Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa’s Stolen Sleigh; Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Steven Lenton

Whisks at the ready! Everyone’s favourite crime-fighting bakers are leaping into Christmas in a humorous picture book brimming with all the usual antics and fun that readers of the series know and love.

It’s Christmas Eve and Shifty and Sam are off to Lapland to bake some festive treats for Santa and his elves. But Santa can’t think about cookies and cakes right now, he is facing a Christmas crisis. The elves are unwell and there’s a whole load of toys that haven’t been made. Flo Frost has a plan to save the day but is she really the Christmas miracle Santa needs or is she a festive fraud? It’s up to Shifty and Sam to unwrap this merry mystery and to save Christmas for everyone…

Whisked, stirred and baked to perfection! Join Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam for a lively, action-packed and fun-filled adventure as they do their best to save the day in their own unique style. Merry mayhem, marvellous mix-ups and a mischievous meanie, who eventually sees the error of her ways, will delight the entire family in this creative and humorous caper.

With flawless bouncy rhymes (there’re no lumps here) and colourful illustrations with so much to explore, Tracey and Steven have a wonderful Christmas recipe that is as appealing as one of the many delicious cakes that are baked. A challenging ‘can you find the festive spider’ activity will only add to the excitement levels.

Another cracking addition to this incredibly popular series. Jolly, joyful and, like one of Shifty and Sam’s festive doughnuts, an absolute treat (just watch out for the magic flying dust).

Recommended for 5+.