Toppsta - Childrens Books – Reviews

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Until the Road Ends
Until the Road Ends

BOOK OF THE MONTH - the long-awaited new novel from bestselling author Phil Earle about the unbreakable bond between a girl and a stray dog.

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Featured Book
Never Trust a Gemini
Never Trust a Gemini

FEATURED BOOK FOR TEENS/YA - a laugh-out-loud LGBTQ+ romantic comedy from a stellar debut talent

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Best books by age

Beautiful Christmas Gifts

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Buying christmas presents for kids is sometimes harder than we anticipate. Though there is often a long list of requests, finding gift ideas beyond the obvious takes more time. Books in particular aren't always seen as 'cool' but once opened and devoured, these are often the presents we remember and revisit in adulthood. So this Christmas, we’ve picked some very special books that we feel will make the perfect gifts. 

Toppsta
2020-10-01
Beautiful Christmas Gifts
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The Book of Hopes: Words and Pictures to Comfort, Inspire and Entertain

In difficult times, what children really need is hope. And in that spirit, bestselling author Katherine Rundell emailed some of the children's writers and artists whose work she loved most: 'I asked them to write something very short, fiction or non-fiction, or draw something that would make the children reading it feel like possibility-ists: something that would make them laugh or wonder or snort or smile. The response was magnificent, which shouldn't have surprised me, because children's writers and illustrators are professional hunters of hope... I hope that the imagination can be a place of shelter for children and that The Book of Hopes might be useful in that, even if only a little.' This collection, packed with short stories, poems and pictures from the very best children's authors and illustrators, aims to provide just that. Within its pages you'll find animal friends from insects to elephants, high-flying grandmas, a homesick sprite, the tooth fairy, and even extra-terrestrial life. There are 133 contributions from authors and illustrators, including Anthony Horowitz, Axel Scheffler, Catherine Johnson, Jacqueline Wilson, Katherine Rundell, Lauren Child, Michael Morpurgo and Onjali Q. Rauf. A donation from the sale of each book will go to NHS Charities Together, in gratitude for the incredible efforts of all those who worked in hospitals over the quarantine period. 'An anthology on the theme of hope... it includes a rich range of images, poetry, stories and non-fiction' Stories to charm on endless days, The Sunday Times

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The Iron Man

Stunning illustrations by Chris Mould make this one of the most exciting editions of The Iron Man to be published. The Iron Man came to the top of the cliff. Where had he come from? Nobody knows. How was he made? Nobody knows. Mankind must put a stop to the dreadful destruction by the Iron Man and set a trap for him, but he cannot be kept down. Then, when a terrible monster from outer space threatens to lay waste to the planet, it is the Iron Man who finds a way to save the world. 'Stunning.' WRD Magazine 'Whether you're already a fan of this classic children's story or a new reader, this wonderful new version is a real treat.' BookTrust 'Gripping . . a classic.' Phillip Pullman 'A visionary tale.' Michael Morpurgo 'One of the greatest of modern fairy tales.' Observer

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The Wolf's Secret

Wolf is a hunter, feared by every creature. But he has a secret: in the middle of the forest lives a girl whose beautiful voice has entranced him . . .

The Wolf longs for friendship. But is he prepared to sacrifice his own true nature in order for his wish to come true?

A beautiful and lyrical contemporary fairy tale about difference, trust and the power of friendship to overcome any obstacle.

This sumptuous hardback gift book, with gold foil detail, is perfect for lovers of fairy tales and fables, new and old. It is gloriously illustrated by acclaimed artist and Greenaway Medal nominee Julia Sarda.

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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: An illustrated children's classic

Join Jeremy and Jemima Potts on a madcap adventure in the world's most famous magical, flying car - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Dad started the engine. It made two loud sneezes -

CHITTY! CHITTY!
- and two small explosions -
BANG! BANG!
- and thundered into life!

A stunningly illustrated picture-book retelling of Ian Fleming's timeless classic - a must for every child's bookshelf! Stunning illustrations throughout bring this classic tale to life for the youngest of fans.

Retold by the much-loved children's author Peter Bently and beautifully illustrated by picture book star Steve Antony, the creator of Mr Panda.

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The Robin and the Reindeer

A little reindeer, lost in the forest ... and a robin, who will help her fly home; this is a gift book for children and parents to treasure.

Little Reindeer is lost in the forest.

It begins to snow. And as the snowflakes crowd through the trees, she catches a glimpse of something: a flash of startling red and wings blurring in the air. A robin!

In a piece of woodland magic, the generous robin lends the red from his feathers to Little Reindeer's nose, and they fly home together.

A perfect gift book for the winter season, with a gorgeous foiled and textured cover.

For anyone who loves The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, or The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith.

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Jumbo: The Most Famous Elephant Who Ever Lived

Roll up! Roll up! And meet the incredible, the colossal, the world-famous ... JUMBO! Our story begins in 1860, in the mountains of East Africa, where a baby elephant struggles to his feet and takes his first shaky steps ... This is the deeply touching story of an elephant who captured the world's imagination, brought beautifully to life with enchanting storytelling and gorgeous artwork. Follow Jumbo's amazing journey from his remote home in the rugged mountains of East Africa and the time he spent delighting visitors with elephant rides and comedy routines at London Zoo. Be amazed by his spectacular stint in P.T. Barnum's 'Greatest Show on Earth' and how he led a herd of elephants across the newly-built Brooklyn Bridge to test its strength. Discover how Jumbo's remarkable life and legacy transformed our understanding and treatment of these magnificent creatures. With a page-turning narrative by Alexandra Stewart and breathtakingly beautiful artwork by Emily Sutton, the true story of Jumbo's incredible life will fascinate young and old alike.

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1st September 2020

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Featured Book
Until the Road Ends
Until the Road Ends

BOOK OF THE MONTH - the long-awaited new novel from bestselling author Phil Earle about the unbreakable bond between a girl and a stray dog.

View book
Featured Book
Never Trust a Gemini
Never Trust a Gemini

FEATURED BOOK FOR TEENS/YA - a laugh-out-loud LGBTQ+ romantic comedy from a stellar debut talent

View book