Christmas Books for Children – Our pick of the best new releases and classics!

Santa & Son by David Walliams | Harper Collins

It’s Christmas Eve, and a robbery is underway in the world’s most famous toy shop. Trapped inside, Santa and his son must outsmart the thieves using only the toys around them — pogo sticks, slime, stink bombs, and more!

Santa & Son is a hilarious, action-packed Christmas adventure destined to become a modern classic.

What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas by Julia Donaldson

Afestive treat from bestselling duo Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks. When the ladybird visits her friend the spider, she overhears Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len plotting to steal the children’s presents. But this clever little ladybird has a brilliant plan to stop them and save Christmas!

The Very Last Christmas Present by Adam Baron | Harper Collins Books

Father Christmas has a problem — he’s forgotten one last present! With the reindeer too tired to fly, his young dog Kado must pull the sleigh and save Christmas. Together they race across continents and oceans on a magical journey, leading to the biggest surprise of all inside the forgotten gift.

Paddington’s Twelve Days of Christmas by Michael Bond | Harper Collins

Everyone in the Brown family is singing about some wonderful Christmas gifts they’ve received. But Paddington can’t even find the partridge in a pear tree! He sets out to solve the mystery and is soon planning a spectacular Christmas Day surprise …Sing along with Paddington Bear in this funny festive story!

Kringle’s Emporium: A Magical Christmas Adventure by Jemma Hatt | Elmside Publishing

When Laney and Ben stumble into Kringle’s Emporium, they uncover a world of hidden magic — and a threat to Christmas itself. Joined by Ben’s cheeky sister Millie, they must unlock the shop’s secrets, outsmart a shadowy organisation, and face down school bullies before Christmas Day arrives. A thrilling, heart-warming adventure where courage and magic shine in the most unexpected places.

Dear Santa: A lift-the-flap Christmas book  by Rod Campbell | Macmillan Childrens Books

“I wrote to Santa to send me something special for Christmas…” Little ones will love lifting the flaps to discover what Santa has sent in this festive favourite from Rod Campbell. With bright artwork, a touch-and-feel surprise, and a shiny gold cover, Dear Santa is the perfect Christmas gift for toddlers.

Barrie Saves Christmas by Stephen Mangan | SCHOLASTIC

Barrie the St Bernard would rather nap by the fire than brave blizzards and avalanches. But when his humans, Carrie and Laurence, discover a secret network of postbox tunnels used by squirrels to deliver Father Christmas’s presents, adventure calls! With a mischievous elf threatening to sabotage the system, Barrie and the kids must spring into action to save Christmas!

The Night I Met Father Christmas: A festive picture book adventure by Ben Miller | Simon & Schuster

Join Jackson on a magical Christmas Eve adventure in Ben Miller’s enchanting picture book, beautifully illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. Determined to stay awake to meet Father Christmas, Jackson gets the surprise of a lifetime when the man in red appears — and takes him on an unforgettable sleigh ride around the world.

That’s not my Winter Wonderland by Fiona Watt | Usborne

This exciting touchy-feely book explores delightful wintery scenes and features sparkly foiled pages as well as a light-up surprise. From penguins with fluffy tummies skating on a frozen pond, to Santa’s magical workshop, to a snowflake scene lit with twinkling lights. The perfect gift for babies and toddlers.

The Elf On The Shelf Santaverse: The Rise Of Nicholas The Noble by Chanda A. Bell | Farshore

Before the Elf on the Shelf, there was Nicholas — a young boy destined to save the enchanted world of the elves, One True North. Shipwrecked in the Arctic with his loyal dog Barry, Nicholas discovers a hidden realm and the powerful Lumistella Stone — a fragment of the Christmas star that spreads love and goodwill. But when the dark force Gangleri threatens to steal it, Nicholas must find the courage to protect the magic of Christmas.

A Reindeer Called Joy by Helen Peters | Nosy Crow

When young animal-lover Jasmine finds an injured reindeer calf named Joy, she’s determined to help her recover. But with Christmas fast approaching, Joy has a very special job to do — and time is running out. A heart-warming festive tale from Helen Peters, perfect for readers aged 7 and up.

The Merry Christmas Murders: a thrilling new murder-mystery series: Volume 1 | by Alexandra Benedict | Simon & Schuster

Murder is afoot in this thrilling new mystery series. When a string of murders strikes during the Christmas Cup competition — each linked to a mince pie marked with a mysterious letter — five neurodivergent kids must use their unique talents to crack the code, catch the killer, and save their club before it’s too late. A clever, heart-filled festive mystery celebrating difference, friendship, and the power of seeing the world differently.

Charlie and the Christmas Factory: A glorious collection of festive short stories | by Roald Dahl | Puffin

A star-studded line-up of authors — including Pamela Butchart, Hannah Gold, and Adam Kay — bring twelve brand-new festive tales inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved characters. Find out why Matilda fears the naughty list, what happens when George’s granddaughter brews her own marvellous medicine, and how Charlie celebrates Christmas at the chocolate factory. A magical, laugh-out-loud Christmas collection perfect for readers aged 8–12.

Pocket Potters Little Guides to the HARRY POTTER Stories by JK Rowling | Bloomsbury Children’s Books

A beautifully illustrated, collectible series celebrating Harry, Ron, Hermione, and more wizarding favourites to come! Perfect for young readers and lifelong fans alike, each mini guide is packed with magical facts, quotes, and vibrant artwork — without any spoilers. Discover fun details about Hogwarts life, iconic objects, and unforgettable moments — and start your Pocket Potters collection today!

The Boy Who Grew Dragons: A Christmas Delivery by Andy Shepherd | Templar

Tomas and Lolli’s dragons love Christmas — maybe a little too much! When a new snow dragon hatches on Christmas Eve, she turns their garden into a snowy wonderland. But with so much snow, the presents can’t be delivered! Can Tomas, Lolli, Grandad, and the dragons work together to save Christmas? A magical, mischievous festive adventure for younger fans of The Boy Who Grew Dragons.

The Horse Dreamer by Holly Surplice | Chicken Books

When Merryn loses her father, a mysterious horse named Sorrel appears in a storm — a creature of sea and wood, as if born from her dreams. Through summer and autumn, their bond grows, but as Christmas nears, Merryn must find the strength to help her family heal. A heartfelt, magical story for readers aged 9 and up.

Sprouts by Sibéal Pounder | Bloomsbury Children’s Books

In the year 4024, Christmas happens every day — Santa rules the world, elves are holograms, and even the food tastes like candy canes! But for banished witch Gryla Garland, Christmas comes only once a year. When Santa’s daughter Merrilee crashes into her life, the two discover that endless festivities may not be so merry after all. A funny, festive adventure about rediscovering the true magic of Christmas — perfect for fans of Tinsel.

Dasher by Matt Tavares | Walker Books

Dasher is a little doe with a big dream — to live beneath the North Star with snow under her hooves. When she escapes the circus one night, she meets a kind man in a red suit and discovers the true magic of Christmas. A beautifully illustrated, heartwarming tale.

The Snowy Penguin by Holly Webb | Little Tiger

Bella joins her mum on a penguin expedition in Antarctica, where she spots a rare pale penguin — and a ghostly pirate ship that vanishes before her eyes. When she meets Jules, a boy from the 1800s, Bella discovers a magical mystery that could endanger the penguin itself. A charming, wintry adventure from bestselling author Holly Webb.

The Special Gift by Ruth Doyle | Orchard Books

On a snowy night, Donkey is swept far from home, feeling lost and without purpose. But a magical bird’s message and a shining star lead him on a journey to discover his own gifts — and to help other lost animals find theirs too. A beautifully illustrated festive tale of friendship, hope, and the true spirit of giving by Ruth Doyle and Carmen Saldaña.