The Light In the Dark is a wonderful ode to winter, both its light and dark times. Exploring the darkest season’s magic, myth, promise and hope, through Clare’s personal and intimate experiences of the season.

Why Novel North loves The Light In the Dark

“There’s a real warmth and mesmerising imagery to Clare’s writing. With sentences that conjure magically observed moments, I oftentimes found myself pausing to reread and relish. His journal is personal and intimate, blending winter tradition with the contrast of modern living in a way I suspect many of us will empathise with. The Light In the Dark has been a real treat and companion to curl up with this winter, and it’s one I can see myself returning to before spring appears.”

Author : Horatio Clare

Edition : Hardback, 208 pages

ISBN : 9781783964048

'May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks.'

Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to travel far from the comforts of home; then one day the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist his services - as a burglar - on a dangerous expedition to raid the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo's life is never to be the same again.

The Hobbit became an instant success when it was first published in 1937, and 75 years later Tolkien's epic tale of elves, dwarves, trolls, goblins, myth, magic and adventure, with its reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins, has lost none of its appeal.

Now, for the first time, the classic hardback edition is available in a one-off special pocket-sized edition. Featuring the distinctive cover illustration painted by Tolkien himself, plus his own drawings in the book, this edition will be the perfect gift for little Hobbits everywhere!

Why Novel North recommends

'Brimming with exciting adventure, Tolkien's delightfully imagined world is full of twists and turns, and larger than life characters.  The Hobbit is a favourite source of encouragement and comfort.  There's something wonderful and reassuring about climbing a hill, or walking through a forest, and imagining Bilbo Baggins and the dwarves alongside you sharing songs and stories.  A story to return to over and over.'

Author : J R R Tolkien

Edition : HarperCollins 75th Anniversary Pocket Edition, Hardback, 304 pages

ISBN : 9780007440849

*book does not have 75th anniversary edition sticker

“Ever dreamed of being an otter? That utter underwater thunderbolter, that shimmering twister.”

Shortlisted for the British Book Awards 30 from 30 Award 2020

Winner of the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year 2018

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year 2017

Shortlisted for the Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize 2018

Shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2019

The Lost Words is a very special illustrated collection of spell-poems to re-wild the language of children. All over the country, there are words disappearing from children's lives. These are the words of the natural world - Dandelion, Otter, Bramble and Acorn, all gone. The rich landscape of wild imagination and wild play is rapidly fading from our children's minds.

Why Novel North recommends

'Meandering through the pages of this big book brings enormous joy. The illustrations are spellbinding and the words magical. A wonderful book for adults and children.’

Author : Robert Macfarlane, Jackie Morris

Edition : Hamish Hamilton imprint of Penguin Books, Hardback, 128 pages

ISBN : 9780241253588

Published : 5th July 2017

Weight: 1469g
Dimensions: 377 x 278 x 16mm

A bird for every week of the year

A beautifully illustrated little guide to identifying our woodland birds, each illustration accompanied by a charmingly humorous ditty!

Author : Matt Sewell

Edition : Hardback, 128 pages

ISBN : 9780091957902