ReadItDaddy's Booky Advent Calendar - Dec 3rd: "Winter's Child" by Angela McAllister and Grahame Baker-Smith (Templar Publishing)

As darkly delicious as a cup of mulled wine enjoyed in front of a crackling fire, "Winter's Child" has to be one of the most beautiful festive books we've seen this year. It's also one of the most enjoyable stories - feeling like it's drawn from traditional folk tales you can imagine told to children as they snuggle up in bed waiting for Santa.

A young boy loves the winter. He can ski, and skate and spend all day playing. But as food becomes more scarce and even the boy's beloved skis have to be sacrificed for firewood, it feels like winter has gone on for far too long.

Meeting a mysterious silver-haired child as he plays, the boy thinks he's found a new playmate - but doesn't realise that it is Winter's Child, and until he goes to sleep, Spring cannot come.

As the tale of their friendship unfolds, things get worse for the boy's mum and grandma as the very last scraps of food are eaten and there's nothing left to burn on the fire. The boy heads out in his damp winter clothes determined to explain the situation to The Winter's Child...

The luxurious and detailed illustrations are so beautiful, that this book is destined to become an instant treasure for many children who will soak up the gorgeous visuals and wonderful story. I love books that give Charlotte a genuine 'wow' when we unwrap them together, and "The Winter's Child" definitely did that - and it's been in constant demand ever since.


Charlotte's best bit: A genuinely beautiful moment at the end of the book when the tale draws to an end (but we're not going to spoil it for you)

Daddy's Favourite bit: So lusciously illustrated, so expertly told, so run out and buy a copy immediately!

(Kindly sent to us for review by Templar Publishing)