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. Wednesday, December 16.

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From the How to Hide a Lion collection books comes a festive edition: How to Hide a Lion at Christmas.

This tale sees Iris setting off to spend Christmas with family, but her parents decide that Iris' Lion must stay home.

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Not wanting Iris to be sad, her Lion sets off on the train after her, but ends up falling asleep and missing the stop.

The Lion tries to find Iris, encountering Father Christmas along the way.

A charming story with stunning illustrations, this is a new favourite of mine.

Book featured: How to Hide a Lion at Christmas written and illustrated by Helen Stephens (Alison Green Books)

This book can be reserved for free from Hertfordshire Libraries here