Five wintery tales to warm the heart this Christmas

Published on: 13 December 2021

Sarah Lean's beautiful Christmas story, The Good Bear, is all about a family that comes together in the most unlikely of circumstances. She shares her favourite comforting children's books for keeping warm when it's cold outside.

Author Sarah Lean and the cover of The Good Bear

The desire for love and harmony is at the heart of The Good Bear. When Thea reconnects with her father in Norway, she is jealous of his new family and behaves badly. Until she meets a bear. Through his immense presence, she learns empathy and compassion and a way to move forward. There are many stories that give us a view into the lives of families. Here are some seasonal tales to warm the heart which are all about those family bonds, in one way or another.

1. The Christmas Carrolls by Mel Taylor-Bessant

Family and the sense of being true to yourself is at the heart of The Christmas Carrolls. The joyous Holly Carroll narrates her funny, optimistic story of spreading Christmas good cheer every day. Written by Mel Taylor-Bessant who is the founder and star of Authorfy teaching resources.

2. The Snow Sister by Emma Carroll

A pacey, quick read with lots of wonderful historic Victorian details is The Snow Sister by Emma Carroll (no relation to Holly!). Pearl makes herself a sister from snow to remind her of Agnes who she has loved and lost. This story has the most beautiful outcome.

3. Snowglobe by Amy Wilson

Clementine is beginning to feel her magic in Amy Wilson’s Snowglobe, as well as the wrath of feuding aunts.Entering a spellbound house, she begins the search for her mother and discovers what has been kept in the snow globes for years.

Snowglobe by Amy Wilson

4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a classic for so many reasons, but particularly the aspirations and fates of the March sisters. Winter brings particular trials, especially when Jo and Amy fall out and an ice-skating accident highlights their close family bonds.

5. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

One of the most striking classic wintry picture books has to be The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. Even though it contains no words, the illustrations convey the most glorious and moving of stories celebrating the magic of togetherness. It’s absolutely perfect for families to share quietly, or narrate the adventure of a boy and his snowman to each other.

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

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