Inclusive and Diverse Christmas books

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.

The Naughtiest Unicorn at Christmas

Author: Pip Bird Illustrator: David O’Connell
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

Join in the festive fun at Unicorn School with Mira and Dave – the naughtiest unicorn!

A Family Christmas

Author: Alana Washington Illustrator: Emily Nash
Publisher: Uclan Publishing
Interest age: 4-5

Join a loving family as they share their Christmas Day traditions. Inclusive and tender, this is a warm hug of a book.

The Very Merry Murder Club

Author: Various authors Editor: Serena Patel and Robin Stevens Illustrator: Harry Woodgate
Publisher: Farshore
Interest age: 9-11
Reading age: 9+

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 Christmas Department Store

Author: Maudie Powell-Tuck Illustrator: Hoang Giang
Publisher: Little Tiger

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.

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

Author: Catherine House Illustrator: Polly Alakija
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Interest age: 5-8
Reading age: 7+

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

Author: Chitra Soundar Illustrator: Soofiya
Publisher: Otter-Barry
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 7+

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.

Where Björn Belongs

Author: Samuel Langley-Swain Illustrator: Mirna Imamović
Publisher: Owlet Press
Interest age: 4-5

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

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 Night the Reindeer Saved Christmas

Author: Raj Kaur Khaira Illustrator: Kasia Nowowiejska
Publisher: Studio Press
Interest age: 4-5

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?

Santa’s Christmas Countdown

Author: Kathryn Jewitt Illustrator: Sebastien Braun
Publisher: Townhouse Publishing Ltd
Interest age: 2-3

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

Leah’s Star

Author: Margaret Bateson-Hill Illustrator: Karin Littlewood
Publisher: Alanna Max
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 5+

This delightful version of the ancient Nativity tale is told through the eyes of the young girl Leah, the inn-keeper's daughter in Bethlehem. Her story tells a touching and human tale of two first-time parents about to experience the birth of their child together.

Inclusive Christmas books