A new crop of picture books and novels has arrived to delight children and teens alike this holiday season. At the forefront is "The Street Where Santa Lives" by Harriet Howe and Julia Christians, a heartwarming tale of community and kindness that explores what it means to be an ally to those in need.
In this charming story, an elderly man moves into a bustling street where one little neighbor, who bears a striking resemblance to the jolly old elf himself, is convinced he's the real Santa Claus. When disaster strikes and Santa falls ill, his neighbors must band together to help him recover in time for Christmas. With its uplifting message and sweet illustrations, this book is sure to become a holiday classic.
Another festive favorite is "I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas" by Lauren Child, the 25th installment in the beloved Charlie and Lola series. This new adventure follows Lola's excitement as she and her big brother get everything ready for Christmas, with all the usual hijinks and humor that fans of the series have come to expect.
For older readers, "The House With The Little Red Door" by Grace Easton is a beautifully illustrated tale of loneliness and friendship. When Mouse's tree falls from the oak, Olivia does her best to find him a new home, but none are quite right – until she welcomes him into her own cozy little abode. This poignant picture book features intricate lift-the-flap details and endearing characters.
In "Sketch by Jacques Goldstyn", this lively young artist has always stood out since birth, his creative energy igniting a firecracker of imagination in those around him. When he meets other brilliant anomalies at high school, he discovers they're essential to the world, and that being different is what makes us truly special.
In "The Tomorrow Tree: How Nature Creates New Life from Old" by Maciej Michno and Danio Miserocchi, this informative nonfiction book delves into the fascinating world of fallen trees, providing shelter, nourishment, and play for a variety of creatures. With its striking illustrations, this book is perfect for budding naturalists aged 6+.
Another absorbing diary adventure comes in "The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School" by Harriet Muncaster, as the titular heroine starts at Inkcap's Academy with her new friends Cleobelle and Primrose. But will they just want to exploit Wiskling's talents, or is there something more to their intentions?
"The Horse Dreamer" by Holly Surplice follows Merryn as she discovers a driftwood and seaweed horse after a great storm leaves behind its remnants in the aftermath of her father's passing. With this new friend by her side, Merryn begins to rediscover joy and healing.
For fans of high-octane adventures, "Avalanche" by Simon Fox is an action-packed thrill ride that whisks readers away on a wild journey with Tom and his new friend Emily as they attempt to stop kidnappers who trigger the avalanche while trying to steal deadly technology.
Last but not least, we have "Ask Me Anything" by Bethany Rutter, a witty and warm romcom about Mary-Elizabeth, an agony aunt whose relationships are a little one-sided – but when things start going wrong with her superficially charming crush Felix Balfour, she finds herself drawn to his gruff but lovable brother Laurie.
Similarly, "Roar" by Manjeet Mann is a punchy YA thriller that follows Rizu as she returns from her privileged suburban life in Delhi and joins a group of vigilantes fighting against misogynistic violence. Will her quest for vengeance cost her everything?
In this charming story, an elderly man moves into a bustling street where one little neighbor, who bears a striking resemblance to the jolly old elf himself, is convinced he's the real Santa Claus. When disaster strikes and Santa falls ill, his neighbors must band together to help him recover in time for Christmas. With its uplifting message and sweet illustrations, this book is sure to become a holiday classic.
Another festive favorite is "I Am Wishing Every Minute for Christmas" by Lauren Child, the 25th installment in the beloved Charlie and Lola series. This new adventure follows Lola's excitement as she and her big brother get everything ready for Christmas, with all the usual hijinks and humor that fans of the series have come to expect.
For older readers, "The House With The Little Red Door" by Grace Easton is a beautifully illustrated tale of loneliness and friendship. When Mouse's tree falls from the oak, Olivia does her best to find him a new home, but none are quite right – until she welcomes him into her own cozy little abode. This poignant picture book features intricate lift-the-flap details and endearing characters.
In "Sketch by Jacques Goldstyn", this lively young artist has always stood out since birth, his creative energy igniting a firecracker of imagination in those around him. When he meets other brilliant anomalies at high school, he discovers they're essential to the world, and that being different is what makes us truly special.
In "The Tomorrow Tree: How Nature Creates New Life from Old" by Maciej Michno and Danio Miserocchi, this informative nonfiction book delves into the fascinating world of fallen trees, providing shelter, nourishment, and play for a variety of creatures. With its striking illustrations, this book is perfect for budding naturalists aged 6+.
Another absorbing diary adventure comes in "The Diary of Wiska Wildflower: The New School" by Harriet Muncaster, as the titular heroine starts at Inkcap's Academy with her new friends Cleobelle and Primrose. But will they just want to exploit Wiskling's talents, or is there something more to their intentions?
"The Horse Dreamer" by Holly Surplice follows Merryn as she discovers a driftwood and seaweed horse after a great storm leaves behind its remnants in the aftermath of her father's passing. With this new friend by her side, Merryn begins to rediscover joy and healing.
For fans of high-octane adventures, "Avalanche" by Simon Fox is an action-packed thrill ride that whisks readers away on a wild journey with Tom and his new friend Emily as they attempt to stop kidnappers who trigger the avalanche while trying to steal deadly technology.
Last but not least, we have "Ask Me Anything" by Bethany Rutter, a witty and warm romcom about Mary-Elizabeth, an agony aunt whose relationships are a little one-sided – but when things start going wrong with her superficially charming crush Felix Balfour, she finds herself drawn to his gruff but lovable brother Laurie.
Similarly, "Roar" by Manjeet Mann is a punchy YA thriller that follows Rizu as she returns from her privileged suburban life in Delhi and joins a group of vigilantes fighting against misogynistic violence. Will her quest for vengeance cost her everything?
especially the one about santa living on the street it's like, who wouldn't want to be part of that? and oh man, a diary adventure at a new school is always exciting 
and that horse driftwood thingy sounds super emotional 
i'm definitely adding some of these books to my holiday wish list
! "The Street Where Santa Lives" sounds like such a feel-good story, all about community and kindness - that's exactly what we need more of in the world. And I love how Lauren Child always brings the funny with her Charlie and Lola series, I'm sure this one is no exception 
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The stories just feel so heartwarming and relatable, you know? I mean, who hasn't had a neighbor like the Santa one? 
This one's gonna be a fave for sure! 
I'm not surprised this year's book releases are all about the same old tired tropes - community comes together, be kind to others, save the day... how original 
. And of course, there's gotta be a heartwarming tale about some kid being convinced they're Santa Claus because who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned festive fantasy? 
But what I do find interesting is how most of these books are geared towards kids and teens, conveniently ignoring the struggles of older readers like me who actually have to pay bills and adulting and all that jazz 
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