Synopsis:This is an anthology of thirty stories by many best-loved writers, such as Charles Dickens, Laurie Lee, Sue Townsend, Jacqueline Wilson, and Geraldine McCaughrean. Illustrations in colour and black and white by a range of artists complement the text.

Review: The Oxford Book of Christmas Stories is a re-issued compendium of short stories and extracts centred on children’s Christmas experiences. The tales are all well crafted, and a good length for reading aloud. Each story presents an interesting way of looking at time honoured themes such as carol singing, present buying and the virgin birth itself. My personal favourite is a witty story entitled ‘Brown Baby’ by Gwen Grant, about how a young girl comes to terms with the birth of her step-brother through the performance of the school nativity play.

These stories are told in a rich and satisfying mixture of styles. However, some tales are intended for slightly older children. Stories about carol singers turning into vampires and ghosts masquerading as Father Christmas should definitely be read with the lights on!

2006-12-02