HomeDiscoverChildrens articles73 Christmas books for kidsChildren's reading lists73 Christmas books for kidsPuffin teamFacebookPinterestTwitterEmail From A Christmas Carol to The Snowman, we’ve pulled together all our festive favourites to share and gift this Christmas. Christmas Books for Ages 0-5 Christmas Lights on Mistletoe Street by Kate Thompson, illustrated by Natelle Quek (2025) It's three days until Christmas and Holly is fizzy with excitement! Her tree is a sparkle-fest, she's been to the Mistletoe Street Christmas Market and - best of all - she's met Father Christmas himself! But when Holly notices that there's one house on her street which isn't lit up, she's determined to include its elderly resident, Ivy, in the Christmas fun. And when a power cut strikes on Christmas Eve, will anyone remember Ivy? And can Holly lead her neighbours to bring joy to the whole of Mistletoe Street? The First Christmas by Jan Pienkowski (2025) Experience the true spirit of Christmas with this rich celebration of the nativity story. With words from the King James Bible and stunning silhouettes by Jan Pienkowski, the master of dramatic design, the very first Christmas is brought gloriously to life. Dylan the Dino Boy Saves Christmas by Andy Day, illustrated by Alex Patrick (2025) Dylan is a pretty ordinary kid. Except for one thing: when he sneezes, he turns in a dinosaur! Usually turning into a dinosaur is great fun, but when Dylan catches his first cold a week before Christmas, his sneezes cause one disaster after another until it starts to look a lot like Christmas might be ruined! Will Dylan learn to love his dino-sneezes in time to save the day? A brilliantly funny, dino-tastic, festive adventure that celebrates what makes us extraROARdinary. The Christmasaurus and the Night Before Christmas by by Tom Fletcher, illustrated Shane Devries (2025) Meet the Christmasaurus, a very special dinosaur who’s determined to make Christmas perfect. 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. The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas Eve by Eric Carle (2025) In this festive lift-the-flap story, set on a silent, snowy Christmas Eve, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is hoping for a very special visitor. Lift-the-flap on every page to discover who's at home. Could it be Father Christmas? The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas Touch-and-Feel by Eric Carle (2024) Feel the bumpy branches on the Christmas tree, stroke Father Christmas' soft coat and tap the shiny presents to guess what's inside. There is so much to discover with The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Christmas time! The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas Tree by Eric Carle (2023) Have fun with The Very Hungry Caterpillar this Christmas in this magical new adventure - with a chunky flaps to explore and a festive pop on the final page. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Night Before Christmas by Eric Carle (2022) The Very Hungry Caterpillar loves Christmas so he’s getting ready to settle in for the night and wait for Santa to arrive. As he’s getting ready for bed though, he makes sure to say goodnight to all his fellow animal friends. This charming festive lift-the-flap book is a great one to pop in their stocking. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Father Christmas by Eric Carle (2021) In this brand new tale, join The Very Hungry Caterpillar as he helps Father Christmas get ready for his big night.He's got to wrap up warm, feed the reindeer and load presents onto the sleigh - all before the magic can begin! Happy Christmas from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (2020) Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar for a celebration of Christmas and all the ways to wish the ones you love a Very Merry Christmas. This delightful board book features Eric Carle's bright and distinctive artwork from sparkling stars and snowy scenes - and you can spot The Very Hungry Caterpillar on every page. With it's festive artwork and gentle rhyming text, this is the perfect gift for Christmas! Peter Rabbit: The World of Peter Rabbit: Cotton-tail's Christmas Tree by Beatrix Potter (2025) Christmas is just around the corner and Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail are excited, but no-one is quite as excited as Cotton-tail! Peter wants to make sure Cotton-tail has the best first Christmas ever – and he’s got a brilliant idea: to transform the fir-tree into the BIGGEST Christmas tree the forest has ever seen. But will Peter’s idea come to life? Peter Rabbit Tales: The Christmas Star (2023) This is a new Christmas title in the adorable Peter Rabbit Tales series which young children love. Beatrix Potter’s classic characters are brought to life with sweet illustrations in this fun book about families and the excitement of preparing for the festive period. Peter Rabbit: Happy Christmas Peter by Beatrix Potter (2022) Discover what Peter loves about Christmas with this festive lift-the-flap board book! It's Christmas and Peter has lots to do at this time of year. Follow him and all his friends as they make this an extra-special time of year. This lift-the-flap Christmas board book is a great way to introduce little readers to the world of Peter Rabbit and celebrate this magical time of year. Featuring a festive pop-up surprise for all little rabbits to enjoy! Peter Rabbit: Christmas is Coming by Beatrix Potter (2022) Peter Rabbit is very excited - it's nearly time for Christmas! He can't wait to eat mince pies, decorate a tree and open all his presents. Join Peter and all his friends every day in December as they count down to Christmas and have lots of fun adventures along the way. Featuring 24 brand new stories and an activity to enjoy every day of Advent, this beautiful picture book makes the perfect Christmas gift and will become a festive tradition for Peter Rabbit fans young and old. Peter Rabbit Christmas Fun Sticker Activity Book by Beatrix Potter (2020) Join Peter Rabbit and his woodland friends as they get up to all sorts of Christmas adventures and festive fun in this jam-packed sticker book. Based on the classic tales by Beatrix Potter, this busy sticker book will keep little paws entertained for hours, featuring beautiful artwork from Ellie Taylor and over 300 stickers. Spot’s Night Before Christmas by Eric Hill (2025) Join Spot and his family as they have fun at Christmas! Toddlers will love pulling the tabs to help Spot get ready for Christmas in this festive board book. With festive scenes and things to explore, little ones will love this story, full of the magic of Christmas. Happy Christmas, Spot! by Eric Hill (2025) Have a Happy Christmas with Spot and his friends in this big lift-the-flap book! It's Christmas, and Spot and his friends are very excited! All the presents are wrapped up, but who's getting what? Children will love guessing what each present might be, then lifting the giant flaps to find out! With interactive flaps to train fine motor skills and an adventure that sparks curiosity and imagination, this chunky board book is the perfect Christmas gift. Find Spot at Christmas by Eric Hill (2023) It’s not just the Christmas tree star that goes missing in this lift-the-flap Spot adventure. Toddlers will love searching for the sweet puppy and discovering some fun surprises along the way. This is a gentle and playful book which also helps to train fine motor skills and is perfect for early learning. Spot's First Christmas by Eric Hill (2021) Join Spot as he helps Mum prepare the house for Christmas day - he helps wrap presents, decorates the tree and learns all about carol singing! The Night Before Christmas by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (2024) A gloriously naughty Christmas celebration, featuring a twist on the classic rhyme, a flap to lift on every spread and a surprise pop-up ending with the Enormous Crocodile! On the First Day of Christmas by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (2021) Some of Roald Dahl’s most famous characters pop up in this board book which counts down the twelve days of Christmas. On the first day of Christmas, a chiddler gave to me… a simply enormous CROCODILE! Little ones will love encountering golden tickets and fantastic friends as they also enjoy an introduction to their first numbers at Christmas! You Choose Christmas by Pippa Goodheart & Nick Sharratt (2024) 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? The possibilities are infinite in this magical storytelling toolkit which will inspire children age 3 and upwards to make their own stories again and again - a brilliantly festive sequel to YOU CHOOSE, YOU CHOOSE YOUR DREAMS, YOU CHOOSE IN SPACE and YOU CHOOSE FAIRY TALES. Greg the Sausage Roll: 12 Days of Christmas by Mark & Roxanne Hoyle and Gareth Conway (2023) Greg the Sausage Roll stars in this hilarious twist on everyone's favourite Christmas rhyme! Greg, Gloria and the mini sausage rolls are rounding up all their friends 11 elves a-wrapping,8 reindeer munching,6 six baubles bouncing...Join the festive countdown as they get ready for Christmas Eve - and the best Christmas party EVER! Greg the Sausage Roll: The Perfect Present by Mark & Roxanne Hoyle and Gareth Conway (2022) It’s Christmas Eve and there’s no way Greg the Sausage Roll will be flaking out on any of the excitement! The bakery is looking festive, the mince pies flew off the shelves and everyone is waiting for Father Christmas to deliver his goodies. Just when Greg thinks he’s ready for the big day, Santa chooses him as a little pick-me-up snack. Prepare to join Greg as he is whisked off on the most fantastically festive adventure of his (shelf)-lifetime! Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa's Little Helper by Mark & Roxanne Hoyle and Gareth Conway (2021) The tinsel is up in the bakery, the lights are twinkling and the mince pies are sold out. It's CHRISTMAS EVE! Greg the Sausage Roll is so excited he could burst. And when he's scooped up as a last-minute treat for Santa, he's catapulted into a magical festive caper beyond his wildest dreams. Hold on tight for a spectacular sausage roll-ercoaster of an adventure! Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith (2024) We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time. The Christmas Tree Mouse by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Farah Shah (2024) The Christmas Tree mouse is on an important mission. A mission to help Santa! Every Christmas Eve, this tiny mouse brushes away Santa's snowy footprints, nibbles up the mince pie crumbs, and - most importantly - checks on her Santa HQ tablet that all the correct presents are under the tree. But when Christmas Tree Mouse discovers that baby Ola has received the wrong present, it's a CATASTROPHE! Can she use all her special training and determination to save the day? And might Santa himself make a special appearance? Slinky Malinki's Christmas Crackers by Lynley Dodd (2024) 'Christmas was coming. Out came the tree, dressed up in finery, splendid to see. Trinkets and tinsel with baubles and bows, a mouse with a hat and a very red nose...' So begins Lynley Dodd's cracking Christmas tale told in her usual rollicking, rhythmic rhyme. Festive preparations are being made in Slinky Malinki's house and the rapscallion, mischievous cat is most curious about the Christmas tree. With its reindeer, ribbons, baubles and bells, it's too tempting a treat for Slinky not to investigate. So Slinky Malinki, with mischievous glee, creeps out from the shadows to climb up the tree... Penguin's Egg by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Alice Courtley (2024) Daddy Penguin finds himself adrift in an unfamiliar world, and he must get home for his egg! From train to helicopter, hot-air balloon to limousine, Daddy Penguin hitches lifts with kindly folk - but will he be home in time? The Dinosaur that Pooped a Reindeer by Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter and Garry Parsons (2023) Danny and Dino have received a very special invitation indeed. They’re setting off on a tour of Santa’s workshop in the North Pole. But there’s just one hiccup – Dino is very hungry and there’s temptation everywhere. Can he stay away from Santa’s feast or is he about to soil Christmas with his pooptastic bottom? This rhyming story, with flaps to lift along the way, is a great introduction to the silly world of Danny and Dino created by the even sillier duo Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter. A Shirley Hughes Christmas by Shirley Hughes (2023) This is a very special collection of three much-loved festive stories by Shirley Hughes. The treasury includes Lucy and Tom at Christmas, Alfie's Christmas and Dogger's Christmas. All the young characters are so excited about Christmas, but have they done enough to make sure that Santa will definitely arrive on the big day? Little ones will love these endearing classics which can be enjoyed again and again by family members young and old. The Robin Who Stole Christmas by Rachel Morrisroe and Richard Merritt (2023) You might think robins look sweet and innocent, but Rotten Robin is no ordinary red-breasted bird. He is the world’s most wanted thief, and he wants his gang of feathered friends to help with his most un-festive plan. Rotten Robin wants to put a stop to Christmas by stealing it. But when he’s forced to give back the baubles, mince pies and even Santa, he starts to realise that maybe Christmas is worth all the fuss after all… Jim’s Spectacular Christmas by Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler (2022) Award-winning actress and national treasure Emma Thompson has created a tale you will treasure about a very lucky, and very special dog called Jim. Jim, beautifully drawn by illustrator Axel Scheffler, leads a very special life – he gets to live in the famous Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Thompson magically weaves the real-life tale of Jim – who belonged to Sir Henry Cole who created the first Christmas card – with a heart-warming adventure that involves unexpected presents and a life-changing brush with royalty. 12 Puffin Tales of Christmas (2022) A festive audio collection of magical Christmas stories from a range of Puffin's much-loved authors as well as six brand-new tales! Cosy up and get ready for a magical Christmas with this festive collection of 12 Puffin tales, featuring much-loved Puffin authors. The Fairytale Hairdresser and Father Christmas by Abie Longstaff, illustrated by Lauren Beard (2022) It's Christmastime in Fairyland and Kittie Lacey is visiting a VERY special client - Father Christmas! But when he discovers that all the Christmas presents have been stolen, can Kittie help Father Christmas track them down before it's too late? That Christmas by Richard Curtis & Rebecca Cobb (2021) Christmas is the same every year, isn't it? Same food, same routine, same visiting the neighbours and going for a walk. Except for the year of That Christmas... Find out what happens when traditions are upturned, when chaos reigns, and what's really important when people come together... There's an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher & Greg Abbott (2019) There’s a little elf in your book and he’s trying to find out whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year. You’ll have to answer a few questions, and possibly make him laugh. But be wary, this little elf is quite the trickster… Part of the hit Who’s in Your Book? series, this fun and interactive tale is a great one to share over the Christmas holiday. And it will help you make an informed decision over what to tell Santa this year... Little Rabbit's Christmas by Harry Horse (2019) Christmas is coming and all Little Rabbit wants is a shiny red sledge. When he wakes up on Christmas morning he isn't surprised that he can't find it in his stocking because that's a little small for a sledge. But when he cannot find it under the Christmas tree either, or stuck up the chimney, or under his parents' bed, he is heartbroken! "I only wanted a sledge," he weeps, until Papa tells him to stop crying and look outside. And there it is - all shiny and red an new, just waiting for Little Rabbit to play on it. He feels very proud when his friends gather round to admire his wonderful present, but they want to play on it, too! Little Rabbit thinks that's not fair - it's HIS sledge and HE'S the only one allowed to ride it! What will make him learn to share? Harry and the Dinosaurs Make a Christmas Wish by by Ian Whybrow, illusrated by Adrian Reynolds (2019) Harry and his bucketful of dinosaurs are back!Harry and his bucketful of dinosaurs see some ducklings hatching and wish they could have one of their own. But it's the wrong time for wishing so they wait until Christmas when Harry makes a special list for Santa. Christmas Day finally arrives and there is a surprise for everyone - it isn't a duckling but a gorgeous baby pterodactyl! Meg's Christmas by David Walser & Jan Pienkowski (2018) Oh no! A flood means that Christmas is looking doomed! 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? Father Christmas on the Naughty Step by Mark Sperring (2015) The naughty step is the place Sam has to sit when he has done something he knows he REALLY shouldn't have. And Sam isn't alone. Captain Buckleboots is sitting on the naughty step too and so is Father Christmas - uh-oh, oh no! What's going to happen on Christmas Eve now?! How Many Sleeps till Christmas? by Mark Sperring (2013) It's hard to be patient when you're only a very little bear, and Little Pip cannot wait until Christmas! Every day he wakes up and thinks the day has finally come - it's driving Daddy Grizzle nuts! Poor Daddy Grizzle... and poor Pip! How will he be able to carry on waiting - there are still so many sleeps to go! The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet Ahlberg & Allan Ahlberg (1991) It’s Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman has the very important job of delivering festive greetings to all the fairy-tale characters. Join him on his rounds and take a peek at the cards and presents he delivers. There’s a get-well-soon gift for Humpty Dumpty, a special note from Mr Wolf to Red Riding Hood, and four more surprise envelopes. The fun rhyming verses and charming illustrations will delight all ages. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (1978) No Christmas book list is complete without Raymond Brigg’s iconic tale where we see a young boy wake after a day spent playing in the snow to find that the snowman he built has come to life. The two new friends enjoy a fun evening exploring the house before flying through the sky and meeting a very special someone. This special edition with an introduction from Raymond Briggs makes the perfect gift for young readers. Christmas Books for Ages 6-12 Christmas Tales from the Farm by Amanda Owen (2025) Amanda Owen, also known as the Yorkshire Shepherdess, and her family welcome you to Ravenseat Farm at Christmas. This heartwarming collection of festive stories is inspired by all the countryside characters - both two-legged and four - you'll find on and around the farm, including: Santa's runaway reindeer who caused mischief on the moors...Three sweet little goats who became the perfect Christmas gift...And a clever sheepdog who found something lost in the deep white snow. Enjoy these, and many more stories about family life in the countryside, and see just how fun life can be when everyone mucks in together! Charlie and the Christmas Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Rikin Parekh (2025) Why is Matilda worried about being on the naughty list? What happens when years after the creation of his original marvellous medicine George’s granddaughter Gigi decides to make her own potion? And how does Charlie plan to celebrate Christmas at the chocolate factory? Perfect for Christmas Eve, this magical and hilarious collection features 12 brand-new short stories based on their author’s favourite Roald Dahl characters. The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby (2025) ‘Tis the season to be Lottie! Unlike some of the other book characters in this list, Lottie Brooks LOVES Christmas. She can eat as many KitKat Chunkies as she likes and there’s no school for a few weeks. But this year it feels like things could be a bit different. All of the Brooks clan are visiting, and it could all get rather CHAOTIC. Will Lottie get the Christmas she wants, or will she have to hide somewhere with the hammies until it’s all over? The Ministry of Unladylike Activity 3: A Stocking Full of Spies by Robin Stevens (2025) It's December 1941, and almost Christmas, when a bomb falls on Deepdean School for Girls. May and Nuala are whisked away from the chaos and sent to stay with May's big sister, Hazel Wong, who is working at Bletchley Park. Within seconds, they're thrown straight into their most dangerous and difficult case yet. A codebreaker has been shot in what first appears to be a tragic accident - until a suspicious and top-secret message is discovered in his pocket. Was he a spy, working for the other side? Was the message planted on him? Most importantly - was this murder? Worst of all, Daisy's big brother, Bertie Wells, is being blamed. It’s up to May, Nuala and their friend Eric to prove Bertie's innocence and solve the mystery. But Bletchley is a strange and secretive place, full of Britain's most ingenious minds. They'll need to watch, listen, and puzzle out the incredible, unthinkable truth… Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens (2016) You’d be forgiven for hoping that no murders take place over the Christmas period. Unfortunately for Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, there will be no such respite. The duo are spending the holiday break in Cambridge with fellow detectives Alexander and George. Hazel had hoped to spend her days wandering cosy libraries and visiting tearooms. But before the snow has even settled, a terrible accident takes place two days before Christmas. Or what appears to be an accident… Will the Detective Society find the killer before Christmas dinner? A Christmasaurus Carol by Tom Fletcher and Shane Devries (2023) The Christmasaurus is back in this brand-new festive adventure which sees one of literature’s most infamous Christmas characters enter William Trundle’s world. Ebenezer Scrooge is a grumpy and mean Christmas-hater and he’s turned up out of the blue and wants to cancel all of the festivities. Now it’s down to William and his best friend to try and stop Scrooge before it’s too late and everything is ruined. The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries (2022) You know about the Naughty List, right? Well, this year,the Christmasaurus is on a mission to track down children who have found themselves on the Naughty List to help them put wrongs to rights, naughty to nice! This is a story about mischievous kids learning the error of their ways, but it's also about sharing the true spirit of Christmas and realising that sometimes things aren't quite as they first appear... The Christmasaurus Cracker by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries (2022) Well, bless my baubles - it's nearly Christmas! And it's time to celebrate with the Christmasaurus Cracker. Get ready for: Not one but TWO adventure-packed Christmas stories: Crumpet Eve and The Magical North Pole; Jingle-worthy jokes and present-tastic puzzles; Fun festive facts; Tasty Christmas recipes; Dino-riffic decoration ideas! The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries (2020) One year has passed since William Trundle's incredible adventure with the most extraordinary dinosaur: the Christmasaurus. Now, William is swept back to the magical North Pole, where he meets the mysterious, icy Winter Witch - whose power to control time allows Santa Claus to make the long journey all around the world every Christmas Eve. And when they learn that the fate of Christmas itself hangs in the balance, William and the Christmasaurus must work with the Winter Witch to protect it... The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries (2018) The Christmasaurus is a story about a boy named William Trundle, and a dinosaur, the Christmasaurus. It's about how they meet one Christmas Eve and have a magical adventure. It's about friendship and families, sleigh bells and Santa, singing elves and flying reindeer, music and magic. It's about discovering your heart's true desire, and learning that the impossible might just be possible . . . A Very Curious Christmas by Maddie Moate (2023) Maddie Moate is pretty good at finding out the answer to things – even if it’s a bit embarrassing, like why brussels sprouts make you fart! In this fun, fact-filled book, the TV presenter explores the science behind fairy lights, snowflakes and even reindeer knees! She also looks at how people celebrate Christmas differently around the world and the history of some odd festive traditions. Children will also love the wintery activities and craft ideas included in every chapter. Daisy and the Trouble with Christmas by Kes Gray, illustrated by Nick Sharratt (2020) Daisy is SOOOOOOOO excited about Christmas! She loves the carols, the crackers, and especially the chance to be in the school Christmas play. She's got SEVEN whole words to learn! But when Daisy and her best friend Gabby decide the dolly their teacher has chosen to play the Baby Jesus is a bit...well, boring, Daisy comes up with a plan that will mean TROUBLE! The Miracle on Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle (2020) In this modern reimagining of Charles Dickens’, A Christmas Carol, young George is spending his third Christmas without his mum since she passed away. His dad has thrown himself into work and has banned Christmas in the house. One day whilst George is out with his nan, he stumbles across Marley’s Curiosity Shop and picks up a curious snow globe. The happy scene inside reminds him of how Christmas used to be. That night, as George and his dad go to bed, they inexplicably get swept away on a journey to three Christmases from the past, present, and future. Will George’s dad be able to mend his Scrooge-like ways so that they can both enjoy the festive season again? A Christmas Carol by Kristina Stephenson illustrated by Hoang Giang (2020) "Bah humbug! What do I care for Christmas?" sniped Scrooge. This is the snow-laden story of Scrooge, a mean miser, who is determined to think only of himself - and his money. That is, until he is visited by three Christmas spirits, and the true meaning of Christmas starts to work its magic on him, too... The Twelve Days of Christmas by Roald Dahl, by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake (2019) With whipple-scrumptious recipes for festive feasting, tricksy pranks to get you on the naughty list, amazing Chrimbo activities and jolly jokes guaranteed to make Santa ho-ho-ho, the world's favourite storyteller brings you everything you need for a very merry Christmas! The Puffin Book of Christmas Stories compiled by Wendy Cooling (2019) Not sure which Christmas story to read this year? Why not try this compilation of 13 festive tales? There are old and new stories, including works by Malorie Blackman, Ursula Moray Williams, Jacqueline Wilson, and Charles Dickens. A great one to read solo snuggled up with a hot chocolate or take turns at reading a tale out to the whole family. Father Christmas's Fake Beard by Terry Pratchett (2017) If you fancy a Christmas tale (or two) with a difference, Terry Pratchett’s collection of short stories will be all you need at storytime. Read how Father Christmas ends up on trial for public disturbance, follow the abominable snowman who becomes an old lady’s pet, or just giggle along at nine other laugh-out-loud stories that will have you looking at Christmas in a whole new way. Hetty Feather's Christmas by Jacqueline Wilson & Nick Sharratt (2017) It’s 1888 and Hetty Feather is spending Christmas at the Foundling Hospital. An expected gift shows up for Hetty on Christmas Day but the jealousy it incites results in her being excluded from all the festive celebrations, much to the delight of Matron Bottomly. Hetty is devastated but thankfully a dear friend shows up to whisk her away for a Christmas she’ll never forget. Christmas with the Chrystals & Other Stories by Noel Streatfeild (2016) Christmas with the Chrystals is a gorgeous short story about how an influx of cheery young cousins at Christmas warms the heart of a haughty grandmother and lights up her chilly home. This very special Yuletide story is accompanied by several Streatfeild Christmas extracts from her many children's novels, including an (almost) never-before-seen sequel chapter to her bestseller Ballet Shoes. There are also recollections of the author's own childhood Christmases (taken from the Noel Streatfeild Christmas Holiday Book). The Crazy Christmas Joke Book (2013) Packed with brilliant seasonal jokes, together with lots of silly stuff that will keep children giggling throughout the Christmas holidays. Cast an unwanted Gift Spell, read Santa's hilarious emails and try the Top Ten things to do with leftover turkey. With hilarious spoof ads and lots of fun Christmas features this book will really put the ho-ho-hointo your holidays. Why Does Santa Ride Around in a Sleigh? by Kay Woodward (2013) A cool Christmas-themed book for girls and boys that explains the reasons for and the stories behind our festive celebrations and traditions. Why does Father Christmas have three different names? Was there ever really a Good King Wenceslas? Why do we eat mince pies? These questions and many more are answered along with a fun make-and-do Christmas activity. Entertaining and informative, the book is illustrated throughout in black and white. The Killer Cat's Christmas by Anne Fine (2013) So go on, ask me. 'Dear, dear Tuffy. Why was your Christmas so horrible?' Well. I couldn't climb the tree. I couldn't touch the dangly decorations. And Ellie made me part of her sing-along Christmas performance. Horrible, horrible, horrible! But I showed them. I was Tuffy the Acting Cat, superstar. How was I supposed to know things would get so...messy? Christmas Chaos for the Hundred-Mile-An-Hour Dog by Jeremy Strong (2013) Streaker, the hundred-mile-an-hour dog, is brilliant at many things but most of all she's brilliant at getting into trouble! Something mysterious has happened to Streaker's puppies and Trevor is on a detective mission to find them. But with Streaker causing mayhem everywhere she goes, can Trevor track down the puppies before Santa comes to visit? The Battle for Christmas by Jeremy Strong (2013) When Ellie puts on her new pyjamas, strange things start to happen. She and her little brother, Max, are whisked off to the Christmas Shop where a battle is raging between a valiant troop of toys and the scaaaarry Christmas Tree Fairy and her army of angels. Can Ellie and Max save Christmas for the world - or will they be arrested for being mince spies? My Brother's Christmas Bottom - Unwrapped! by Jeremy Strong (2010) Nicholas's dad has lost his job just before Christmas! This means no money for yucky cake (hurray) or for PRESENTS (boooooo). But then the ding dong merrily doorbell rings and an old friend has the answer . . . Can a certain someone's famous bottom come to the rescue? Father Christmas Goes on Holiday by Raymond Briggs (2015) It's time for a bloomin' holiday in this hilarious sequel to the beloved festive classic, Father Christmas. In this brilliant funny sequel from Raymond Briggs, author of The Snowman, a still rather grumpy Father Christmas decides to go on holiday. Of course, no-one needs a holiday more than Father Christmas . . . but where can such a well-known and easily recognized person go? As Father Christmas sets off in search of his ideal holiday spot. he travels to France, Scotland and Las Vegas - but as he soon discovers, there's really nowhere like home Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs (1973) No one wants to work on Christmas Eve, not even Father Christmas! Especially when it’s so cold outside. But he has a job to do and children depending on him. Travel along with our grumbling hero in another of Raymond Briggs’ fantastic tales; join him as he navigates his way through the night, delivering presents and sampling treats left out by believers, before returning home to enjoy a well-deserved Christmas with his cat and dog. Christmas with the Savages by Mary Clive (1955) Eight-year-old Evelyn spends her Christmas holiday in a large Edwardian house, full of parents and nannies who have lost control of their children. There are the calm Glens, the sad Howliboos, and the mad Savages who all run riot around the timid Evelyn, who cannot return home soon enough. This funny Christmas tale will charm any young festive reader! A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843) It wouldn’t be Christmas without Charles Dickens’ famed book that sees the bitter, old Ebenezer Scrooge become a changed man. Visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, Scrooge is shown the true meaning of the season and why it’s so important to love the others around him. A heart-warming story, this beautiful clothbound edition is best read on a cold Christmas Eve, by a warm fire, and surrounded by the family.
