Christmas Poems; Chosen by Gaby Morgan, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

From angels to bells, Father Christmas to gifts, holly to ivy, lights to mid-winter, reindeer to shepherds, wassailing to oXen, and everything in-between, this gorgeous collection of carefully chosen poems and carols celebrates everything that makes this time of year special. 

Across eighty-seven (I think) works, Coral Rumble, T. S. Eliot, Dave Calder, Eleanor Farjoen, E. E. Cummings and a host of others have the festive season covered as they capture the pre-Christmas anticipation, the excitement of the day, the joys of the holiday season and the hopeful beginnings at the start of of a new year.

Gaby, an expert in children’s books, has filled the collection with an assortment of accessible, seasonal treats that will tickle and tantalise the poetry tastebuds. Like the best selection box, there is something for everyone with a wide breadth of verse and song. Jingle Bells and A Visit from St Nicholas (better known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas​) are instantly recognisable whilst Street Lights and Bells Ringing are likely to be new for many.

Delightful, important and meaningful in their own way, some are simply to be enjoyed and will have everyone joining in with a good old sing-along, others are softer and benefit from a quite, solitary reading where one can ponder and reflect on the words.

Giving children a book of verse can be hit and miss but having Axel Scheffler’s name, an illustrator who they will be familiar with thanks to The Gruffalo, on the front cover makes Christmas Poems immediately attractive. His playful illustrations, that feature throughout, are a delightful addition, adding to the charm and Christmassy feel. A large-nosed Father Christmas, even larger-nosed kings, expressive angels, delicious food, doe-eyed reindeer and curious donkeys will all delight.

Every one will have their favourite works. Always in search of something to make me smile, I particularly enjoyed poems about what happens on the thirteenth day of Christmas, the search for the phantom gift giver, the post-Christmas Eve report from a reindeer, a child’s experience of the Nativity play and the wonderfully modern tx msg btwn mrsx & frx. My more traditional side got its festive fix thanks to While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Deck the Halls.

Lovely for dipping in and out of over the holiday season.

Recommended for 5+.