A Gift For Every Reader This Christmas

Promotion for Penguin Books

Books make marvellous gifts for friends and family at Christmas. To help you choose a title that’s just right for your gift giving, Paper Plus has brought together a selection of their top Penguin Books for Christmas 2024.

Hot Mess: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (19)

Hot Mess: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (19) by Jeff Kinney

In Hot Mess, book 19 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley is in for a particularly awkward summer with his whole family.

The pressure is building for Greg, who discovers that when you mix heaps of family, a tiny beach house, and sweltering heat, it’s a recipe for disaster. Speaking of recipes – the secret ingredients behind Gramma’s famous meatballs have been closely guarded for years. Can Greg unpack all of his family’s mysteries before their vacation is over? Or will he just stir the pot?

This sidesplittingly relatable summer story is the funniest Wimpy Kid book yet!

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Review of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess by Eden, aged 10

I had never read a Diary of a Wimpy Kid book before so I didn’t know what to expect. But I really enjoyed reading this book, it was lots of fun and I want to read more of this series now.

I liked the fact that there are a lot of little stories in one big story, which not only made it easy to read but made it seem more exciting.  The fact that it was centred around a family made me relate to the book as well.  It’s a big family gathering at a place where they all used to go on holiday, so there was some reminiscing about the old days. But there were also some very funny events at the holiday home, with quite a bit of toilet humour thrown in there which made me laugh.

The main character, Greg, doesn’t really seem to fit in with his family very well.  He always seems to somehow get the worst of everything!  In this book we find out a lot about his family like who hates who, that Grandma is the boss of the family because she makes the best meatballs (meatballs are a big part of this book by the way) and all the strict rules they have to follow.

There is a little surprise in this book that you might not expect as well!

I would rate this book a 4.5 stars out of 5 and would definitely read it again. It would be a great book to give someone for Christmas as we spend time with lots of family at this time of year. Maybe you might find you have something in common with Greg’s family?

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess
Wild Walks Aotearoa A Guide to Tramping in New Zealand

Wild Walks Aotearoa by Hannah-Rose Watt

A Guide to Tramping in New Zealand

Wild Walks Aotearoa is an informative, inspiring and visually stunning guide to tramping in New Zealand, for walkers of all levels and experience.

‘Welcome to the land of Aotearoa, where waterfalls cascade from mountains that touch the clouds, ancient trees whisper, and wild, untamed wilderness lies.’

Clip together your waist strap and tighten your boots, this practical and vibrant guide from experienced adventurer Hannah-Rose Watt is for anyone interested in exploring our wilderness – from absolute beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of tramping, to families, to seasoned adventurers seeking inspiration for technical backcountry journeys.

Featuring 59 walks across New Zealand’s North and South islands, this practical guide is for anyone keen to explore Aotearoa’s wilderness on foot. Containing key info about essential gear; safety on the tracks; how to read topographical maps and trail markers; hut and track etiquette; advice for solo and female trampers; and details and logistics for each walk, this book will be your new tramping companion.

Packed with well-trodden and lesser-known walks – from quickies while on a roadie, to hikes for tykes and multi-day journeys – you’ll find options for all ages, fitness and experience levels. Lavishly illustrated with photographs of New Zealand’s picturesque landscapes, Wild Walks Aotearoa is a must-own, whether for inspiration on your coffee table or planning your next adventure.

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The Fallen Woman

The Fallen Woman by Fiona McIntosh

The heart-stopping new historical adventure from the bestselling author of The Sugar Palace.

Botanical artist Jane Saville is devastated when her manipulative mother banishes her to the countryside to protect someone else’s honour. Isolated far from home, she is forced to live an impoverished, secretive life to save the family from public shame.

Guy Attwood is heir to a fortune, but prefers his quiet passion for rare-apple hunting on behalf of Royal Kew Gardens to building the family’s business empire. He sets out to find a critically endangered apple species that he dreams of gifting and re-naming for his friend, the soon-to-be coronated George V.

When the paths of these people from two very different worlds collide, Jane begins to hope for a different future, but their new friendship is shattered by jealousy, misunderstanding, duty and treachery. A young boy will inspire Jane to defy the powers working against her and prove she is no woman to be outcast.

Set in the picturesque English countryside, in a forgotten orchard and beneath the ancient spire of Salisbury Cathedral, this is a heart-wrenching story about a woman who finds that in her darkest hour she can harness her greatest strength.

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Dear Moko

Dear Moko by Hinemoa Elder

With illustrations by Miriama Grace-Smith

Bestselling author of Aroha and respected Māori psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has written a special collection of whakataukī for tamariki mokopuna.

Puanga kai rau.
Puanga, the star signalling a time of the year with plenty of food.
New beginnings.

Dear Moko is written for all mokopuna, grandchildren, descendents. It is their very own book with stories from whakataukī and whakatauakī, our Māori proverbs.

This treasure-book reveals new secrets every time you read it. Some stories will make you smile and laugh out loud. Others invite you to think about difficulties you are facing in a different way.

These are timeless words to live by, life lessons to inspire, for generations to come.

Manaakitanga (love for each other), kaitiakitanga (respect for our planet), whanaungatanga (community and connectivity) and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) bring to life our time-honoured values.

Dear Moko is destined to be embraced by every whānau.

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Penguin Books has a great selection for every friend and family member on your Christmas list. Check out some of the best books worth sharing this holiday season. Whether you’re gifting to a major foodie, health buff or someone who deserves a bit of indulgent relaxation, you’ll find something for everyone from Penguin Books at Paper Plus.

See more titles from Penguin Books at Paper Plus

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