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, Thursday, December 3 - our favourite and yours: The Snowman.

...............

...............

An absolute Christmas classic, The Snowman is well-known for its Oscar nominated short film adaption and is possibly enjoyed by most when it appears on TV each Christmas, but it is worth returning to the book, first published over 40 years ago.

A book told exclusively through pictures, it is a story of discovery, wonder and friendship.

A book without words is a wonderful thing to share as the enchanting pictures of the Snowman coming to life and the adventure that ensues will form a story unique for each reader.

This is a festive read I am very excited to share with my little boy this Christmas season and I've no doubt a certain song will be swirling around in my head for the rest of the day too.

Also, that ending! I'm not crying…you're crying…

Book featured: The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (Puffin Books)

This book can be reserved for free from Hertfordshire Libraries here