MICHAEL Morpurgo, author of War Horse, might describe himself as “oldish, married with three children, and a grandfather six times over”, but he is also one of Britain’s most loved story-tellers – and his Christmas tale, The Goose Is Getting Fat, is yet another example of his writing skills.

In this beautifully-illustrated book we meet Gertrude the goose, who is being fattened up in time for Christmas by a young boy called Charlie. But as Christmas gets nearer, Charlie starts to wonder if he can really follow in his father’s footsteps and turn his new friend into a delicious dinner. He soon realises he can’t, and does everything he can to prevent Gertrude from being the main course on Christmas day.

This touching and funny pocket-sized book is the perfect stocking filler for your little one. It is a tad lengthy though, so is better suited to those of a more advanced reading age – or any adult who wants to treat their inner child.

Sophie Herdman