As we approach Christmas and the days shorten there is a temptation to close the curtains in the evening and curl up with a good book. Here are two books published in the last month or so that although very different in style fit the bill perfectly. One a reimagining of a traditional fairy tale and the other a festive story in a series featuring a contemporary junior detective, I hope they will find a home with the young bookworm in your life.

The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

Inspired by the traditional Slavic fairy tale, The Snow Maiden, this magical story by Sophie Anderson combines tradition with a wise and thoughtful exploration of friendship and courage. The Snow Girl is a perfect winter read, set in a snowy, winter wonderland, beautifully written and full of warmth and understanding.

Tasha and her parents have moved far from their coastal home to stay with her Grandpa in a valley close to the mountains. Grandpa’s health has deteriorated and he needs help running his farm. Tasha loves caring for the animals and is content to stay with her family and has not ventured to visit other families who live nearby. She is thrilled to see snow for the first time and is eager to build a snow girl, just like the girl in her Grandpa’s stories. That night she makes a wish that the snow girl will come alive and be her friend so that she will feel less alone. Tasha has not always been fearful but an event that took place over a year ago has robbed the girl of her normal enthusiasm for new things and now she is afraid of everything. When Tasha’s wish comes true and the snow girl becomes her best friend the pair of them meet up secretly each night, exploring ice caves, appreciating the wildlife around them and enjoying a magical world together. However as winter lengthens and the snow gets deeper life becomes harder for the villagers and Tasha starts to suspect that her beloved snow girl may be responsible.

I read this delightful story during a recent cold snap when snowflakes, to my surprise, were fluttering past my window providing a perfect backdrop to this icy, fairy tale adventure. Sophie Anderson’s writing is mesmerising being a lovely balance of description and emotional insight. Traditional folk tales do in themselves frequently have an underlying theme of family or relationships and in The Snow Girl this aspect is depicted with warm understanding. Tasha is coping with issues that are having an impact on her enjoyment of life and as the story progresses the reader sees how she battles with this inner anxiety and, with the help of those around her, overcomes her fears. This element would be reassuring for any youngster experiencing a similar issue. The Snow Girl, unsurprisingly given its inspiration, has the tone of traditional oral storytelling and would be wonderful to read aloud over the Christmas and winter period. First published in hardback a couple of years ago, I can’t imagine how I missed this, and available now in paperback from Usborne Books. Highly recommended! A big thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne Books for my review copy.

Anisha Accidental Detective: Christmas Chaos by Serena Patel illustrated by Emma McCann

The eighth book in this popular series definitely has a festive feel about it. As Christmas approaches young super sleuth Anisha is feeling more than a little overwhelmed by all the noisy expectation displayed by her extended family. Aunty Bindi, in her typical over exuberant fashion is preparing for her solo singing audition festooned in tinsel, Granny Jas is determined to ensure that every single meal or snack has a Christmas twist and most important of all Anisha’s Dad has been put in charge of the Christmas fayre at their local community centre. All Anisha wants is a bit of peace and quiet but then Dad’s newly acquired large red sleigh is stolen so how can Anisha possibly resist using her detective skills to put things right.

Christmas Chaos is a fitting title for the merry mayhem caused by this likeable family. The fast paced plot is full of twists and jokes keeping young readers entertained. The narrative voice of Anisha ensures that children will relate to her and Serena Patel draws successfully from her own experience to give this story an authenticity. Anisha’s Dad shines in this story and I found his enthusiasm quite touching. There is a lovely family dynamic to this series showing how a family of very different characters overcome differences with warmth and good humour. There is a thoughtful message too about not being too quick to judge others on initial impressions which is handled well as the story reaches its climax.

The jolly illustrations by Emma McCann add to the enjoyment of the story with their amusing detail, clever depiction of each character’s expressions and the many Christmas features including some impressive Christmas jumpers! A lovely, happy Christmas themed story for readers of about 8+ to enjoy in the run up to the big event. Published by Usborne Books on 6th November. Thank you to Georgia Allen and Usborne Books for my review copy.