The festive season is a time of enchantment, filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of giving. Amidst the many cherished traditions, one that holds a special place in the hearts of families across the UK is the act of reading Christmas books. To add an extra touch of magic to this special time, why not create a Christmas Book Nook – a snug spot dedicated to Christmas tales that will transport children into the whimsical world of Christmas wonders? In this blog post, we'll explore how to set up a Christmas Book Nook and present a carefully curated list of 20 classic Christmas books for children.
Creating a Christmas Book Nook
Transforming a corner of your home into a Christmas Book Nook is a delightful way to foster the love of reading during the festive season. Begin by choosing a cosy space – it could be a comfortable armchair, a window seat, or even a snug corner of the living room. Decorate the corner with festive touches such as twinkling fairy lights, plush holiday-themed cushions, and a warm, soft blanket. Add a small bookshelf or a stack of books to create an inviting display. Do you need help selecting the best old and new children's books? How about one of our Book Subscriptions for Kids? We will select the books for your child's book nook based on her or his interests and hobbies.
Consider incorporating holiday-themed wall decorations, a miniature Christmas tree, or even a string of garlands to enhance the magical atmosphere. The goal is to create a space that feels enchanting and encourages children to snuggle up with a good book.
Now, let's delve into the heart of our Christmas Book Nook – the Christmas books that will captivate children of all ages.
20 Christmas Books for Children
For the Little Ones (Ages 0+):
1. Dear Santa by Rod Campbell
A lift-the-flap book that lets children discover what Santa does to prepare for Christmas in this delightful and interactive story.
2. Snow in the Garden: A First Book of Christmas by Shirley Hughes
This beautifully illustrated book introduces the youngest readers to the magic of Christmas, featuring gentle rhymes and heart-warming scenes.
3. We're Going on a Sleigh Ride by Richard Byron
We're Going on a Sleigh Ride by Martha Mumford is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on a festive adventure filled with holiday cheer.
4. One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth
Follow Percy the Park Keeper and his woodland friends on a snowy adventure in this charming tale perfect for bedtime.
5. Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
Join Father Christmas on his busiest night of the year in this classic picture book with detailed illustrations that spark the imagination.
6. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
A wordless masterpiece, "The Snowman" tells a touching story through enchanting illustrations, making it a timeless Christmas classic.
7. The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg
This interactive book takes readers on a journey to deliver festive letters to well-loved fairy tale characters.
8. Mog's Christmas by Judith Kerr
Join Mog the cat in this heart-warming story about the chaos that ensues when Mog gets involved in the Christmas preparations.
9. How The Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
The Grinch's attempt to steal Christmas is a lesson in the power of love and kindness, delivered in Dr. Seuss's signature style.
10. The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
This heart-warming tale features a young boy named William Trundle who embarks on an extraordinary adventure with a dinosaur named the Christmasaurus.
11. There's an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
A playful and interactive story about a little, cheeky elf.
12. Greg the Sausage Roll: Santa’s Little Helper by Mark Hoyle
A hilarious story about a sausage roll's quest to find a place in the festive celebrations.
13. A House for Christmas Mouse by Rebecca Harry
A beautifully illustrated story that follows a little mouse on a journey to find a new home for Christmas.
14. Kipper's Christmas Eve by Mick Inkpen
Follow Kipper the dog as he prepares for Christmas, discovering the true meaning of the season along the way.
15. Dasher by Matt Tavares
A beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the origin story of Santa's reindeer, Dasher.
For Independent Readers:
16. Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens
For young detectives, this Christmas-themed mystery follows the adventures of Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong as they unravel a holiday whodunit.
17. Tinsel: The Girl Who Invented Christmas by Sibeal Pounder
A whimsical tale that explores the idea of how Christmas might not exist if it weren't for a clever and imaginative young girl named Tinsel.
18. The Miracle on Ebenezer Street by Catherine Doyle
A modern-day Christmas classic, this book weaves a magical tale about friendship, family, and the true spirit of Christmas.
19. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
20. One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell
One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell is a magical children's book featuring Theo, who discovers a special Christmas decoration with the power to grant wishes.
As the Christmas season approaches, a Christmas Book Nook offers a wonderful opportunity to instil a love of reading in children. The carefully selected Christmas books cater to various age groups, ensuring that every child can find a tale that captures their imagination. Set against the backdrop of a cosy and festive nook, these stories will create lasting memories and traditions for your family to cherish.