New Stories To Discover
This year’s new Christmas titles bring imaginative twists, heartfelt messages, and magical illustrations that are sure to capture young readers' hearts.
The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson, illustrated by Reggie Brown
Hope-filled, enchanting and exactly the thing for anyone who ever loved Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman (everyone, surely), The Snowman Code tells the story of a friendship: that of 10-year-old Blessing and 600-year-old Snowman, Albert Framlington. Albert has known many winters in a myriad of cities over his long life. This one finds him in London, where he is duty-bound by ‘the snowman code’ to help any child in need – and what Blessing needs most is help to overcome his horrible school bullies. But, in an excellent case of nominative determinism, Blessing proves that he is as much help to Albert as Albert is to him. From the award-winning screenwriter of Luca and Paddington 2.
Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
From the pen of renowned author of Artemis Fowl comes Juniper’s Christmas, a festive adventure set betwixt north London and, of course, the North Pole. We begin our tale with the unthinkable: Father Christmas has, a full decade ago, hung up his Santa hat and abandoned his duties. But when Juniper encounters the mysterious Niko in the park who just so happens to be surrounded by reindeer who just so happen to be able to fly, she enlists his help to find her mother who has gone missing, in the process reinstating the spirit of Christmas. Having come out in 2023, it stormed the New York Times best-seller list – if you missed it last year, make sure you rectify the oversight this year.
How Winston Came Home for Christmas by Alex T. Smith
Following the success of How Winston Delivered Christmas, Alex T. Smith returns with a delightful sequel that promises just as much warmth and excitement. How Winston Came Home for Christmas joins our favourite miniscule mouse, Winston, just five days before Christmas, as he faces a Very Curious Mystery. He's been having faint memories of another mouse and feels deep down that someone very dear to him is missing. Determined to return in time for Christmas, as he promised his best friend Oliver, Winston embarks on an adventurous journey around the world. Along the way, he’s joined by wonderful old friends and charming new companions as they help him in his quest to find the lost mouse.
The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever by L.D. Lapinski
L.D. Lapinski, beloved author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency series, brings us a cockle-warming new story in The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever. This tale centres around a laugh-out-loud festive conundrum: Harper and Will’s mum’s partner Nick just happens to have a big bushy beard, a thick red coat, a team of reindeer and just happens to be extremely busy around Christmas Eve – whatever can it mean? As they say, ‘With the Elf and Safety Department on the lookout for any unexplained festive magic, it's up to their family keep the biggest Christmas secret ever…’ Lapinski’s storytelling brims with festive spirit, making it a must-read for the Christmas season.
Classic Christmas Books to Rediscover
While new stories bring fresh perspectives, there’s something about the timeless appeal of classic Christmas books that never fades – they are, after all, the very stuff traditions are made of. These beloved tales have delighted generations and continue to capture the magic and warmth of the season. Here are a few classic Christmas stories for children that are worth revisiting year-on-year.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
No Christmas reading list would be complete without Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman. This wordless picture book, first published in 1978, tells the story of a boy who builds a snowman that magically comes to life. Together, they embark on a magical night-time journey, beautifully depicted through Briggs’ nostalgic illustrations. It’s a gentle story that captures the fleeting beauty of winter and the bittersweet nature of childhood. A classic that resonates with all ages, The Snowman is perfect for a cosy Christmas Eve read.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
For slightly older children, A Christmas Carol is an essential – if not *the* essential – Christmas classic. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from miser to a man of deep, heartfelt generosity offers up a timeless tale of redemption, compassion, and the Christmas spirit. This is a book that not only entertains year on year (we do love a good festive ghost) but also serves as a timely reminder about kindness and goodwill to all men. If the Victorians bequeathed to us Christmas as we know it, then of all the era’s most eminent people, Dickens had the greatest impact of all on the way in which we keep it. Not a humbug in sight.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! has been a seasonal favourite since it was published in 1957. The story of the grumpy Grinch, who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville only to discover that the true spirit of Christmas is something he cannot take away, is a humorous and heart-warming read. Its rhythmic verses and quirky illustrations make it an engaging choice for young children, while its themes of kindness and understanding resonate with readers of all ages.
The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann
The enchanting tale of The Nutcracker, based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, has become a festive staple, especially for fans of the ballet. Many illustrated versions of The Nutcracker bring Clara’s magical journey to life in vibrant detail, complete with sugarplum fairies and battles with the Mouse King. It’s a story that captures the wonder and whimsy of the season, making it a great choice for children who love fantasy and fairy tales.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express is a modern classic that captures the magic of Christmas Eve with breath-taking illustrations and a story filled with heart. The tale of a boy’s journey to the North Pole on a mysterious train speaks to the child in all of us, reminding readers to hold onto the wonder and belief that make Christmas so special. Perfect for bedtime reading as you set your stocking out in hopeful anticipation.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Letters from Father Christmas offers a unique and personal glimpse into the magic of Christmas through the eyes of beloved author J.R.R. Tolkien. Every December, Tolkien would write elaborate, beautifully illustrated letters to his children from ‘Father Christmas,’ describing life at the North Pole, complete with mischievous polar bears, goblins, and magical adventures. This collection of letters, gathered together in one enchanting book, transports readers to a whimsical world filled with humour, warmth, and love. Perfect for reading together year after year, Letters from Father Christmas celebrates the joy of storytelling and the spirit of family traditions.
Christmas Stories by Michael Morpurgo
Beloved children’s author Michael Morpurgo brings together a heart-warming collection of seasonal tales in Christmas Stories. This beautifully illustrated book includes some of Morpurgo's most cherished festive stories, such as The Best Christmas Present in the World, On Angel Wings, and The Goose is Getting Fat. Each story captures the essence of the season, blending themes of kindness, compassion, and the magic of Christmas with Morpurgo’s signature storytelling warmth. With memorable characters and touching narratives, this collection is ideal for reading aloud to children of all ages and will make a treasured addition to any family’s Christmas library. Perfect for cosy evenings by the fire.
The Snow Garden and Other Stories: A First Book of Christmas by Shirley Hughes
Snow in the Garden: A First Book of Christmas by the beloved author and illustrator Shirley Hughes is a beautiful collection that captures the essence of a traditional Christmas. This book is filled with festive poems, enchanting short stories, and simple recipes and crafts, all brought to life with Hughes’ nostalgic, charming illustrations. From delightful tales to seasonal activities, Snow in the Garden invites young readers to experience the magic in a truly interactive way. Ideal for families who want to share old-fashioned Christmas cheer, this book is perfect for winter evenings, through which children can listen to stories, try crafts, and revel in the excitement of the season.
