December 2010 Good Housekeeping selection.

Good Reading for Christmas by Aled Jones...

‘Christmas allows my family to spend precious time together. This year, I’ll be giving my five-year-old son Lucas The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, a magical story I’m proud to be

associated with.'

The Lovereading view...

This is one of the all time favourites of any nursery and certainly a book to turn back to time and time again whether you’re a child or an adult. No words, just the most wonderful pictures telling a poignant and moving story about a boy and a snowman. It’s a book that will fire the imagination of every child because they themselves can create the words to go with the pictures. Not just a classic but THE classic of all time, in our humble opinion. A book for parents to ‘read’ aloud with young children as well as perfect for slightly older children to immerse themselves in an imaginary world.

Synopsis

This is the classic edition of the now famous Christmas tale. James builds a snowman in the garden and wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life. He shows the Snowman his house, and in return, the Snowman takes him on a magical journey.

Reviews

The delicate illustrations of James and his magical adventures with the Snowman have made this a timeless, wordless classic. (3 yrs +) (Kirkus UK)

About the Author

'Raymond Briggs was born in Wimbledon Park, London, in 1934. His father, Ernest, was a Co-op milkman for over thirty years and was awarded a certificate when he retired. His mother, Ethel, was 'in service' for over twenty years but received no certificate. At the age of ten, Briggs passed 'The Scholarship' and went to the local Grammar School. Here he had daily speech lessons and learned to become middle class. After five years he was awarded 'The School Certificate'. At the age of fifteen he went to the local art school and after two years he was awarded 'The Intermediate Art Certificate'. After two further years studying painting he was awarded 'The National Diploma of Design (in Painting) Certificate'. He was then conscripted into the army where he attained no rank but was awarded a certificate saying 'Excused Boots'. He studied painting for two more years at the Slade School of Fine Art and here he was awarded 'The Diploma of Fine Art (London University) Certificate'. Since leaving the Slade in 1957 and failing as a painter, he has been a freelance illustrator, book designer and writer producing what are known as 'children's' books. For work in this field he has been awarded several certificates....' More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation