CHRISTMAS BOOKS

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15169, 7 December 1912, Page 4 (Supplement)

CHRISTMAS BOOKS

Is "The Empire Annual for New Zealand's Boys," edited by A. R. Buckland, M.A. (the Religious Tract- Society, 4, Bouverie-street London), we have many coloured plates and 16 black-and-white illustrations and humorous stories of adventure, some of them dealing with our own country, all making a splendid budget of entertainment for boys of all ages and sizes, A similar volume, also issued by the Religious Tract Society and by the same editor, is for New Zealand girls, and both of these volumes should prove useful and welcome gifts for the festive season. They are of interest from cover to cover. " Our Little Dote" and " The Child's Companion," by tho same publishers, are two well-known volumes, well up to the usual high standard.

"The Boys' Own Paper" and " Girls' Own, Paper," by the same publishers, are two volumes which need little recommendation here. Their popularity grows from year to year, and tho two books for this season will more than uphold their reputation for usefulness and interest. Among the writers we .find Morley Adams, Lieu-tenant-Colonel John Adye, Maitland Stewart Hemes, J. B. Hobbs, and other distinguished cricketers, whilst among the artists who have contributed we find Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, R.A., Gordon Browne, Louis Wain and W. P. CatonWoodville.

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, Northumberland Avenue, London, have issued a number of readable books for young people for Christmas. "Young.Salts,",by W. C. Metcalfe, is/as the-title indicates, a tale of adventures on the sea. A story of the days of Blake is entitled "The Fortunes of Harold Borlase," by John Graeme. " Marlowe's Farm." by Lucy M. Parker, should appeal to girls.' "His Great Surrender," by B."Marchant; " Pastor Oberlin," by M. Bramston; and " The Treasure of Spanish Villa." three other volumes which complete the list, are worthy of mention. "The Western Scout." by Bessie Marchant, is a tale of Prince Rupert City and the Pacific coast. "Eardley House," by Sibyl B. Owsley, is a story of school life which should be read by girls. " Brandon Chase," by William Webster, is another readable volume.

"The Cloister and the Hearth"— Charles Reade, and illustrated in colour by Gordon Browne—is the subject of a volume issued by W. and R. Chambers. " This tale of the Middle Ages is too well-known an historical novel to need comment here. Suffice it is to say this book comes at a most opportune time. "Folk Tales of Bengal," by the Rev. Lai Behari Daz, illustrated in colour by Warwick Goblo, by the same publishers, is something new in folklore and should meet -with a ready sale. Other publications by the samo firm, for youthful readers include "The Captain of the King's Guard," by Commander E. H. Currey, R.N., a book for books. Girls are well provided for with "Peggy from Kerry," by L. T. Meade; "Tabitha Small ways," by Raymond Jackherns; " Phccbo'e Hero," by tho author of "Tip Cat;" and "Corah's School Chums," by May Baldwin. The juveniles will do well to peruse " The History of the Hoppers," verses by B. Parker, and illustrated by N. Parker. The sketches of the Kangaroos are clever and their adventures with "Dingo" will afford many pleasant moments.