Classic Christmas books for festive times
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.
Fancy trying something more recent? These are our new festive favourites!
-
One Snowy Night
Author: Nick Butterworth
Interest level: 2+
Reading age: 6+
Flip -
One Snowy Night
Author: Nick Butterworth
Interest level: 2+
Reading age: 6+
This is a heartwarming story of animals in winter - the story teaches children to look and think about the world around them.
; Flip
-
The Jolly Christmas Postman
Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
Interest level: 5+
Reading age: 6+
Flip -
The Jolly Christmas Postman
Author: Allan Ahlberg Illustrator: Janet Ahlberg
Interest level: 5+
Reading age: 6+
Follow our favourite jolly postman as he delivers Christmas cards and gifts to fairytale folk
; Flip
-
The Snowman
Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Robin Shaw
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
Flip -
The Snowman
Author: Michael Morpurgo Illustrator: Robin Shaw
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 7+
To mark the 40th anniversary of Raymond Briggs' The Snowman, Michael Morpurgo has written a chapter book for those who hanker for …
; Flip
-
Mog's Christmas
Author: Judith Kerr
Interest level: 4+
Reading age: 5+
Flip -
Mog's Christmas
Author: Judith Kerr
Interest level: 4+
Reading age: 5+
The house is full of strange bustling, there are new noises and new smells, and where is that tree going? Disconcerted by all the …
; Flip
-
Pip and Posy: The Christmas Tree
Author: Axel Scheffler
Interest level: 2-4
Flip -
Pip and Posy: The Christmas Tree
Author: Axel Scheffler
Interest level: 2-4
Reading age:
Pip and Posy are putting up the Christmas tree. Mysteriously, when Posy goes to get some candy, she returns to find that one of th…
; Flip
-
Father Christmas
Author: Raymond Briggs
Interest level: 2+
Reading age: 5+
Flip -
Father Christmas
Author: Raymond Briggs
Interest level: 2+
Reading age: 5+
For poor Father Christmas, December 24th is the hardest night of work in the year. Raymond Briggs follows him on his wonderfully g…
; Flip
-
The Nights Before Christmas
Author: Various Illustrator: Tony Ross
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
Flip -
The Nights Before Christmas
Author: Various Illustrator: Tony Ross
Interest level: 9-11
Reading age: 9+
A beautifully illustrated collection of 24 classic stories, poems and carols that focus on the traditions and the spiritual origin…
; Flip
-
The First Noel: A Christmas Pop-Up
Author: Jan Pienkowski
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 6+
Flip -
The First Noel: A Christmas Pop-Up
Author: Jan Pienkowski
Interest level: 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 i…
; Flip
-
Lucy and Tom At Christmas
Author: Shirley Hughes
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 7+
Flip -
Lucy and Tom At Christmas
Author: Shirley Hughes
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 7+
A classic and heart-warming story about the excitement of Christmas, with many evocative illustrations to talk about.
; Flip
-
Mrs Pepperpot’s Christmas
Author: Alf Prøysen Illustrator: Hilda Offen
Interest level: 4+
Reading age: 7+
Flip -
Mrs Pepperpot’s Christmas
Author: Alf Prøysen Illustrator: Hilda Offen
Interest level: 4+
Reading age: 7+
Mrs Pepperpot’s shrinking habit can be very inconvenient, especially when she wants to go shopping for Christmas presents
; Flip
-
Father Christmas Goes on Holiday
Author: Raymond Briggs
Interest level: 3+
Reading age: 5+
Flip -
Father Christmas Goes on Holiday
Author: Raymond Briggs
Interest level: 3+
Reading age: 5+
Raymond Briggs' classic comic book has all of his trademark humour and an endearingly grumpy Father Christmas
; Flip
-
I Love You, Father Christmas
Author: Giles Andreae
Interest level: 1+
Reading age: 5+
Flip -
I Love You, Father Christmas
Author: Giles Andreae
Interest level: 1+
Reading age: 5+
A sweet picture book, full of engaging rhyme about one child's love for Father Christmas.
; Flip
-
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Author: Dr Seuss
Interest level: 4+
Reading age: 6+
Flip -
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Author: Dr Seuss
Interest level: 4+
Reading age: 6+
With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you'll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive se…
; Flip
-
Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star
Author: Petr Horacek
Interest level: 3+
Reading age: 4+
Flip -
Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star
Author: Petr Horacek
Interest level: 3+
Reading age: 4+
As Suzy and her friends prepare the tree on Christmas Eve, Suzy notices something missing and sets off in search of a Christmas St…
; Flip