December’s Stories and Poems

The Reader Bookshelf theme of ‘Wonder’ might make many of us think of the very special kind of wonder which is held in childhood, and it’s a time of year when a sense of magic in the air can make us recall feelings of excitement and enchantment. December’s selections have been chosen based on the theme of childhood wonder, miracles and magic.

Featured from the Reader Bookshelf this month is an extract from Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, and a poem from Wonder: The National History Museum Poetry Book, edited by Ana Sampson.

We’ve also included poems that have been shared in groups for people living with dementia. The Reader’s Christmas Appeal for 2024 is aiming to raise £10,000 to make a difference to the lives of people living with dementia through Shared Reading.

The stories and extracts in December’s pack open the door to different magical worlds. We enter into shops where toys come to life and knights of the Round Table are transported to the modern day, and discover a miracle happening in a farmyard barn. Magic can also be found much closer to home, in situations that many of us will find familiar, such as visiting relatives and making preparations for the festive season, where joy can often mix with sorrow.

December’s stories and extracts are:

Two toy mice (extract from The Mouse and His Child) by Russell Hoban

Chivalry by Neil Gaiman

A Visit to Grandpa’s by Dylan Thomas

Christmas was coming (extract from Small Things Like These) by Claire Keegan

The Miracle (extract from Charlotte’s Web) by E.B. White

This month’s poetry choices transport us to places where magic and wonder might be found, in many forms. As well as in childhood, a particularly special time of wonder, these poems can help us start to think about and imagine wondrous spaces and moments in life, including within our own memories and experiences.

The Fawn by Edna St. Vincent Millay – from Wonder: The National History Museum Poetry Book

The Magic Box by Kit Wright

Holidays by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Childhood’s Retreat by Robert Duncan

Mistletoe by Walter de la Mare

If you're a Reader Leader head to the Online Community Hub to download this month's selection.