Today I am hosting a new regular feature on my blog. I will be spotlighting some awesome children’s books each week. To kick us off I am going to shine a spotlight on A Very Curious Christmas by Maddy Moate and Paul Boston. This hardback book was published by Puffin Books on the 12th October.

Join CBBC presenter and YouTuber Maddie Moate as she uncovers the secret science and history of Christmas, with enough festive facts and holiday activities to keep the whole family entertained.

• Have you ever wondered where Christmas trees originated?
• Or why Father Christmas wears red?
• Why crackers go bang? 
•  Where gingerbread first came from?
• Or even why brussels sprouts make you fart?

Maddie Moate is here to answer these questions and many more, from how toys work to where gingerbread comes from. You’ll explore the science behind fairy lights, snowflakes, reindeer knees and holly leaves. And you’ll also discover how different people around the world and in space celebrate the Christmas period, and the curious history behind festive traditions. Prepare to be amazed at the wackiest Christmas facts – including floating Christmas trees, roller-skating worshippers and festive underwear.

Plus, at the back of the book you’ll find wintery activities and craft ideas, including how to make Snowy Owl Pinecones and a Folded Magazine Christmas Tree, to get you in the holiday spirit.

Maddie said:

Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, so I thought it would be fun to find out as much about it as I possibly could. I want to know why we celebrate Christmas and do some of the curious things we do, such as hang stockings, eat Brussels sprouts and pull crackers that go BANG!

Maddie Moat

Maddie Moate is a BAFTA winning presenter and YouTuber, passionate about curiosity and inspiring children with the wonders of the world. She is the host of the BAFTA nominated TV series “Maddie’s Do You Know?”, Sony Music’s podcast “Maddie’s Sound Explorers” and presented BBC Earth’s “Earth Unplugged”.

Maddie’s YouTube channel is full of fun, family-focused science videos that have taken her on curious adventures around the world. Her channel is also home to the wildly popular series “Let’s Go Live with Maddie and Greg”, a live family science show which has helped countless families with home schooling since lockdown began in 2020.

Keep an eye out for my review of A Very Curious Christmas by Maddy Moate and Paul Boston next week.

I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson and Puffin Books for organising me a review copy. Thank you,