Inclusive Christmas books

Everyone deserves to be included in the festive fun at winter. Here are some Christmassy books that reflect the wonderful diversity of our society. We think they’re real crackers!

An illustration from the front cover of Where Bjorn Belongs - a boy in a hat and scarf smiling while hugging a smiling polar bear, with magical lights and colours swirling around them; a letter to Santa lies nearby
  • 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.

  • Santa’s Christmas Countdown

    by Kathryn Jewitt, illustrated by Sebastien Braun 

    2022 2 to 4 years 

    • Board books
    • Funny
    • Touch and feel books

    Santa’s lost his to-do list! Will he remember everything before Christmas? A fun touch-and-feel book starring a Black Santa.

  • 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?

  • Where Björn Belongs

    by Samuel Langley-Swain, illustrated by Mirna Imamović 

    2022 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Autistic spectrum conditions

    Arthur finds a real polar bear in his garden – but can he keep it? A heart-warming Christmas story.

  • A Stork in a Baobab Tree: An African Twelve Days of Christmas

    by Catherine House, illustrated by Polly Alakija 

    2015 5 to 9 years 

    • Around the world
    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    This Christmas tale explores African village life during the festive season. It would be particularly useful in schools, discussing how different people celebrate religious festivals.

  • Nikhil and Jay: Off to India

    by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Soofiya 

    2023 5 to 9 years 

    • Around the world
    • Chapter books

    This delightful first chapter book is illustrated in black and white on every page and is a great way for newly independent readers to experience Christmas in India in the company of two excited young boys.  

  • The Other Father Christmas

    by Serena Holly, illustrated by Shahab Shamshirsaz 

    2025 7 to 11 years 

    • Adventure
    • Diversity and inclusion

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

  • The Christmasaurus

    by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries 

    2016 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure

    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.

  • The Very Merry Murder Club

    By various, illustrated by Harry Woodgate, edited by Serena Patel and Robin Stevens 

    2021 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure

    Featuring stories by Elle McNicoll, Joanna Williams, Maisie Chan, Patrice Lawrence, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson, this is a festive treat of a book for all young mystery lovers: perfect with a cup of hot chocolate and a cosy chair.

  • The Grumpus and his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan

    by Alex T Smith 

    2022 9 to 14 years 

    • Chapter books
    • Funny

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