The poem is accompanied by beautiful illustrations and interspersed with patterns. Children can play with the models as you read out the poem.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again! by Frank Cottrell-Boyce, is the long awaited sequel to one of the most magical children's stories of all time. This new story is of a modern day family who get more than they bargained for after they soup up their VW camper van with an old racing car engine. It's perfect for reading aloud to the whole family.

I'm sure my of you know and love the classic story of ‘The Secret Garden' and this winter there is a new cloth bound edition beautifully illustrated by Lauren Child. I think this is an exquisite gift for any age.. a new baby, a child coming to the story for the first time or anyone who remembers reading it as a child.

There's nothing better than a child's eye view of what a day at work (or home) is like ..if only it were true! Sarah Dyer's new picture book Monster Day at Work tells such a story as a cheekily charming young character and his pet, Scamp, go off to the office with dad. Great fun!

And finally, a couple of stocking fillers... for children, Can you see a Little Bear?, written by James Mayhew and illustrated by Jackie Morris, is a perfect bedtime story. Written in rhyme with vibrant water colour illustrations children follow and find the little polar bear throughout his magical day. I love the board book version which is the perfect size for little hands and just £4.99.

And for adults, (and perhaps you need this before Christmas!) Keep Calm at Christmas is a witty little pocket book of advice for surviving the festive season!

You can order any of the books mentioned above from us and we will have signed editions of some of the titles - just e-mail us through our website, phone or better still come and visit us at the shop - we have a valet parking service, activity tables and a special menu for children in our café and you can be sure of a very warm welcome. See you soon! Sue

Simply Books, 288 Moss Lane, Bramhall.

For more information go to www.simplybooks.info or call 0161 439 1436