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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.

An illustration of a boy hugging a dog toy, with gifts at his feet and surrounded by holly and mistletoe, from the front cover of Dogger's Christmas

  • Dogger’s Christmas

    by Shirley Hughes 

    2020 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Calm, classic and atmospheric, this new story about Dave and his beloved toy Dogger is perfect for sharing in the days leading up to Christmas.

  • One Snowy Night

    by Nick Butterworth 

    2009 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    This is a heartwarming story of animals in winter – the story teaches children to look and think about the world around them.

  • The Snowman

    by Raymond Briggs 

    1978 2 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    James builds a snowman in the garden, then wakes up in the night to find that it has come to life.

  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas

    by Dr Seuss 

    2013 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Funny
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you’ll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive season. But when he hatches a dastardly plot to steal Christmas, he’s in for a big surprise!

  • The Polar Express

    by Chris Van Allsburg 

    2015 4 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy

    An enchanting Christmas story, beautifully written and illustrated with pictures full of warmth and light

  • Twas The Night Before Christmas

    by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by P.J. Lynch 

    2021 4 to 7 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    Award-winning illustrator P.J. Lynch brings his characteristically detailed, atmospheric illustrations to this well-loved poem in a beautiful edition of a Christmas classic.

  • The Jolly Christmas Postman

    by Allan Ahlberg, illustrated by Janet Ahlberg 

    2011 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

    Follow our favourite jolly postman as he delivers Christmas cards and gifts to fairytale folk

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A book could be the start of everything

Some children have a world of stories, but some have none at all – and this shouldn’t decide their future. We know that reading changes everything, that’s why we’re delivering 18,000 festive book parcels to children who need them most this Christmas. Please donate today to support BookTrust’s work all year round.

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