Christmas books for younger readers (6-11)

The Christmasaurus

Author: Tom Fletcher Illustrator: Shane Devries
Publisher: Puffin
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 7+

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.

Operation Nativity

Author: Jenny Pearson Illustrator: Katie Kear
Publisher: Usborne
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

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.

Tinsel

Author: Sibéal Pounder
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

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

The First Noel: A Christmas Pop-Up

Author: Jan Pienkowski
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 6-11
Reading age: 6+

From the moment that Mary conceives Jesus to his birth in a humble stable, the Nativity is depicted simply and with great beauty in this five double-page spread pop-up book. A delightful gift book. 

I Killed Father Christmas

Author: Anthony McGowan Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Little Gems
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+

This enchanting festive tale is a poignant reminder of what Christmas is really about – love and kindness. With Christmas jokes and games hidden in the jacket flaps, this delightful tale is sure to become a firm Christmas favourite.

One Christmas Wish

Author: Katherine Rundell Illustrator: Emily Sutton
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Interest age: 6-9
Reading age: 7+

One Christmas Wish has the right amount of charm and mischief to delight young readers, and Emily Sutton’s beautiful illustrations evoke the Christmases we dream of: cosy, colourful and magical.

Christmas Dinner of Souls

Author: Ross Montgomery Illustrator: David Litchfield
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Interest age: 9-12
Reading age: 9-12

Although it has an overarching narrative, Christmas Dinner of Souls is also a collection of hair-raising and spine-tingling short stories. Some of these are deliciously, deliriously ghoulish, and if your child is the sort that hungers for chills and thrills, they will lap this up.

The Night I Met Father Christmas

Author: Ben Miller Illustrator: Daniela Terrazzini
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

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.

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’s Christmas Shenanigans

Author: Alex T. Smith
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 8+

The Nights Before Christmas

Author: Various Illustrator: Tony Ross
Publisher: Andersen Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

A beautifully illustrated collection of 24 classic stories, poems and carols that focus on the traditions and the spiritual origins of Christmas. Ideal shared reading for each December night of Advent.

The Dog That Saved Christmas

Author: Nicola Davies Illustrator: Mike Byrne
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

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.

A Christmas in Time

Author: Sally Nicholls
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6+

Ruby and Alex slip through a magical mirror to Christmas 1872 where they must race against time to save sad, motherless Edith from almost certain death at a cruel boarding school.

How Winston Came Home for Christmas

Author: Alex T Smith
Publisher: Macmillan
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 9+

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.

The Grumpus and his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan

Author: Alex T Smith
Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

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

The Christmas Carrolls

Author: Mel Taylor-Bessent Illustrator: Selom Sunu
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

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 Accidental Father Christmas

Author: Tom McLaughlin
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 7+

Father Christmas can’t remember who he is … and it’s all Ben’s fault! Ben must help him deliver the presents in time, or Christmas will be cancelled.

Humbug: The Elf Who Saved Christmas

Author: Steven Butler
Publisher: Scholastic
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

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.

Step Father Christmas

Author: L. D. Lapinski
Publisher: Orion
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 8+

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.