We’re feeling inspired this week here at Lottie HQ after reading about the most wonderful Icelandic literary tradition. It is known as the ‘Jolabokaflod’ or ‘Yule Book Flood’ and involves the gifting of books on Christmas Eve before spending that evening reading them. What a wonderful way to spend a cold winter’s evening!

As we’re sure you are aware, one of our core values here at Lottie Dolls is the preserving and protecting of precious childhoods. As our world and our lives become increasingly digitalised, it becomes ever more difficult to unplug those childhoods for even the briefest of moments. That’s why we love this tradition so much! We adore reading and when we published ‘Lottie Solves a Mystery’ we hoped that we might encourage children to feel the same way. We all know that reading increases literacy skills and expands the imagination and a love of books developed at an early age usually lasts well into adulthood.

Perhaps what the wonderful people of Iceland have realised is even more important – that Christmas is the perfect time to get to know those people who are the most important to you. Books inspire thoughts and conversations which can last long past bedtime! Christmas 2017 will form only a small part of their childhood, but their memories of it will last a lifetime…

So, we’re going to take a leaf out of Iceland’s book (ahem) this year by curling up fireside with a good read. ‘Lottie Solves a Mystery’ is the perfect book to introduce your child to the amazing world of literature. Remember, all traditions start with imagination!

Listen here to the first chapter of Lottie Solves a Mystery for free! This extract was read by the wonderful Margot Henderson...

 Click to Listen here!