The Magic of Christmas Stories: Children's Christmas Book Recommendations
Christmas is such a magic time for children; it's full of wonder, joy, and excitement. For us, it's an important time to create memories and traditions, and one way we have done this is to create a Christmas book box full of our favourite festive reads.
A week before Christmas, this box magically appears under our tree (obviously, the actual box changes every year as I can never find the one from the previous one). Over the years we have gathered some of the most beautiful Christmas books, some of which I used to read when I was a child. From timeless classics to new favourites, these recommendations are perfect for creating cherished memories that will last for years to come.
So, grab a cup of hot chocolate and join us as we explore the stories that make our family Christmas truly magical!
The Snow Dragon by Abi Elphinstone
This is such a moving book, beautifully illustrated by Fiona Woodcock, a magical and uplifting story. Set in the strict and joyless world of Griselda Bone’s orphanage, where festivities are forbidden, the story introduces us to Phoebe and her loyal sausage dog, Herb. On a snowy Christmas Eve, their lives take a wondrous turn as a majestic snow dragon appears, whisking them away on an unforgettable adventure.
One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth
This book is a charming tale that introduces readers to Percy the Park Keeper and his woodland friends. As a chilly winter night descends, Percy finds his animal companions seeking warmth and shelter. With kindness, he welcomes them into his cosy hut, leading to a snug yet heartwarming gathering. There is a lovely part at the end where the children get to find all the hidden animals in Percy's hut.
How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith
This stunning book is an enchanting adventure story that captures the spirit of Christmas. The tale follows Winston, a courageous little mouse, on an extraordinary mission to deliver a lost letter to Father Christmas before time runs out. This book is original as it has 24 parts (one to be read each day in December), each paired with a festive activity like crafts, recipes, or songs.
Pick a Pine Tree, by Patricia Toht
This is such a delightful book, and my two adore the illustrations! A beauty journey of the cherished tradition of selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. This book captures the excitement of choosing the perfect tree, bringing it home, and decorating it with ornaments and lights.
Little Christmas Tree by Ruth Symon
My youngest is always captivated by this lift-the-flap book that brings the winter forest to life. Such beautiful illustrations and a story about the Christmas tree's environment. As night falls, the forest awakens with vibrant creatures, a playful fox, a cheerful red-breasted robin, and a shimmering cloud of fireflies, each revealed through interactive flaps that young readers love. By the end, the once-lonely tree is beautifully transformed, adorned by the wonders of nature.
My Naughty Little Sister and Father Christmas, by Dorothy Edwards
My youngest is always captivated by this lift-the-flap book that brings the winter forest to life. Such beautiful illustrations and a story about the Christmas tree's environment. As night falls, the forest awakens with vibrant creatures, a playful fox, a cheerful red-breasted robin, and a shimmering cloud of fireflies, each revealed through interactive flaps that young readers love. By the end, the once-lonely tree is beautifully transformed, adorned by the wonders of nature.
Peter Rabbit: The Christmas Present Hunt
One for the younger children, this lift-the-flap adventure book is such a charming tale of Peter Rabbit and his excitement about Christmas. Peter can't remember where he hid his sisters' presents, and you must help him find them.
The Snowman, by Raymond Briggs
Such a timeless wordless picture book that tells the enchanting story of a young boy who builds a snowman, only to have it come to life at midnight, leading to a magical adventure. There are always tears at the end, but its such a beauty story.
How to Hide a Lion at Christmas, by Helen Stephens
A heartwarming, festive adventure featuring Iris and her lovable lion. When Iris's family sets off to spend Christmas with Auntie Sarah, her mother insists that the lion must stay behind. But the lion isn't ready to be apart from Iris during the holidays. Determined to join her, he sneaks onto the train, and the adventure begins!
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland by Carys Bexington
In this enchanting tale, Santa Claus ventures into the topsy-turvy world of Wonderland to deliver a long-overdue Christmas gift to the Queen of Hearts, who has banned Christmas after a childhood disappointment. With clever rhyming text and vibrant, detailed illustrations, this story beautifully captures the quirky charm of Wonderland while delivering a heartfelt message about kindness and the magic of the festive season.
Emily Brown and Father Christmas by Cressida Cowell
A delightful festive tale featuring the ever-resourceful Emily Brown and her trusty companion, Stanley the rabbit. On Christmas Eve, they encounter Father Christmas entangled in modern gadgets that hinder his gift deliveries. Emily steps in to assist, demonstrating that sometimes traditional methods are best.
Santa's New Beard by Caroline Crowe
My two find this book hilarous! It always makes them both giggle with joy.
When Santa accidentally shaves off his iconic beard just before Christmas, chaos ensues as the elves come up with hilariously creative replacements. From fluffy whipped cream to sticky candyfloss, each attempt is more imaginative than the last!