Christmas books for younger readers (6-11)

Designed to be begun on 1 December and completed on Christmas Day itself, How Winston Came Home for Christmas follows Alex T Smith’s previous story about Winston the mouse in another festive adventure. A lovely Christmas story that’s ideal for kids who love crafts.

This magical story of the origins of Father Christmas is utterly festive and charming, and adults will recognise and enjoy the nod to A Christmas Carol. A perfect bedtime story while counting down the days to Christmas.

A heartwarming chapter book about a boy and his Grandad, who go to the North Pole on a quest to find the next Santa. 

If you ever doubted that dinosaurs and Christmas would work well together, read this book. It is bursting with loveable characters, fast-paced adventure and, of course, Christmas spirit.

Harper suspects Mum’s new boyfriend, Nick, is really Father Christmas. He works with reindeer and has a big white beard, for goodness sake! But can she prove it? A fun, festive read. 

Featuring tons of reindeer poo, stolen mince pies, the fiercest grandma ever, a contrary reindeer, a flying wheelie bin and a riotous and irreverent look at the festive season, this is a book that, at its core, is about the true meaning of Christmas.

When the Archangel Gabriel inadvertently blasts several members of the nativity into a present-day Hampshire village, siblings Oscar and Molly embark on an epic quest to return them to Bethlehem and save Christmas. Bursting with humour, energy and plenty of heart, this entertaining tale is guaranteed to get readers in the festive mood.

A sensitive and fascinating portrayal of how Christmas might be experienced by a boy on the autistic spectrum, and how a therapy dog provides reassurance and helps him enjoy the festive season.

In 1875 orphan Blanche and her friend Rinki invent Christmas, with a little help from a crowd of magical elves all called Carol.

Holly and her family adore Christmas – but when they move house, they discover that not everyone is quite as obsessed. Can they find a way to spread the cheer? A fantastically festive treat!

The Grumpus hates Christmas. Will he be able to stop it? A beautifully illustrated, heart-warming festive delight.