I know this says ‘older readers’, but I’m also aware of the range of reading skills that children can have. What might be deemed appropriate, either in level of difficulty or thematically, for example, will be different from child to child of the same age. So I’ve chosen the following based on the interests of my two kids and those of their friends, as well as their ages (8 & 10).

The Maze Runner (4 book collection) by James Dashner, $23.80 (Ages 11 – 15)

We saw The Maze Runner at the movies last month and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The kids did too, Riley especially, who left the movie speculating on what was going to happen next. Well, if you’re in the same boat as us, then here’s the box set of the trilogy of books, plus a prequel that’s subsequently been released. Four books for that price is great.

How to be a Spy by Dan Waddell and Nikalas Catlow, $22.50, (7+ years old)

This is on Riley’s Christmas list – I know, because he’s reminded me of that fact a number of times. It’s a fun book, full of flaps to lift and explore.

Hansel and Gretel by Neil Gaiman and Lorenzo Mattotti, $15.95, (Ages 6 – 12)

It really wouldn’t be Christmas if there wasn’t a new Neil Gaiman book hitting the shelves. I think he’s featured on every one of these lists I’ve made over the years. Hansel and Gretel has always been one of the ‘darker’ fairy tales (Cannibalism! Abandoned Children!) and I can’t wait to see Gaiman’s interpretation of it. And Mattotti’s illustrations look amazing.

Russell Brand’s Trickster Tales: The Pied Piper of Hamelin by Russell Brand and Chris Riddell, $26.50 (7+ years old)

I’ve not read this yet, so its inclusion is for a number of other reasons. 1. In theory, the idea of Russell Brand re-telling this for a new audience with his manic style of comedy and storytelling ability is inspired. I’ve seen one early review that is quite scathing, but whether that’s due to the text itself, or Brand’s politics, is a different question. That aside, Chris Riddell’s work is always amazing. A picture book version is also available.

Disney Frozen Ultimate FACTIVITY Collection, $17.95, (Ages 6+)

Look, it’s Frozen. Here’s another feature: “With more than 500 stickers”. It will be a hit.

Note: Affiliate links and quoted prices are from Booktopia. Important information: order in stock titles by the 10th of December for delivery by Christmas. Non stocked items ordered after the 1st of December will be delivered in the New Year.