Three cheers for Christmas

Scholastic India's three recent titles showcase the message of Christmas, using varying genres from comedy to puzzles to poignant Indian characterisation

Charles Dickens will smile. After all, his popular classic, A Christmas Carol set the trend all those years ago, of making Christmas extra special for its readers.



Scholastic's three titles -- Rover Saves Christmas by New York Times bestselling author Roddy Dyle, Christmas Stories, a compilation of eight stories by Indian authors and 1001 Things to Spot at Christmas, will individually reach out to different readers, from kids to grown-ups.
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The delightfully created 1001 Things... by Alex Firth, with illustrations by Teri Gower, will please kids for its eye-catching visuals and fabulous displays that will keep him/her engrossed. Thirteen doublespreads are filled with puzzles centred on Christmas themes, ranging from Santa's workshop to a Christmas feast and reindeer stables; it's one entertaining joyride that will keep kids engaged through the festive season, and along with helping them improve their observation skills.

Christmas Stories is a collection of eight stories by Indian writers, including Mridula Koshy and Chatura Rao, which celebrates the true spirit of the festival in diverse ways that are at times touching, at other times beautiful or even amusing. The stories present slices of India and even outside that reveal surprising new facts and traditions associated with the festival.

The third title is a rib-tickling joyride about a make believe situation where Rudolph, Santa's reindeer has decided to call in sick on the one day he has to work. A desperate Santa decides to find a substitute, a dog called Rover who seems to be the only real option left. Join Rover who is about to take Santa on the ride of his life. Fasten your seatbelts -- you've been warned.

1001 Things to Spot at Christmas, Rs 628, Christmas Stories Rs 150, Rover Saves Christmas, Rs 150. Scholastic India. Available at leading bookstores