We have ideas about brilliant books you might enjoy if you love How The Grinch Stole Christmas – expect Christmas excitement and festive spirit galore.
Image: Dr Seuss
First published in 1957, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic picture book by Dr Seuss which has been loved by generations of children and families.
It has a glorious mix of humour, energetic illustrations, and a villain who comes good in the end. It’s the perfect antidote to the ongoing commercialisation of Christmas.
But once you’ve read this, and the follow-up – How the Grinch Lost Christmas – what should you read next? We’ve got some suggestions, and we’d love to hear yours too…
If you’re definitely a Who, not a Grinch, and love the pre-Christmas excitement, then these festive stories are for you.
For stories about the run-up to the Big Day, try Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht and Jarvis, about finding the perfect tree to decorate, and The Muttcracker by Anna Kemp and Sara Warburton, where a dog stars in the traditional ballet show.
And for the month of December, How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T Smith has a chapter to read every day of advent, along with Christmassy activity suggestions.
Christmas is about giving, not just receiving! You Choose Christmas by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt allows children to pore over many different options – including what they’d choose to give to others.
Likewise, The Christmas Department Store by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Hoang Giang has a boy looking for presents for his family.
The Grinch famously pretends to be Santa in order to steal the Whos’ presents. The following stories have children – and animals – helping Santa to deliver the presents.
The unshakeable Emily Brown and Stanley help Father Christmas deliver presents in Emily Brown and Father Christmas by Cressida Cowell – showing him that magic is better than technology.
An Odd Dog Christmas by Rob Biddulph has kind Odd Dog stepping in to pull the sleigh instead of a poorly Dasher, while Bunnies in a Sleigh by Philip Ardagh and Ben Mantle shows the chaotic hilarity of Santa asking some energetic bunnies for help.
by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Ben Mantle
2023 4 to 7 years
If you too are feeling Grinch-like and bemoaning the commercialisation of Christmas, curl up with these heartwarming books.
In The Street Where Santa Lives by Harriet Howe and Julia Christians, a little girl creates a community around her new neighbour, an old man who’s good at fixing things. But could he really be Santa Claus?
Similarly, neighbours rally round a family after there’s a disastrous dinner in One Christmas in Our Building by Johanna Lindemann and Andrea Stegmaier.
And in Chanukah Lights Everywhere by Michael J. Rosen and Melissa Iwai, a family enjoys looking at the different lights in their street – some menorahs, some Christmas decorations.
by Johanna Lindemann, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier
2023 4 to 7 years
Those are some of our ideas – but what about you? Let us know by getting in touch on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky.
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!
One of the loveliest things to do at Christmas is cuddle up and enjoy a good picture book together – and these classic stories have really stood the test of time.
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!
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