DID last year’s John Lewis Christmas advert have you laughing and crying at the same time and off on a jaunt to the local zoo to see a real-life version of Monty the penguin? Then this is the book for you.

Joe McNamee rounds up the best cookbooks for under the tree this festive season.    

The Woman who Stole My Life

Michael Joseph, priced £25

Jojo Moyes

Cork Opera House: Judging by the shapes thrown at Cork Opera House last night, there can be no debate about the number one festive dance craze: ‘What Does the Fox Say?’.

It's an hour before curtain in the Cork Opera House and everyone’s stirring in preparation for their first sell-out show of the season.

This week's reviews in brief

TV chef Jamie Oliver is turning his attention to helping families cope with the financial squeeze.

BOOKS make fantastic Christmas gifts, as once you have a fair idea of your recipient’s area of interest, it really shows that you’ve paid attention, that you genuinely care.

What I do: Actor

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Pippa Middleton is being beaten by Peppa Pig in the book sales charts despite a massive publicity campaign and a £400,000 (€500,000) advance paid by publishers Penguin.

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The Yard

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Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait Of The World’s Most Mysterious Continent

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The Soldier’s Wife

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Jamie Oliver is to celebrate the glories of British food with his next TV series and book, after years of celebrating world cuisine.

Jamie Oliver’s hit book 30 Minute Meals has gobbled up another new record after topping the charts for half a year.

Jane Grigson’s Vegetable Book published by Michael Joseph. There is no need to restrict this salad to summer. It works well with frozen broad beans.