In a bid to encourage reading, Hitchin Library have teamed up with Nub News for a 'Countdown to Christmas' list with a daily recommendation of a festive book favourite.

Library boss Rebekah Nicolas will offer a daily book choice for the festive season.

Through hearing stories, children are exposed to a wide range of words. This helps them build their own vocabulary and improve their understanding when they listen, which is vital as they start to read.

Learning to read is also about listening and understanding, as well as working out what's printed on the page.

So, read on for Hitchin Library's festive favourite for today, Friday, December 18.

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It's another newbie for today's Christmas read recommendations: a beautiful little book which offers a celebration of Christmas.

A book to make you smile as a reindeer calf learns all about the meaning of Christmas in a snowy landscape.

I could quote the whole book in its loveliness but instead I'll just share the following: Christmas is happiness, smiles of surprise… the warm, loving glow that lights up your eyes.

Emma Dodd's delightful illustrations and accompanying words are simple but striking, making this a new festive favourite.

Book featured Christmas is Love written and illustrated by Emma Dodd (Templar Publishing)

This book can be reserved for free from Hertfordshire Libraries here