This year has proved to be a bumper year for festive stories, whether they are about the traditional holidays, or just about the winter season.
Macmillan, 9781529095708
“The Spirit of Christmas” by Nancy Tillman is a charming board book that embodies the spirit of Christmas. It is written in verse and reads in a similar vein to “The Night before Christmas”. The important bit at the end reminds us that the festive season is all about those we love and sharing that feeling.
Macmillan, 9781529087055
“What the Ladybird heard at Christmas” by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks reveals how the ladybird and her friends foil a burglary on Christmas night; despite being very small they are not helpless and turn the tables on the nasty burglars. Yet another great story told in rhyme and part of a series featuring the ladybird.
Happy Yak, 978071126828
“The Big Christmas Bake” by Fiona Barker and Pippa Curnick takes “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and turns it in to something quite different. There are children, penguins, dancing hippos and a wide assortment of amusing participants. A brilliant read for younger children
Andersen Press, 9781839130335
“Tiny Reindeer” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros is a joyous celebration of Christmas which leaves a lovely warm feeling when you read it. Tiny reindeer just wants to be able to help, but he is too small to do any of the jobs the others do. Santa asks him to read through the last of the children’s letters and then Tiny discovers one that he thinks he can help with. We join him as he hopes to make a little girl’s dream come true.
Little Tiger, 9781801040129
“The Christmas Department Store” by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Hoang Giang reminds us that we don’t need to give expensive gifts to show we love our family and friends at this season. When Benji is drawn into the magical store, he discovers the perfect presents for his family and it is all about feelings, memories and showing love. A wonderful message for all of us.
Frances Lincoln, 9780711262935
“Kid Christmas of the Klaus Brothers Toy Shop” by David Litchfield is a brilliant story about the origins of Christmas and how the young Nicky Claus, who works in his uncles’ toy shop wants to bring gifts to children who usually miss out. As always with David Litchfield the illustrations are fabulous and the story is full of magic and Christmas spirit.
Nosy Crow, 9781839944994
“We disagree about this tree” by Ross Collins features our favourite Mouse and Bear as they try and decide how to celebrate Christmas. Decorating the tree is a bone of contention, with neither of them wanting the same as the other. However, as with all real friendships, they eventually find common ground and enjoy each other’s company around the final tree.
Walker Books, 9781406397673
“Through the North Pole Snow” by Polly Faber and Richard Jones brings us a very different take on the story of Father Christmas. It tells the tale of a young fox trying to find something to eat in the snowy wastes of the far north. When he falls through the snow, he finds himself being rescued by an old man who lives in the snow covered house. Several months follow, until spring arrives and they are able to get out into the newly refreshed landscape. As the year progresses we begin to guess who the old man is, but it is a wonderful surprise when the fox finds himself helping Father Christmas deliver gifts around the world.
Owlet Press, 9781913339494
“The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince” by Ian Eagleton and David Ortu is a stunning interpretation of the Snow Queen, but in this story we have a very inclusive variation on the story. The young woodcutter, Kai, lives alone and spends his days carving wonderful statues, in the hope that people will pass-by and see them, but no one does. Then one Christmas eve he is visited by the magical Snow Prince, who is brought to life for one night every year. What follows is a story of friendship, love and hope. The ending should leave you feeling a warm glow inside, despite the snow and ice.
Owlet Press, 9781913339449
“Where Bjorn belongs” by Samuel Langley-Swain and Mirna Imamovic tells the story of young Arthur who loses his beloved toy polar bear and writes to Father Christmas asking for a new one for Christmas. Magic happens when he discovers a real baby bear in his garden at Christmas and despite his mother’s misgivings they look after the bear, until it starts to be too big. Arthur asks Father Christmas to look after Bjorn and of course his request is granted. However this is just the start of a wonderful friendship between a boy and a bear.
Scallywag Press, 9781912650989
“The After Christmas Tree” by Bethan Welby is the paperback edition of this delightful book about a small tree that is forgotten after the Christmas festivities are ended. Young Brian decides to try and save it, but he needs a bit of magical help from the wildlife to make things happen.
Bloomsbury, 9781526632210
“We’re going on a Sleigh Ride” by Martha Mumford and Cherie Zamazing is a take on the favourite rhyme featuring a bear and a family. This version has Father Christmas and a sleigh full of gifts and toys as they visit children around the world. The story is fast, furious and full of fun, with lots of lift-the-flap options, to see what presents are hidden underneath.
HarperCollins, 9780008413361
“An Odd Dog Christmas” by Rob Biddulph It is Christmas Eve and Odd Dog has still not found a present for her friend. But when she sees a sign about the festivities she follows it and finds herself helping pull the sleigh for Father Christmas, as Dasher is not well enough to be part of the team. Odd Dog also learns that simple gifts ‘from the heart’ are better than expensive gifts. A delightful rhyming story featuring a favourite canine and with the author’s signature illustrations
Graffeg, 9781913134846
“Gaspard’s Christmas” by Zeb Soanes and James Mayhew is the fourth in the series about the fox called Gaspard, and based on a city fox who visits the author’s garden. This is a timely reminder that many people face homelessness and hardship, especially at this time of year and we all need to do what we can to help. Beautiful illustrations, as always, from James Mayhew; making this a new classic for this season.
Penguin, 9780241488898
“Jim’s spectacular Christmas” by Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler is a story aimed at those who are just beginning to read for themselves, or who can enjoy a slightly longer story. Jim, the hero, is a dog who lives at the Victoria and Albert Museum as the unexpected pet of Sir Henry Cole. The illustrations are by the legend that is Axel Scheffler and really bring the Victorian period to life, as we see Jim deliver the first Christmas Card to Queen Victoria. The book is not divided into chapters, but it would be possible to have sections to be read over several days. A lovely story, full of Christmas spirit.
***************************************************
Older Reads
Usborne, 9781803705033
“Operation Nativity” by Jenny Pearson puts a whole new twist on the story of the nativity. When the Angel Gabriel gets things wrong, he ends up in 2022 and so do the shepherds, wise man and even Mary and Joseph. It is up to the children Oscar and Molly to try and find all these characters and somehow get them back to the correct time and place, so that the Christmas story actually takes place. It is a brilliantly funny story that deserves a place in every Christmas collection.
Macmillan, 9781529041613
“The Grumpus: and his Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan” by Alex T Smith takes this anti-hero and help him discover the warmth and meaning of Christmas. This is the third year that Alex T Smith has given us such a fantastic story and he just keeps getting better and better. The illustrations are amazing and the characters will touch your hearts. However, I don’t think that the love of brussel sprouts is going to be increased anytime soon. (they are the Grumpus’s favourite food!!)
HarperCollins, 9780008334307
“Virtually Christmas” by David Baddiel and Steve Lenton shows what happens when we allow computers and technology to take over our lives. Father Christmas is no longer real and everything is done with AI and robots. How Etta and Monty go on a quest to find the real Santa and bring back the true meaning of Christmas makes for a fun-filled adventure that I loved.
Scholastic, 9780702315879
“Humbug, the Elf that saved Christmas” by Steven Butler turns our idea of Father Christmas and his helpers on its head. Forget about the factory and house from “Santa Claus, the movie”, this North Pole has a hierarchy of elves and when you are part of the ‘poo burning team’ then that is it, for generations and you don’t even get to eat any mince pies. Humbug wants to change things, but it is not going to be an easy task. A brilliant story where the elves have a language all of their own.
Simon & Schuster, 9781398515819
“Secrets of a Christmas Elf” by Ben Miller is the second story featuring Holly Christmas (yes her dad is Father Christmas) and in this tale Holly finds herself in a race against time, as her father is kidnapped and the festivities are fast approaching. Can she save the day as well as all of her family. This is a fast and furious story full of action, as we follow Holly’s pursuit of the villains.
Farshore, 9780755503742
“The Christmas Carrolls: The Christmas Competition” by Mel Taylor-Bessant and Selom Sunu sees the famous Christmas Carrolls in a race to prove that they are the most festive family in the land. This time they are in competition with a family called Klaus, who are determined to prove that they are the most Christmasy. The problem is that they are very wealthy and will stop at nothing to win the competition.
Nosy Crow, 9781839945908
“Murder at Snowfall” by Fleur Hitchcock is the fourth (?) in her series of murder mysteries for middle grade readers. I must admit that I am biased as I have known the author for years, as part of the Bath group of children’s authors. If you love Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine then you will definitely enjoy these books.
A couple of other books to have on your radar are these
“Elf Road: An Epic Christmas adventure” by Jacqui Hazell Nowness books, 9780995726864
“The Christmasaurus Cracker” by Tom Fletcher. Puffin, 978-0241624456
A Happy Christmas to everyone.
“Little Santa” by Jon Agee is a delightful take on how Santa became the focus of Christmas that he has become. It is about doing what is right for you, rather than just following everyone else; a great addition to the Christmas collection.
Hissey is a look at her famous collection of toys as they start to decorate the tree for Christmas. When the star for the top cannot be found, Little Bear gets worried. A midnight visit to the attic eventually finds the hidden glittery star, but then he loses it in the snow outside. However, with a bit of Christmas magic, the tree eventually has its crowning glory!
The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandoy is a magical look at what happens to a small Norwegian pine tree as it grows into a tall and strong tree. It is brought to another country and city (London), where it is the centre of celebrations and helps people remember the true meaning of the festivities. This is the story of the Trafalgar Square tree that is gifted by the Norwegian people, in thanks for the help they received in WW2.
on the classic story by Clement Clark Moore, however this is about how the mice prepare and spend Christmas. It is a bright and vibrant story of family and friendship and the joy of the festive season. There are echoes of the Brambly Hedge stories and you can see this especially in the highly detailed and energetic illustrations. This is definitely one that should be a classic read.
“Santa’s Stolen Sleigh” (Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton sees our two heroes, Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam back in action. When Santa’s elves become ill, a polar bear called Flo offers to help with toy making, but then she steals Santa’s sleigh, so she can have a ride. Luckily things turnout well in the end and Flo is very remorseful.
Jane Ray is a beautiful and timeless story of Christmas, family and the sense of community that is found in fishing villages around the world. When Grace’s father does not get home for her Christmas concert she worries about his boat, out in a tempestuous sea. Luckily she has a guardian angel, called Hope, who answers the call and guides the vessels back to port. The illustrations are yet another triumph form the magical Jane Ray and they really add to the joy in te book.
Christmas, however this time it has Santa as the main character and looks at what he sees when he is flying with his reindeer. The theme is about caring for our planet and being more green about the way we behave. It is a great and humorous story but with a strong eco message.
Christmas, but mixed with the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Feeding time at the zoo is exciting as Croc gets increasingly larger meals, until he finally is ready to burst, but of course he doesn’t and his keepers put him on vegetarian diet for a while.
elephant called FanFan. when the latter can’t be found on Christmas Eve, Noah is worried and finding it hard to go to sleep. But FanFan is on his annual secret mission, together with lots of other toys; they meet up with Santa and let him know what their child would like for Christmas. This means that everyone gets a present that they wanted and of course on Christmas morning Noah finds his faithful friend is safely home.
best known children’s authors. When Jack’s favourite toy Dur Pig (DP) is thrown out of a car window, he is distraught and even a replacement pig does not help. This is a totally magical story of lost toys and the love that a child has for a favourite toy. It is also a story about families, as Jack’s dad has gone and his mum is just beginning a new relationship; however, the daughter of the new friend is not happy and she is the one who threw DP out of the car. The twin elements of the story are all about accepting change and understanding that there can be new loves, even though you never forget the old.
of the toy-makers for Father Christmas. When things start going wrong and toys are being stolen, can Tog do anything to help solve the mystery, with the help of Santa’s daughter Holly? This is a great read for the 7-9 age group and will definitely bring on the Christmas spirit.
Christmas, it is up to his children, but especially his daughter Clara, to try and save the day, by making sure all the presents are delivered. This is a delightful and very funny story for the young confident reader
“How Winston came home for Christmas” by Alex T Smith is the gorgeous follow up to the star |Christmas book from last year. Once again we have the story told in 24 chapters, so that you can read one for every day of Advent. This time, Winston is on the hunt for a missing mouse and has lots of adventures on the way. The book is full of recipes, craft ideas and that magical something that we all want from a Christmas story. A totally glorious read.
family who take their love of Christmas to the extreme. They celebrate it throughout the year and can’t understand those who just celebrate in December. When they move house and Holly starts at a new school, they find they are definitely meeting a lot of “Bah Humbug” feelings, so can they change people’s minds? A brilliant look at what ‘being different’ can mean and how we can stay true to ourselves, whilst understanding the different views of others.
Devries is the third adventure featuring this totally unique dinosaur and his friends. When Santa does his annual weigh-in of the Naughty and Nice lists, he discovers that there are far too many children on the naughty list. If not enough children receive presents then Christmas cannot take place, and that would be a disaster! The Christmasaurus decides to intervene and get children moved from naughty to nice.
“The Santa List” by Kieran Crowley is another story about the naughty list. |this time, the siblings, Aisling and Joe have been playing tricks on their new babysitter and she has sent a letter to Santa, putting them on the naughty list. Can the children redeem themselves and get on the nice list; that is, if they can recover the list, which they have managed to lose! A brilliant read for the festive season.
around “A Boy called Christmas”. This time the hero is the small mouse, Miika, who faces moral dilemmas when he wants to be friends with the only other mouse at the North Pole, but they are not as honest as he is, so eventually decisions have to be made. With the release of the film version of “A Boy called Christmas“, this new story set in the same world is bound to be a hit.
story that follows a group of characters as they board the night train, which will take them to a place where their dreams can come true. However, they have to reach their destination by midnight, otherwise they will not dream; unfortunately on this night there is an obstruction on the track and everyone has to work together to make things right. It is a great story for younger readers, with lots of bright and atmospheric illustrations that bring the story alive.
and the excitement of preparing for a ‘Snow Ball’. The preparations are magical; from carving out a huge ballroom in the snow, to everyone baking and cooking a huge feast for everyone to share. this gives a warm and cosy feel to the reader.
“Wishyouwas” by Alexandra Page. It is the lead up to Christmas 1952 and Penny Black has been sent to stay with her Uncle Frank, who runs a small post office in central London. Penny’s mother is a pilot for the Royal Mail and flies post to Europe and back; but Penny is hoping that she will be back home in time to celebrate Christmas. What Penny does not expect, is to discover what she initially thinks is a rat, but turns out to be something very special indeed. This small creature speaks English and says his name is ‘Wishyouwas’; he is a ‘Sorter’ and this group of creatures have made it their purpose to try and retrieve lost post and make sure it finds its rightful recipient. However, the Sorters are under threat from the Royal Mail Rat Catcher and Penny finds herself trying to save them and prove how useful they would be to the service. This is a wonderful story about friendship, family and also being open to new ideas and accepting others who are very different. Alexandra Page has created a new Christmas classic and I know it will be a firm favourite for children and adults alike.
which the young Maya finds herself transported back to the Frost Fair of 1788, where she meets a young boy called Eddie. She thinks he is being kidnapped, but finds that he has run away from home, because he is being treated as an invalid and not allowed any freedom. How Maya helps him and also makes changes to lives in the present day, makes for a perfect Christmas tale.
collection of murder and mystery stories, written by some of our most talented writers for Middle Grade readers. The stories range from dead bodies to stolen treasures and each of them gives the reader opportunities to use their “little grey cells”. This has kept me happily engrossed over several days waiting to collect someone in my car.