The Jolly Christmas Postman has delighted children for almost 30 years and over that time has lost none of its magic; it’s as wonderful now as it’s always been. Written in a cheerful rhyme that, when read aloud, keeps even the youngest in any family sitting attentively, it follows the jolly postman on his round as he delivers mail to a community of classic fairytale characters.

All of the jolly postman’s deliveries exist as physical correspondence within the book. You can open up the Big Bad Wolf’s card to Red Riding Hood, solve the jigsaw puzzle that Humpty Dumpty receives from all the King’s men, read the book the Gingerbread Boy gets from his dad and play the cheeky board game Little Red Riding Hood sends to Mister Wolf. So much more than a book, this is a gorgeous bundle of surprise packages.

The illustrations are charming, the prose is delightful and even the postmarks are noteworthy; this is a hilarious and joyous family gift to share and enjoy – and not just for Christmas. Highly recommended for ages 18 months+.

Athina Clarke is the children’s book buyer at Readings Malvern.