Friday Library Recommendations: New Year, New Habits

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Welcome to the first #FridayLibraryRecommendations of 2025. By this point in January, 88% of people have already given up on their New Year’s Resolutions, so I have chosen two books that are about making one small change, that if you stick to, will lead to a much bigger one over time.

First, I have chosen the utterly brilliant The Couch Potato by Jory John and Pete Oswald, a hilarious and heartwarming picture book that tackles a modern dilemma we can all relate to: the struggle of finding balance between screen time and outdoor play.

Couch Potato is a lovable and comically lazy character who prefers lounging on the couch, surrounded by snacks, gadgets, and the glow of the TV screen. He lives a very comfortable life from his favourite spot on the sofa where modern technology takes care of his every need. But when a new gadget arrives and causes a power cut, Couch Potato ventures Outside, and discovers there is far more to life than just being comfortable.

Vibrant and lively illustrations accompany the witty and engaging writing. It’s a delightful reminder that, while screens are here to stay, there’s a whole world beyond them waiting to be discovered. The Couch Potato will leave you smiling – and maybe even stepping outside for some fresh air!

My next choice is something to bring a smile to your face every day of the year, while improving your general knowledge – Happy Days: 365 Facts to Brighten Every Day of the Year by Emily Coxhead, the creator of The Happy News, is an uplifting treasure trove that celebrates the delightful wonders of the world in a way that will captivate both young readers and the young at heart. With a gentle mix of whimsical animal facts, heartwarming human stories, and uplifting statistics, this book feels like a daily dose of positivity and joy.

The facts are wonderfully diverse, showing that acts of kindness and goodness come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Visually, the book is a feast for the eyes. Emily Coxhead’s vibrant, colorful illustrations breathe life into each page, complementing the joyful tone of the stories.

This collection doesn’t just aim to inform but to inspire. The message is clear: the world is full of beauty, kindness, and joy, and we can all contribute to making it a better place. The simple truths in this book remind us that even small acts of love and compassion can have a big impact. It’s a feel-good read for any time of day, whether you’re starting your morning with a smile or winding down before bed.

This is a book to dip into whenever you need a reminder of the goodness in the world. A true celebration of the little joys in life!

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Christmas Mysteries…

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For my last Friday Library Recommendations of 2024, I’ve chosen the theme Christmas Mysteries… These are the books that will keep you guessing as they twist and turn through the pages.

I’m starting with a book that is sure to become a Christmas classic – Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith – which answers the question, how did Santa celebrate for the first time?

We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time.

For our older children, I’ve chosen Murder At Wintertide by Fleur Hitchcock, who has written another belting murder mystery to keep you pinned to the edge of your seat.

George and his family are celebrating Christmas by the sea. But when a body washes up on the beach, George can’t stop thinking about the strange lights he saw on the cliff top… Neither can his cousin, Isla. Together, they follow the clues, and as they draw nearer to the truth, they step further into danger. On land, or at sea, someone is desperate to stop them, whatever it takes. And that someone may be closer to home than they realise…

And finally, for armchair sleuths of all ages, grab yourself a pencil and see if you can solve Hartigan Browne’s Festive Cluedle: The Case Of Rudolph’s Revenge.

Team up with world famous private investigator Hartigan Browne and crack the case by solving 80 fun brain-busting Christmas puzzles. Unravel this funny festive Twelve Days of Christmas themed treasure hunt mystery set at Mistlehurst Hall, if you can…

Use your detective skills to discover:
* which bird is hiding in the family tree?
* what the dancing ladies in the hall clock are hiding?
* how faithful hound Monsieur Phideaux can help your investigation?

Packed full of codes to crack, evidence to evaluate, clues to unravel and maps to navigate, Cluedle – The Case of Rudolph’s Revenge is puzzling fun for the whole family.

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Christmas Countdown

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It’s December and the Countdown to Christmas is well on it’s way, so I’ve picked books that will see us from now until Christmas Day.

My first choice is Countdown To Christmas: 24 Magical Stories by Alexandra Stewart, illustrated by Freya Hartas – a beautiful gift treasury of twenty-four of the most beloved classic stories, poems and songs from all around the world that love to be shared in the countdown to Christmas.

Ride on the Snow Queen’s sleigh, discover the elves secretly making shoes in the night, learn about the first ever Christmas in space and enjoy a new Christmas story every night as you count your way down to the big day. With stories beautifully retold by Alexandra Stewart and gloriously illustrated by Freya Hartas, Countdown to Christmas is the perfect early stocking filler to help little ones feel the magic of Christmas.

For older readers, I’ve picked the brilliant sequel to Stepfather Christmas – The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever by LD Lapinski – a heart-warming and hilarious Christmas countdown advent story told in 25 chapters.

OK so your mum’s partner, Nick, has a big bushy beard, a thick red coat, a team of reindeer and just happens to be really busy around Christmas Eve… what could that mean?!

Harper and Will’s lives are already full of festive wonder, but baby sister Yula is about to bring a whole new meaning to the magic of Christmas. Indoor snowflakes, naughty gingerbread biscuits and reindeer running wild spell Christmas chaos! And with the Elf and Safety Department on the lookout for any unexplained festive magic, it’s up to their family keep the biggest Christmas secret ever…

And finally, the last date to post your letters to Father Christmas is December 13th, so I’ve picked Letters From The North Pole by Annie Atkins, illustrated by Fia Tobing – a charming read aloud, perfect for curling up with at Christmas time.

Five children from all around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and are amazed when he writes back! Discover five letters from Santa that children can pull out and read, each accompanied by a blueprint for their gift made by the elves in Santa’s Workshop. In each letter the hidden world of the North Pole is revealed, from how reindeer can sleep standing up to what snacks Santa would like left out on Christmas Eve and how he gets round the world so quickly. But will the gifts the children have requested be made in time?

Happy reading!

Friday Library Recommendations: Making Memories

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It’s our last week celebrating National Non Fiction November, and I’ve picked books that encourage us to enjoy nature together and make memories.

My first choice is Sunday Fun Day: A Nature Activity for Every Weekend of the Year by Katherine Halligan, illustrated by Jesus Verona.

Published in collaboration with the National Trust, this is a beautifully designed guide to spending quality time with loved ones through seasonal activities. With 52 diverse ideas—one for each Sunday of the year—this book offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventures, creative crafts, and family-friendly recipes that are perfect for making every weekend feel special, whatever the weather. I can personally vouch for the carrot cake recipe!

The book is split into four seasonal sections making it easy to choose activities based on the natural resources to be found in local parks and gardens, so no matter the weather, you’re bound to find something to suit your mood and environment.

Easy to follow instructions are accompanied by vibrant illustrations for every activity so you can direct your grown up if you need an extra pair of hands. At the end of the book, you can find helpful kit lists for the kitchen and garden, and for crafting and adventuring, as well as a useful set of safety tips.

Packed with super seasonal activities for children (and adults!) of all ages, this book will make every family weekend a fantastic one.

I have also chosen Hike It: A complete guide to camping, hiking and backpacking in the great outdoors by Iron Tazz.

This fully-illustrated book is the perfect introduction to enjoying the great outdoors. Explore 30 diverse terrains, from snow-capped mountains to coastal trails to ancient forests, and discover the majesty of nature with glorious artwork throughout.

What I love about Hike It is its unique blend of informative content and vibrant artwork. Each of the 30 terrains featured in the book—ranging from snow-capped peaks to ancient forests and coastal trails—is brought to life through glorious illustrations that transport readers into the heart of nature. This visual richness, combined with straightforward explanations, makes the book appealing to children, sparking curiosity while offering valuable knowledge about the natural world.

Young adventurers will learn about navigating the trails and what to do if they get lost, which is a crucial skill for anyone venturing into the wilderness. There are also chapters on essential hiking gear, including the importance of packing the right equipment and how to stay safe in various weather conditions, such as heat, snow, and rain.

In addition to these basics, Hike It also emphasizes responsible hiking with tips on how to “leave no trace” and protect the environment, teaching all of us the importance of sustainability. The section on fire safety and setting up camp is particularly helpful, offering step-by-step guidance for creating a safe campsite and cooking in the wild.

My favourite section on the night sky, where we can learn how to find the North Star and navigate by the stars. This hands-on knowledge adds an extra layer of adventure, helping us feel more connected to the natural world in a meaningful way.

With its engaging illustrations, practical advice, and empowering message, this book is sure to inspire the next generation of hikers to lace up their boots and hit the trails.

Happy reading!

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