It’s that time of year again when we’re panicking about the Christmas dinner, what to wear to the office party or preparing that perfect reaction when you receive a gift that you really dislike – but a big struggle every year is finding the ideal gift for grandma, a colleague, or your older sibling. Here are some of my suggestions to put a smile on your family and friends’ faces this Christmas:

1. For Dad: ‘Walking With Dad’ – Carole Crespan

Join a father and his little one as they walk together along the coastline. See if you can count all of the interesting things they pass along the way! A counting book with a difference for young readers accompanied by delightful illustrations.

2. For Mum: ‘Mum's the Word’ – T.P. Tovenaar

Mum’s the Word charts the delightfully funny relationship between a Sri Lankan mother and her British-born daughter, both trying to live within a complex mix of cultures, customs and environment. At a time when nationality has such dark connotations, these stories humorously remind us that we are much more than our place of birth or what our passport says.

3. For the Older Sibling: ‘Life Is a Joke’ – Steven Wise

I have seen a lot in my time on this earth. This book is about my experiences and includes jokes and true funny stories. Laughter, I believe, is the best medicine and people who have read the book found it uproarious and it cheered them up immensely. A doctor friend of mine actually missed their stop on the tube as they were so engrossed in the book.There are some great windups involving my long-time friend George – quality times and good memories not forgotten and now put to paper. There are also stories about my time in sport playing football and golf spanning over fifty years (wow long time). It is also about my family, friends and pets – some have unfortunately passed on so it is nice to record and live memories of them once again. I hope readers enjoy it and find it uplifting. You cannot buy a sense of humour but it is great to have one.

4. For the Kiddies: ‘The Moose That Missed Christmas’ – Linda Woodroffe

Angus and Finn are the best of friends, and spend their time playing together; running, skipping, chasing round and round in circles and walking in and out of each other’s footprints. As they excitedly ran off to Finn’s for a sleepover, they were unaware that this was the night the clocks moved from summer to autumn.

5. For Grandma: ‘Grandma Ethel’s Braid’ - Lori Bank

Grandma Ethel’s Braid is an epic and engaging story of culture, family, love, romance, and adventure. In Part 1, the story follows three generations of a Jewish family as they journey from oppressive Russia in the early 20th century to freedom in America. Once in America, Ethel and her family carve out a new life. Ethel marries and has a daughter. In Part 2, Ethel, her daughter, and her granddaughter face more modern challenges well into the 21st century. A story you won’t forget!

These are just a few of my suggestions when choosing that perfect book - check out our website for more details.

What are you wishing for this Christmas?

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