The Ultimate Guide to Christmas Children’s Books!
We love Christmas and my kids love reading. The festive season is the perfect time to snuggle up together with a good book! Whether it’s tales of Santa’s adventures, heartwarming stories about kindness and giving, or exciting journeys through a snowy wonderland, Christmas books are a treasured tradition in our house. In this Christmas book guide, I’ve gathered a list of some of the most enchanting Christmas children’s books that readers of all ages will love.
Click here to see the purchasable collection of wintery or festive-themed books, perfect for popping in your Handmade Hippo advent cushion in the lead-up to Christmas!
The Snowman - Reading age 2-7 years
A classic and much loved story from my childhood! After the snow settles on a cold winter's day, a little boy builds a Snowman. Later that night, under the glittering stars, the Snowman comes to life!
Together they fly through the night sky on a breathtaking and magical journey, until the sun comes up and it's time to go home...
This edition of the classic tale from Raymond Briggs features stunningly rendered new artwork based on the 1982 film, alongside beautifully written story narration.
Christmas in Exeter Street - Reading age 2-6 years
It’s Christmas Eve, and the house in Exeter Street is full to bursting! There’s a guest in every nook and cranny from top to bottom – and even a baby sleeping in the kitchen sink! Will Father Christmas be able to find them all? This feels like a traditional book about a house packed full of guests perfectly captures the sense of excitement and sharing that goes with this very special time of year.
We Disagree About This Tree - Reading age 2-5 years
My kids love the Bear and Mouse stories and in this festive edition it seems Bear and Mouse have finally overcome their differences and are living together in harmony . . . until it's time to decorate the Christmas tree! Bear wants dazzling lights, while Mouse prefers gigantic baubles . . . and, wait a minute, did Mouse just put a MANATEE on the top?! In this funny and charming story, can they finally reach a compromise or will Christmas be ruined?
Pick a Pine Tree - Reading age 2-4 years
From Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth creator, Jarvis, and author Patricia Toht, comes a beautiful, irresistible Christmas gift book that all begins with … picking a pine tree! Brimming over with the excitement of being with family at the festive season, a gorgeously rhythmical, read-aloud narrative accompanied by warm, joyful art celebrates all the familiar rituals of decorating the tree – from digging out jam-packed boxes of trimmings, stringing tinsel, to, at last, turning on those twinkly fairy lights.
The Christmas Doll - Reading age 5-8 years
When Susan was a child, she was evacuated from wartime London and sent to live with a family in the countryside, she doesn't hold much hope for the months ahead. Then, on Christmas morning, she is given a doll and Susan thinks this must be the best present she has ever had. Moving to the modern day and Susan is standing in The Repair Shop, thinking back on her childhood, she realises that in fact the greatest gift was the kindness bestowed upon her and her ability to remember it always as she holds her precious doll close to her.
The Christmasaurus and the Night Before Christmas - Reading age 3-7 years
It's the night before Christmas and all Christmasaurus wants to do is help Santa and the elves get ready for the big day. But everything he does goes disastrously wrong. Then, someone special shows him that things don't need to be perfect to wonderful. Because the true spirit of Christmas comes from the unique sparkle in each and every one of us. My kids loved the first Christmasaurus book and I’m sure they'll love this one too!
Ten Little Elves - Reading age 1-5 years
Another series that my kids have loved for a while! The Ten Little Elves are on a mission to rescue Christmas ... But what will the Ten Little Elves do when they meet a growling polar bear? And a yowling yeti? And a SCARY Ice Queen?
You Choose Christmas - Reading age 4-6 years
I love the open ended You Choose books, they foster such funny conversations with my kids. Make up your own Christmas adventure where YOU CHOOSE what happens. Which Christmas jumper would you like to wear? Which job would you choose to do in Santa's workshop? Where would you like to sleep on Christmas Eve?
Bunnies in a Sleigh - Reading age 2-7 years
My kids loved Bunnies on a Bus and the Sunnytown bunnies are back for a third picture book, and it’s a Christmas adventure! It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s elves have fallen suspiciously unwell (just WHO gave them all those candy canes?), so it looks like Santa needs some help. Luckily, our gang of vehicle-loving bunnies are here to the rescue. Cue chaos at every turn – hopping in and out of chimneys, getting stuck in snow, stuffed in stockings, and having the time of their lives on Santa’s sleigh. It’s a crazy Christmas, but it’s SO MUCH FUN.
The Jolly Christmas Postman - Reading age 3-6 years
I feel like we all read this one as kids right? The Jolly Postman has a busy day ahead. It's Christmas Eve in Fairy-Tale Land and there's plenty of post for him to deliver! There's a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called 'Beware' for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for Humpty Dumpty and many more! But, can he deliver it all by Christmas? Little ones will love opening the envelopes to read the post in this magical story, full of festive, fairy tale surprises!
The Christmas Eve Tree - Reading age 3-6 years
This is a really moving Christmas story, written by Delia Huddy and illustrated by Emily Sutton. When the ugly little fir tree is taken to the city, no one wants to buy him; they prefer the big tall trees. But a homeless boy asks the shopkeeper if he can take the tree, and down by the river in a cardboard box, decorated with a few candles, the tree finds itself at the centre of a magical Christmas Eve it will never forget. A Christmas tale with a classic feel but a modern theme at its heart.
That’s Not My Reindeer - Reading age 0-2 years
These books will always have a special place in my heart as they were one of the first books my eldest read to his newborn sister. A touchy-feely book with simple, repetitive text, bright, colourful illustrations and textures to touch and feel on every page. Suitable as a first Christmas present, it can help very young children develop language and sensory skills.
The Littles Yak - Reading age 2-5 years
Another series we love! This story is about Gertie, the littlest yak in her whole herd, and she's feeling stuck in her smallness - she wants to grow UP and have bigness and tallness!
But when it turns out that there are some things that only Gertie can do, might she come to see that she's perfect, just the way she is? This book is a great story about how we can all make a difference and be important, no matter how small we are.
Winter Dance - Reading age 0-3 years
A lovely wintery story… Snow is coming, and it's time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise-yet it's not until he meets a friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall.
The Night Before The Night Before Christmas - Reading age 3-5 years
One for the 23rd if like me you like to be on theme as closely as possible. It's nearly Christmas Eve. Bells are jingling, reindeer are limbering up and Santa's sleigh is being polished - will Santa have everything ready in time for THE BIG DAY?
Bluey - Reading age 2-5 years
Just like in the episode… It's Christmas Eve and Bluey, Bingo and Muffin can't wait to open their presents. But Bluey's dad reminds them that no peeking or no presents! So, they decide to play a game called Verandah Santa to practice no peeking. What will Santa bring them?
The Robin and the Reindeer - Reading age 5-7 years
Little Reindeer is lost in the forest.
It begins to snow. And as the snowflakes crowd through the trees, she catches a glimpse of something: a flash of startling red and wings blurring in the air. A robin!
In a piece of woodland magic, the generous robin lends the red from his feathers to Little Reindeer's nose, and they fly home together.
Here Comes Jack Frost - Reading age 3-6 years
One cold morning a lonely boy wishes for something to do. His animal friends are hibernating, and he has nobody to play with-even all the birds have flown south. When he meets Jack Frost, the last thing he expects is to make a new friend . . . or to discover how enchanting winter can be!
Dogger’s Christmas - Reading age 3-5 years
I loved Dogger when I was little so Dogger's Christmas had to be in this list!
It's that special time of year: Christmas. The time of carol-singing, tree-decorating, and of course lots of presents. But in the excitement of new toys, will Dave forget about his old friend, Dogger? The very special story of one boy and his beloved toy - who always manages to be found...
A Very Curious Christmas - Reading age 6-9 years
Was Lets Go Live a core part of parenting during lockdown? it was in our house and my kids were long term fans of Maddie’s Do You Know? In this great book by Maddie Moate your curious kids can uncover incredible and unusual facts about the festive season – from upside-down Christmas trees to presents delivered by a goat!
They'll explore winter science – including how fairy lights work, why holly leaves are spiky and where snowflakes come from.
And you'll discover how different people around the world celebrate the Christmas period, and the fascinating history behind festive traditions.
The Snowflake - Reading age 3-7 years
High, high up in the clouds a tiny snowflake is made. Perfectly small, fluffy, crystal and white, it tumbles and bounces inside the cloud. But then she begins to fall…
The Snowflake tells the tale of one snowflake and one little girl – both longing for something and looking for their own special place in the world. Just like the Storm Whale by Banjo Davies, The Snowflake is an utterly unforgettable and classic picture book.
The Tree That Meant To Be - Another gorgeous Christmas picture book from Yuval Zommer that's destined to become a festive classic. A little fir tree is too small and too imperfect to be chosen at Christmas time. But being left alone in the forest brings more rewards than the tree could ever have hoped for . . .
I love the illustrations in this is a charming and classic-feeling Christmas picture book, it has a heartfelt message about love and embracing what makes us different. Families will love sharing the story and talking about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Lights - Reading age 2-5 years
Great for younger children, this books joins one little girl and her father on their drive home for Christmas. Lift the flaps and spin the wheels to watch stars shoot past and fairy lights twinkle. With a lyrical text and beautiful art by The Ride-by-Nights illustrator Carolina Rabei, this book makes the perfect Christmas gift, and will capture the hearts of the whole family.
Mog’s Christmas - Reading age 2-6 years
For the cat lovers, this Christmas story with Mog, could be for you! This funny and warm-hearted escapade is available as a board book, complete with metallic details on the cover for that special Christmas sparkle.
It’s Christmas, and Mog’s house is full of strange noises and peculiar smells. Everyone is busy hanging holly and blowing up balloons, and where is that tree going…? Will it be a Merry Christmas in the end for Mog and her family.
Santa’s Marvelous Mechanical Workshop - Reading age 3-6 years.
It's Christmas Eve at Lily's new house, but Lily misses the old one. Then, in a moment of magic, she is whisked away to the North Pole! Santa's elfbots need her help to invent new toys from used, discarded ones. Lily comes to learn that with a dash of imagination, she can make anything - even, perhaps, a new home... a great story for your family and little ones if you’ve recently moved house.
Kid Christmas - Reading age 4-7 years
A truly beautiful story and book… Nicky Claus works with his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them and Uncle Levi adds the… what's the scientific term for it? Ah, yes. The magic!
One day, Nicky notices a young girl with her face pressed up to the glass. When she disappears, he follows her and finds her living on the streets with lots of other children, none of whom can afford a toy. Nicky vows that for one night only, every child will have the toy of their dreams and—with the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer—the legend of Father Christmas is born.
Dasher - Reading age 3-6 years
Dasher is a little doe with a wish in her heart. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh, a man named Santa. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same... there’s been a follow up to this story released this year too so if you’re kids love this story they can find out what happened next.
The Robin Who Stole Christmas - Reading age 3-6 years
This one has become a favourite in recent years with my children. A little red robin- has a rather unusual plan this festive season. He hates Christmas, and so he's going to STEAL it - baubles, mince pies, Santa, and all!
But Rotten Robin hadn't realised the feathers he'd ruffle by taking away the Yuletide celebrations - and when he's forced to give back everything he's stolen, he realises that Christmas might not be that bad after all...
The Storm Whale in Winter - Reading age 2-5 years
This book has actually graduated to being part of our all year round book collection. It’s winter time and Noi’s island is covered in a blanket of snow. Even the sea is icing over. Noi is worried about the little whale he saved last summer: Can he survive the harsh conditions? Little does Noi know that it’s the little whale’s turn to save him. A magical and touching story about a lasting friendship. A truly beautiful work packing a real emotional punch.
The Night After Christmas - Reading age 5-7 years
Phew! Now that the presents are all delivered, Santa and his elves can enjoy their own festive fun! With crackers and presents, dance-offs and light shows, Santa's Boxing-night party is the North Pole's biggest event of the year!
A hilarious follow-up to the bestselling The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. This rhyming picture book is perfect for anyone who has ever wondered what Santa gets up to once all the present are delivered. I usually pop this in the cushion (I mean the fairies do…) on the 26th, just to stretch out the fun a little longer.
Robin Robin - Reading age 3-7 years
Our kids instantly loved Robin Robin when we first watched it in 2020 and it’s become a bit of a tradition to watch it every year (multiple times). When an egg rolls out of its nest and into a rubbish dump, the little robin inside is discovered and raised by a loving family of burglar mice. As Robin grows up, her differences become more obvious and she starts to feel out of place in her mouse family. Not quite a bird and not quite a mouse, but full of determination. Robin sets out on an adventure to prove herself and – just maybe – get a sandwich.
Ten Little Penguins - Reading age 1-4 years
It’s another 10 little book, just in case your kids are more into penguins than elves. This time Granny Penguin isn't feeling very well so ten little penguins hatch a plan to cheer her up. Can these ten lovable penguins find gifts and bring them back to Granny so they can all play together again?
The Littlest Yak, The New Arrival - Reading age 3+
If you’re expecting a new baby or have just welcomed a baby into your family this story would be perfect for your family. Gertie is about to be a big sister, she wants the new baby to feel right at home, so she paints a welcome sign, knits a bib and plans to share all her favourite things. But when Gertie realises she might have to share Mummy too, she starts to have a bit of a wobble...
Ollie’s Christmas Reindeer - Reading age 3+ years
When a jingling sound wakes her from her sleep, a little girl’s dreams come true when she meets a lost reindeer in the forest. Setting off on a magical adventure together it soon becomes a Christmas never to forget.
Nicola Killen’s evocative illustrations are sure to enchant in this beautiful book with die cut pages, foil and flashes of festive red colour. We also have the Easter and Halloween Ollie books so this is a lovely way to start a seasonal book collection.
Little Unicron’s Christmas - Reading age 3-6 years
We have quite a collection of the 10 Minutes to Bed series so a festive version was a must.
It's Christmas Eve and Twinkle is too excited to sleep! But someone very special is also awake, and is having a bit of trouble! Can Twinkle come to the rescue?
Finishing on a gentle end, this beautiful story is the perfect length for a calm bedtime read.
Luna Loves Christmas - Reading age 3-6 years
From award-winning Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, the fourth book in the Luna Loves... series and a new book to our collection this year! Following on from Luna Loves Library Day, this book celebrates separated families at Christmas, and the power of giving to bring people together.
Luna loves Christmas. Sometimes at Mum’s, sometimes at Dad’s, she gets two trees, two dinners, two advent calendars to open . . . but this Christmas, Luna’s family are doing something different and volunteering. Luna can’t wait for them to all be together at the community Christmas dinner!
The perfect book to inspire kindness at Christmas, and celebrate alternative families.
Charley’s First Night - Reading age 2-3 years
As you may know, we’ve recently got a puppy so this story about the beginning of a close bond between Henry and his new pet dog, Charley should be a hit this year! On Charley's first night, Henry carries his new puppy in his old baby blanket, all the way to his house. He shows Charley every room, Henry's parents make it very clear, Charley will be sleeping in the kitchen. But when Charley starts crying in the middle of the night ... Henry simply can't leave his puppy down there by himself! Amy Hest tells a tale familiar to everyone who has loved a puppy, while Helen Oxenbury's illustrations portray each tender gesture and charming detail.
The Lights That Dance In The Night - Reading age 6 years
After a year of multiple Northern Lights sightings in the UK, this book by Yuval Zommer imagines the Northern Lights' fleeting journey from space to Earth. Describing how they weave a special magic for the animals and people living in the frozen lands below. From tiny specs of dust to gleaming rays in the dark, the Northern Lights travel across the Arctic, uniting every creature in a celebration that reverberates through land and sea.
The Christmas Pine - Reading age 2-6 years
If like us you have a growing Julia Donaldson collection, this one might be for you. Deep in a snowy wood stands a little pine tree with a special destiny: when it grows up, it's going to be the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square!
This is the perfect picture book to snuggle up with and share at Christmas. Gorgeous, atmospheric illustrations will take you on a journey from frozen forests to the sparkling city square.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas - Reading age 3-7 years
A festive classic! With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you’ll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive season. But when he hatches a dastardly plot to steal Christmas, he’s in for a big surprise!
With the tongue twisting rhymes that my kids love in Dr Seuss books, this seasonal story has become a favourite (and multiple films) for good reason and teaches readers the true meaning of Christmas.
Meg’s Christmas - Reading age 2-5 years
Did you read Meg books as a kid? For me they are so nostalgic! Enter a spell, a surprise stay in a castle and a party to plan for - will Meg, Mog and Owl make it home for a very special Christmas Day?
Kipper’s Christmas Eve - Reading age 2-4 years
This book has been in our collection for years! In this Kipper story he wonders, Christmas Day or Christmas Eve? Presents, or expecting presents? It's Christmas Eve, and Kipper and his friends are preparing for the big day. Decorating the tree, exchanging presents and sharing in all the excitement together! This book makes a great edition to a Christmas Eve box if you do them or just a good one to pop in your advent cushion on the 24th.
The Stinky Sprouts
Nobody likes the Stinky Sprout Family. They are stinky and green and left out of everything! One Christmas, the Sprouts hatch a plan to become the most popular vegetables around. They pretend to be a new kind of vegetable by dipping themselves in cranberry sauce as a disguise. They become loved by all until the cranberry sauce melts and drips off.
The other vegetables realise that they really enjoyed the company of the disguised Sprouts and were too harsh on them before. Who knows, this book may even inspire your kids to give sprouts a taste this year!
How Winston Delivered Christmas - Reading age 5-8 years
Winston the mouse is on a Very Important Mission. On Christmas Eve, he finds a letter to Father Christmas that did not make it to the post box – so, with no time to lose, he sets out to deliver it himself in time for Christmas Day! He has a lot of Very Exciting Adventures on his Very Important Mission and makes some wonderful friends along the way.
What The Ladybird Heart At Christmas - Reading age 3-5 years
Another addition to the ladybird series of books. In this Christmas adventure the ladybird is visiting her friend the spider. But those two bad men, Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len, are up to no good once again. They have a plan – to steal the children's Christmas presents from their stockings! It's a good thing that the clever little ladybird has overheard their awful plotting, and true to the rest of the series, she has a cunning plan to make sure they don't get away with it.
The Snow Thief - Reading age 3-6 years
This is a new book for our cushion this year but the kids love other books in this series so I’m sure it will be a hit! Squirrel and Bird are back, and this time it's winter! But Squirrel has never seen snow before. Will he like it?You bet he will! Except, just as Squirrel starts to get used to the snow, it disappears!
Dear Santasaur - Reading age 3-6 years
We have all the Dear Dinosaur books, if your kids love dinosaurs then they will love this festive story. Join the mighty T.Rex on a Christmas adventure in this Santa-stic tale about a little boy and his favourite dinosaur.
Snowball - Reading age 3+
This book makes my kids laugh every time they read it. A lonely young snowball, stuck at the top of a mountain, decides to visit the local town for a bit of fun – but on his way he trips, falls, and starts to roll . . . and when a snowball rolls through snow, we all know what happens! This snowball picks up not only snow, but a myriad of other odd things on his way down – a sheep, a line of washing, a bicycling bear, ending up in the Zoo.
Monster Christmas - Reading age 3-5 years
Father Christmas is old, tired and has creaky knees… I think a lot of us can understand that feeling. He needs a break - and who better to replace him than little monster, who can't wait to stretch his wings, see the world and do some good? There's just one problem ... everyone's scared of him!
The Christmas Department Store - Reading age 3-6 years
Another beautiful and touching storybook… Christmas for Benji has lost its magic. This year his family can’t afford a tree, or even a turkey. But then he stumbles upon the most extraordinary department store, where polar bears talk and the presents are out of this world. But maybe the real magic of Christmas is waiting for him at home . . .
The Christmas Bear - Reading age 1-3 years
I can’t count how many times we read this when my kids were younger! Your kids can join in the festive fun and lift the flaps on every page, as Bear chases Santa's sleigh through icy seas and snowy forests, all the way from the North Pole to Tom's cosy bedroom.
Full of witty rhymes and silly scenarios from Ian Whybrow, and illustrations by Axel Scheffler, The Christmas Bear is great toddler friendly Christmas book.
And Odd Dog Christmas - Reading age 3-7 years
If your kids love Draw with Rob or other Rob Biddulph books then this one book is one for you! It’s Christmas, and this Odd Dog is running out of time to find the perfect present for her pal…
But when she meets a new friend who needs helps, she realises that gifts might not be the most important thing about Christmas after all.
The Christmasaurus - Reading age 3-5 years
My kids love this story! The Christmasaurus wants more than anything to be able to fly, and help pull Santa's sleigh across the sky on Christmas Eve. But flying turns out to be much harder than he thought, even with Santa's help! One special Christmas, however, he falls down a chimney and meets a dinosaur-obsessed little boy who teaches him the magic of believing . . .