Christmas at Scholastic: 6 top picks

Posted on 20 December 2016

We think the books we publish are rather brilliant, but it’s always nice when someone else agrees – if you’re stuck for last-minute gift ideas or need some new reading material for the new year, we’ve rounded up six rave reviews we’ve spotted (in case you needed any extra convincing).

1. The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater, The Daily Telegraph

We were all so excited about the success of The Raven King this year – and so was Iona McLaren! She says “these books have batty plots with some inventive twists” in Maggie’s “phenomenally successful Raven Cycle.”

2. Erica’s Elephant by Sylvia Bishop and Ashley King, BookTrust

Another pick for the best children’s book of the year! Philip Womack describes Erica’s Elephant as a book that “combines fantastical elements with a bittersweet tenderness and a compelling story”.

3. The Cat and the King by Nick Sharratt, Sunday Express and BookTrust

Sarah Kingsford takes festive inspiration from The Cat and the King and describes Nick Sharratt’s first chapter book as “a warm and funny tale” for young readers.

Former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson says that The Cat and the King is her favourite children’s book of the year – “Even if Nick wasn’t my dear friend I’d still be certain this was an absolutely fantastic book”.

4. When Santa Came to Stay by Timothy Knapman and Chris Chatterton, The Sun

Top of Natasha Harding’s list in The Sun is When Santa Came to Stay – described as “the perfect stocking filler for little ones”.

5. Hello, Mr Dodo by Nicholas John Frith and DogZombies Rule by Liz Pichon, The Sunday Times

Nicolette Jones adores Nick’s beautiful illustrations in Hello, Mr Dodo and describes them as “full of energy and emotion”. A huge fan of the Tom Gates series, she also says that DogZombies Rule is “funny and inventive, as always”.

6. Sherlock Holmes and the Disappearing Diamond by Sam Hearn, Financial Times

One of only four books chose for the Financial Times’ Children’s Books of the Year – up there with the likes of Beatrix Potter!

For more from Scholastic Children’s Books, take a look here.