Battle of the Santas

Dear Father Christmas

Usually jolly, sometimes grumpy, young and old - we've all got a favourite Father Christmas in fiction. Which book has the Santa that you love the most?

To get you started, here are just a few of Mr Claus' best moments: ho, ho, hooray!

  • Dear Father Christmas

    Dear Father Christmas

    Author: Alan Durant Illustrator: Vanessa Cabban
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 4-7
    Reading age: 5+

    Christmas is fast approaching and Holly writes to Father Christmas. To her surprise, he replies and the pair begin to exchange letters.

  • The Night Before Christmas

    The Night Before Christmas

    Author: Clement C Moore Illustrator: Christian Birmingham
    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Interest age: 4+
    Reading age: 6+

    There have been countless editions of Clement's poem but none has transcended this one illustrated by talented artist Christian Birmingham.

  • Stick Man

    Stick Man

    Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
    Publisher: Scholastic
    Interest age: 4-6

    The award-winning creators of The Gruffalo now present us with a modern variation on a long-established folk tale theme, which details the perilous adventures of a stick.

  • The Snowman Story Book

    The Snowman

    Author: Raymond Briggs
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 3+
    Reading age: 3+

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

  • The Polar Express

    The Polar Express

    Author: Chris Van Allsburg
    Publisher: Anderson Press
    Interest age: 4-6
    Reading age: 6+

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

  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    Author: C S Lewis
    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Interest age: 9+
    Reading age: 9+

    When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy - step through a wardrobe door in the strange country house where they are staying, they find themselves in the land of Narnia.

  • I Love You, Father Christmas

    I Love You, Father Christmas

    Author: Giles Andreae
    Publisher: Orchard
    Interest age: 1+
    Reading age: 5+

    A sweet picture book, full of engaging rhyme about one child's love for Father Christmas.

  • A Boy Called Christmas

    A Boy Called Christmas

    Author: Matt Haig Illustrator: Chris Mould
    Publisher: Canongate
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 10+

    A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and a boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic.

  • Father Christmas

    Father Christmas

    Author: Raymond Briggs
    Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
    Interest age: 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 grumpy and funny journey, revealing some beautifully illustrated moments of joy.