"The Snow Merchant"
by Sam Gayton

This enchanting story is about Lottie Peppercorn, who leads a boring life apart from at night, when she dreams of her mother, who disappeared.

When she meets the snow merchant, she is drawn into a whirlwind of adventures, because he is an alchemist, and in his bag he carries his new invention- called snow.

Full of magic, family secrets and friendship, with the bonus of illustrations by one of our favourite artists, Chris Riddell. Also on the Year 6 Recommended Reading list.

Sam Gayton's website

Also by Sam Gayton                                                    

I have met Sam and he is not this scary! He was really nice!

       

                                            

"The Midnight Kittens" 
by Dodie Smith

I'm sure you all know "101 Dalmatians" by this author- the book and the brilliant film. This is less well known, but worth a look, especially if you are a cat lover.

Orphaned twins Tom and Pam live with their grandmother. They discover the mysterious kittens coming out of a tree at midnight and drinking the milk left out for hedgehogs. This is the beginning of an adventure involving secret rooms, squatters and a touch of magic....

"Dear Hound" 
by Jill Murphy

Alfie the deerhound puppy loves his boy, Charlie, and has a happy home- until the night he is left at the kennels. The family are away at a wedding for one night, but Alfie thinks they have abandoned him and escapes. Soon he is lost and afraid....

Charlie and the family do everything they can think of to find him, but months pass and they wonder if they will ever see Alfie again.

I love a "beast" story and this is a great one, with lovely pictures, too. Prepare to feel happy, sad, excited and worried!