Christmas picture books to treasure

Christmas is the perfect time to settle down with your family for a story – and these lovely picture books are sure to do the trick. Whether you want to introduce your child to a beautiful story about winter magic or just have a good giggle about the side effects of too many sprouts, we’re sure you’ll find your new festive favourite here!

  • The Christmas Department Store

    by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Hoang Giang 

    2021 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    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.

  • Nibbles Christmas

    by Emma Yarlett 

    2021 0 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Funny
    • Interactive

    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. 

  • Elmer and the Gift

    by David McKee 

    2022 2 to 4 years 

    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.

  • Ketchup On Your Reindeer

    by Nick Sharratt 

    2020 2 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    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.

  • The Twelve Cats of Christmas

    by Alison Ritchie, illustrated by Marisa Morea 

    2020 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

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

  • The Beaver Who Saved Christmas

    by Will Millard, illustrated by Jo Lindley 

    2024 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    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.  

  • All I Want For Christmas (Rachel Bright)

    by Rachel Bright 

    2017 2 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    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.

  • Pick a Pine Tree

    by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis 

    2018 2 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    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.

  • The Night the Reindeer Saved Christmas

    by Raj Kaur Khaira, illustrated by Kasia Nowowiejska 

    2020 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    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?

  • Emily Brown and Father Christmas

    by Cressida Cowell, illustrated by Neal Layton 

    2018 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    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!

  • Santa’s Wonderful Workshop

    by Elys Dolan 

    2018 4 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    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. 

  • The Muttcracker

    by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie 

    2024 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    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. 

  • Santa Claus vs The Easter Bunny

    by Fred Blunt 

    2018 4 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    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.

  • Bunnies in a Sleigh: A Crazy Christmas Story!

    by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Ben Mantle 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    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. 

  • Is It Really Nearly Christmas?

    by Joyce Dunbar, illustrated by Victoria Turnbull 

    2019 4 to 9 years 

    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.

  • Christmas Lights

    by Ruth Symons, illustrated by Caroline Rabei 

    2020 4 to 7 years 

    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    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.

  • Santa Post

    by Emma Yarlett 

    2020 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    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.

  • Last Stop on the Reindeer Express

    by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Karl James Mountford 

    2017 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    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 Smells

    by Mark Sperring, illustrated by Sophie Corrigan 

    2021 4 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    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!

  • The Street Where Santa Lives

    by Harriet Howe, illustrated by Julia Christians 

    2025 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Diversity and inclusion

    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.

  • One Christmas in Our Building

    by Johanna Lindemann, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    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.  

  • An Odd Dog Christmas

    by author-illustrator Rob Biddulph 

    2021 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    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.

  • A Family Christmas

    by Alana Washington, illustrated by Emily Nash 

    2022 4 to 7 years 

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

  • How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?

    by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

    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. 

  • You Choose Christmas

    by Pippa Goodhart, illustrated by Nick Sharratt 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Interactive
    • Picture books

    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 Loves Christmas

    by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    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.   

  • Kid Christmas (of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop)

    by David Litchfield 

    2022 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    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…

  • The Little Fir Tree

    by Christopher Corr 

    2019 5 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    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.