The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder, illustrated by Sarah Gibb (Orion Children's Books, £6.99)

THIS is a delightful book which cleverly interweaves the old and the new, giving children an insight into the past, and the Norwegian culture, while appealing to the tangible aspects of their own lives.

Although it has been published before, this abridged and newly-illustrated version tells the story through the eyes of a young boy called Joachim, whose magical Advent calendar transports him into the world of Elisabet who, 50 years earlier, had disappeared while Christmas shopping with her mum.

These parallel lives mingle to tell the story of Christmas through fresh eyes and the enchanting open-eyed wonder that is the sole domain of small children.

The language is clear, concise, but descriptive with plenty of momentum, and a mystery to unfold throughout.

The small illustrations are delicate and detailed with a definite folk feel to them.

It may be the kind of book which appeals to parents seeking out a festive stocking-filler for a child over the age of eight, but will have equal appeal to parents reading to younger children - with plenty of food for thought on many levels and for every age group.

Jackie Harris