Christmas Presents for Young Book Lovers

Christmas is on the horizon and for parents that often means one thing – Christmas shopping! Some kids may be asking for shiny new toys, others may want a new Xbox game, some older children may even want new clothes. But if your child is a young bookworm, they want one thing and one thing only – new books!

Here at Firefly Press we were all young bookworms too, and fantastic, gripping and exciting new books are still at top of our Christmas wish list every year.

So, with that in mind, here is our selection of the best Christmas presents for kids and young book lovers to snuggle down with.

The Midnight Swan by Catherine Fisher

You will make Christmas for fans of the popular Clockwork Crow series by gifting them The Midnight Swan. It is the eagerly awaited final instalment in the series.

Join Seren on her most dangerous journey yet. This middle-grade fantasy adventure book will take your young bookworm on a quest to the garden of the Midnight Swan. But with an invisible girl, a parliament of birds, a pen that writes by itself and more – will they ever be able make it there in time?

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith by Loris Owen

The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith is the perfect Christmas present for children who like Harry Potter and are looking for their next read.

Enter the brave new world of Quicksmiths with this children’s fantasy book about friendship. Join the College of Strange Energy and discover the Mowl, Wormholes, Dark Forces and the alluring riddles of the Ark of Ideas. Help Kip Bramley solve the 400-year-old treasure hunt before his family and the school end up in danger…

Lori and Max and the Book Thieves by Catherine O’Flynn

Lori and Max and the Book Thieves is the ideal gift for a young Inspector Clueso.  This kid’s detective book is the second instalment in the much-loved Lori and Max series, and a Time children’s Book of the Week in October.

Two new mysteries present themselves in the shape of a stolen phone and an unruly dog; and a buried lunchbox and an antique children’s book. Are you intrigued yet? Buy the book to join the girls on their latest funny adventure.

Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick

‘Howlingly funny horror’

The Times

Crater Lake has been a standout children’s book of 2020 which was selected by Book Trust for its Bookbuzz school programme, and was a Times Children’s Books of the Week. Don’t miss out on this crazy scary story for Middle Grade kids.

Crater Lake is the Sixth-Year school trip from hell! A bloodstained man, a near abandoned activity centre and strange goings on in the night… this definitely wasn’t the adventure Lance and his friends had planned. Things are starting to get scary and only one thing is for certain, if you want to survive the night – Don’t. Ever. Fall. Asleep.

Wilde by Eloise Williams

Eloise Williams is the first Children’s Laureate of Wales and her novel, Wilde, is a masterful children’s book about witches.

This enthralling tale follows the protagonist, Wilde, as she moves to Witch Point Place. She’s scared that strange things always happen around her and moving in with her aunt has only seemed to make things worse. What’s more rumours about the Witch called Winter are starting to circulate and people are receiving curse letters. Join in on the adventure this Christmas and help Wilde solve the mystery!

My Name is River by Emma Rea

My Name is Riveris a truly original and hilarious children’s adventure book and the perfect Christmas present for the young explorer in your life.

Dylan’s family farm is being sold to a global pharmaceutical company and he decides it must be stopped. His mum may think he is on a school geography trip, but Dylan is on his way to Brazil. Whilst on his mission he makes a friend named Lucia (a street child armed only with a puppy and a thesaurus) and together they uncover the scandalous truth of what the company are up to.

Thimble Wonga Bonkers by Jon Blake

Laugh out loud with Thimble Wonga Bonkers, the third instalment of the hilariously funny children’s book series – Thimble Monkey Superstars.

When Mum goes away for the week, Jams, dad and Thimble the Monkey are left to their own devices. With only £30 to do the week’s shopping, dad makes a plan. However, things take a turn for the worse when Thimble gets hold of the trolley. Before they know it, the money is gone, and dad is thinking about selling his soul to make ends meet. Will Jams and Thimble be able to save the day?

The Boy Who Drew the Future by Rhian Ivory

The Boy Who Drew the Future is a favourite Firefly Teen and YA book every Christmas.

Separated by 150 years, two boys share a unique gift or curse – they can draw the future. Blaze is alone in 1865, orphaned and swapping his pictures for protection from the workhouse and witch trials. Noah lives in the present, ashamed of his powers and shunned by his parents and school. Both boys are fighting their own battles, but will their drawings set them free?

Asking for a Friend by Kate Mallinder

Asking for a Friend is an uplifting YA book about friendship. This feel good story explores the power of friendship in the face of loneliness, fear of illness and social media bullying.

Follow Agnes, Hattie and Jack as the go on holiday for a week. They’ll risk their lives, face their fears and find themselves with the support of each other.

Rebel with a Cupcake by Anna Mainwaring

Jesobel Jones is happy, confident and a terrific baker. Living with her hand-model mum and ex-musician father, she makes no apologies for her imperfect family, her noisy house, her single relationship status or her weight – until a girl at school calls her fat…

Rebel with a Cupcake is a YA novel that explores themes of bullying and self-image and is a great Christmas present for teen girls.

What do you think of our list? Let us know what Christmas gifts for children you’ll be buying this year!