With screens being a pervasive part of life these days, it’s good to get children back to basics with a book now and again and enjoy the written word without it being backlit. We’ve picked out three children’s books that will make great stocking fillers and Christmas gifts for budding bookworms, from tiny tots to teenagers. And, as a nod to embracing at least some technology, an innovative audiobook system for kids.
The Grumpy Reindeer: A Winter Story About Friendship and Kindness
Illustrated by Clare Wilson
£5
The Grumpy Reindeer is the story of Ronnie, a bit of a loner who has little love for Christmas or other reindeer, scaring them away with his gruff attitude. But when Santa comes to his stable door to ask for his help, Ronnie finally realises that he can’t always do everything on his own.
This lovely little cardboard book has colourful, simple illustrations which express this festive story well. Kids, from babies to preschoolers, will love to turn the pages, and with the reindeer having some of their own dialogue, your voice acting skills will be given a workout as you read aloud with them, making each story telling a new experience.
It’s a great book to get children into the festive spirit and teach them about the importance of friendship and cooperation.
It’s Snowing, Leonard
By Jessie James and Tamara Anegon
£7
It’s Snowing, Leonard, which tells the tale of the Shrew family who are spending a winter holiday in Iceland, is a lovely story to share with little ones. It not only introduces them to winter and snow but also focuses on teaching them about kindness and putting the needs of others ahead of their own.
The beautiful illustrations, courtesy of Tamara Anegon, bring the story to life, giving each of the Shrew family members unique characteristics, making them relatable for children.
If you’re looking for a stocking filler or just a short story to cosy up and read with the kids this winter, this book is a worthwhile investment and will be a sure-fire winner all round.
Eyewitness Encyclopaedia of Everything: The Ultimate Guide to The World Around You
£25
This is the perfect gift for a curious mind. Each page is packed with information presented in an easy to absorb way, with colourful images and photographs alongside facts, figures and questions and answers from leading experts in each field.
It’s aimed at youngsters between about 7 and 11 years old and covers a wide range of topics from science and space to the human body and our senses. What is great about the book is that, while it covers all of the scientific subjects that kids tend to gravitate towards, it also covers the more human side of mankind, looking not only at the history of things like colonialism and slavery but also brings it up to date by touching on modern day racism and the black lives matter movement.
The content is well written and accessible, with bite-sized chunks of information that don’t overwhelm the reader, but spark their curiosity to discover more.
A great gift that will keep them occupied for hours, absorbing and sharing nuggets of knowledge and new facts — you never know, we parents might learn a few things too! It isn’t cheap, but with so much packed into its pages, it will be one that they will go back to time and again for several years to come.
Voxblock
£40
Yes, it’s an electronic device, but Voxblock offers children a refreshing, screen-free audiobook player, fostering imagination and storytelling. Designed for simplicity, it doesn’t require an internet connection, making it easy for kids to choose and play stories independently.
Creators Rebecca Lundgren and Tom Williams were inspired by their daughter’s preference for cassette-based audiobooks over screens. Voxblock’s straightforward design allows children to focus on the story without digital distractions. The device has garnered support from major UK publishers like Harper Collins and Scholastic, featuring a variety of classic and contemporary children’s books.
The Voxblock unit is child-friendly, rechargeable, and durable, with a headphone socket for quiet listening. It’s a safe, screen-free way for children aged three to twelve to enjoy literature. Parents can also join in, making bedtime more relaxing.
The device, priced at £40 as a standalone device or £60 as a starter pack with three cartridges, is easy to handle and operate, with straightforward controls and impressive sound quality. However, the book cartridges, designed to resemble mini books, might be prone to damage by curious children. While the cost of cartridges can add up, Voxblock offers a unique way for children to engage with stories independently, enhancing their listening experience and reducing screen time.
