Selected for the 2025 Bologna Ragazzi Award’s Amazing Bookshelf.

Wouldn’t moving house be magical, if your house could move with you?

When a boy is told that they are moving house, he envisions his house lifted by cranes, winding its way through narrow streets, and even sailing across the sea? But his mother helps him understand: even if they must leave their house behind, the two of them will still be on an adventure.

When Mabel Taylor receives a shiny red sledge for Christmas, she can’t wait to try it out! But … oh. No snow. No snow at all. And there’s no snow the next day, either … or the next. So, instead, Mabel imagines herself on the most extraordinary of adventures, becoming a bobsleigh champion, a polar explorer, and even Father Christmas! And just when she’s stopped waiting and watching for the snow to fall, her world is transformed by a thick blanket of brilliant white?

Brimming over with the joy of imaginary and outdoor play, this is a timeless winter storybook penned by a Booker-shortlisted writer.

When Mabel Taylor receives a shiny red sledge for Christmas, she can’t wait to try it out! But … oh. No snow. No snow at all. And there’s no snow the next day, either … or the next. So, instead, Mabel imagines herself on the most extraordinary of adventures, becoming a bobsleigh champion, a polar explorer, and even Father Christmas! And just when she’s stopped waiting and watching for the snow to fall, her world is transformed by a thick blanket of brilliant white?

Brimming over with the joy of imaginary and outdoor play, this is a timeless winter storybook penned by a Booker-shortlisted writer.

Have you ever wondered what’s happening in the world while you’re asleep in your bed?

There’s a whole world of activity out there – from bakers preparing bread and cakes for your table and firefighters waiting patiently for a call, to hospitals helping people have babies and caring for those who are ill. There are lorry drivers making deliveries of food, flowers, toys and more, and postal workers sorting the mail for your morning delivery. There’s also wildlife such as foxes foraging, bats flying, and owls hunting for prey. And then around the world there are children who are playing, learning, eating and reading while you’re tucked up fast asleep.

This is the perfect book for bedtime, opening up a whole world of wonder and imagination for children, and providing food for the imagination if they wake in those early hours. Beautifully written, with lyrical prose, the illustrations are packed with detail.