#Reviewed: Six children’s books that would make great Christmas gifts

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig (Random House, R135)

This fantastical twist on the old Christmas fairy tale is a must for every book shelf.

Excellently crafted by master author Matt Haig ‘A Boy Called Christmas’ this Lemony Snicket meets Klaus is destined to become a classic.

Eleven-year-old Nikolas – nicknamed “Christmas” – has received only one toy in his life: a doll carved out of a turnip. But he’s happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.

Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. 

But can he save Christmas and reach his father before it’s too late? 

The Unadoptables by Hana Tooke (Random House, R270)

Five orphans, who are pronounced ‘unadoptable’ by the despicable matron who runs Little Tulip orphanage, embark on the adventure of a lifetime in which they discover the true meaning of family.

To save themselves there is a mystery that Lotta, Egg, Fenna, Sem and Milou must solve and the details are quite peculiar. Even with the help of mysterious spirits, they will need to pull on all their unique gifts to solve it in time to defeat the sinister gentleman who threatens to pull them apart.

Set in Amsterdam, Hana Tooke’s delightfully absurd and merry adventure will take you on a whirlwind ride. I could hardly put the book down.

There were parts I found a little clunky but the end redeemed that for me. 

Tooke has received some negative comments for the title, with some feeling that it is offensive to adopted children and anyone in foster care.

My take was that the story showed how redundant the term is, as each child is unusually gifted, courageous and portrayed in a way that shows their value despite what the ‘system’ had done to them. That said, parents of adopted children should use their discretion. 

Parents should also be aware of the use of a child psychic to find one of the children when he is separated from the group.

Suitable for ages 13 – 35.

The Big Bird Battle by Megan Furniss (Random House, R100)

This quirky tale tells the story of a turf war between two rival gangs: the Hard Hadedas and the Foul Guinea Fowl, each of which believes they have sole rights to the local park.

What I really liked about this book was the uniquely South African flavour outside of the ‘Big Five’ and the illustrations are excellent. The story has some funny moments but there are places where the rhyming prose feels forced. Still, my five-year-old thought it hilarious and has asked for it repeatedly.

Yoga for Giraffes, written and illustrated by Carly Tod (Random House, R95)

Sindile is just an ordinary giraffe with a bag habit of putting his nose where it is not wanted and a sore neck to prove it.

That is until he discovers yoga while snooping on some humans at a game lodge.

A sweet and simple story that would be perfect for young children who’s parents are passionate about yoga. 

Taka wants to Fly by Irene Berman (Random House, R90)

A South African take on The Ugly Duckling, Taka is strange looking chick that winds up hatching with a family of ostriches.

He struggles to do what they do and looks odd, too.

What’s more he has a constant longing to stretch his wings and fly up into the sky.

But the ostrich family fear that he will come to terrible harm and stop him from flying.

After all, ostriches simply do not fly.

It takes a terrible drought and the need to save his adoptive family for Taka to realise that he is not an ostrich after all.

What are feelings? Lift-the-flap First Questions and Answers (Random House, R245)

This thoughtful book explores happiness, sadness, anger, fear and worry in a friendly and approachable way.

Adorable animal characters experience different emotions, while imaginative flaps answer important questions such as ‘Why don’t I feel happy all the time?’ and ‘How can I cheer up my friend?’