Christmas picture books to treasure

Not all families can afford a picture-perfect Christmas and some children may feel sad and left out from the celebrations. This heart-warming book shows littles ones that you don’t have to have a lot of money or presents to have a special time at Christmas.

Emma Yarlett’s lovable book-munching monster strikes again, this time in a Christmas-themed board book that counts down the days until Christmas. Young children, who act on impulse just like Nibbles, will root for him from the outset and delight in the joy and silliness. 

Aunt Zelda has something to give Elmer, but she can’t remember where or what it is! A gentle story depicting life with elderly relatives.

Do you like ketchup on your Christmas tree? What about dog biscuits on your feet? Nick Sharratt’s Christmassy flip book is great for little ones just starting to read.

This rhyming, feline take on the twelve days of Christmas is a purr-fectly delightful countdown picture book that young animal lovers will adore. 

Elin and her grandad must save a family of beavers after their habitat is filled with plastic and rubbish. A heartwarming story which includes lots of information and an activity inspiration. 

A welcome addition to Rachel Bright’s hug-a-licious series – and a timely reminder that the festive season is about more than just receiving presents.

Putting up a tree is such an exciting part of Christmas for many little ones, so it’s lovely to see it featured as a whole story in itself here. A beautiful and nostalgic-feeling book that’s a wonderful one to share.

A gorgeous collection of poems to read in the run-up to Christmas. Warm, humorous and inclusive – ideal for reading with young children.

It’s Christmas Eve and Santa is getting ready to deliver all the presents – but disaster strikes and his sleigh won’t fly! Will he find the perfect helper to save Christmas?

Father Christmas is on a mission to be modern this year. But are the old ways sometimes best? The unshakeable Emily Brown is just the girl to sort Santa out and save everyone’s Christmas. Fabulously fun and festive!

Father Christmas is planning for another year but is beset by continual problems. He brings in some additional penguin workers, but they’re rather rowdy and things keep going wrong. Like all Dolan’s picture books, this is utterly joyful and endlessly original. 

Will Biff the ballerina dog be the Sugar Plum Fairy – or have to settle for a less starry part? A joyous tale of friendship and positivity. 

Fred Blunt’s anarchic, hilarious story delights with a fat, complacent Santa and an exhausted, desperate Bunny whose bad deed manages to come right in the end. A delightful mash-up (or meltdown) of festive characters, full of genuine laughs.

This absolutely brilliant Christmas romp of a picture book is a real delight. Ardagh’s rhyming text rolls off the tongue very satisfactorily and there are lots of nice repetitive moments that invite little ones to repeat along and even shout out – particularly when the sleigh appears to be headed straight for a clock tower! Ben Mantle’s lovely illustrations are full of great details, and the bunnies are incredibly cute. 

There’s only one more sleep until Christmas, but Lucas cannot wait! A soothing classic story about the magic of Christmas and the anticipation felt in the run up. A perfect read for settling down excited children on Christmas Eve.

At the end of the day, as the light fades, a little girl and her dad set off in the car to drive home for Christmas. This short, cosy, atmospheric book is full of paper flaps and clever interactive features.

After Amy’s letter to Santa is damaged, will he and the elves be able to figure out what she wants for Christmas? A heartwarming picture book with a fun, interactive element.

Mia is transported into the Reindeer Express, a magical sorting office, as she tries to get her Christmas card to Daddy in time. A sweet and heartfelt story about Christmas for a child whose parents are separated.

Jingle the skunk wants to see the Christmas lights in town – but when he hears a cry for help from a reindeer on the roof, it’s time for this smelly little skunk to become a hero and save Christmas!

Could the new neighbour really be Santa? One girl is convinced he is – and when it’s winter, he needs her help. A heartwarming story about community, with gorgeous illustrations.

When Emma’s turkey goes missing, her neighbours join forces to ensure she has an extra special Christmas day. A heart-warming picture book, full of Christmas spirit.  

Dasher has a cold, and after a chance encounter, Odd Dog steps up to help pull Santa’s sleigh – but is she going to have time to shop for gifts? A heartwarming addition to the Odd Dog series.

Join a loving family as they share their Christmas Day traditions. Inclusive and tender, this is a warm hug of a book.

This absolutely brilliant Christmas picture book is just as deadpan and hilarious as you might expect, given this is the team that gave us Circle and Square, and The Wolf, the Duck and the Mouse. New and old fans of Klassen’s will love his adorable, offbeat illustration, and the text is warm and quirky too. A real treat. 

A festive treat of a book that will provide stimulus for conversation, imaginative dreaming and much bonding over choosing the same thing! Fun, brightly illustrated and part of a brilliant series. 

Luna and her family are doing something a little different this year for Christmas – they’re volunteering. First, Luna helps Mum deliver food bank packages to neighbours and then she and Dad bake cookies for the big community Christmas dinner. A truly magical book and a real celebration of community and family.   

A heartfelt retelling of the Father Christmas legend. In this festive picture book, young apprentice toy-maker Nicky Claus sets out to deliver a special toy to every child so that they can feel happy, at least for one day…

In this beautifully illustrated modern retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, the values of appreciating what we already have and the cycles of nature are explored. The story of the little fir tree is brought to life with the vivid, folk-inspired artwork.