{"id":11624,"date":"2025-11-13T14:00:50","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T14:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/?p=11624"},"modified":"2025-11-17T15:51:14","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T15:51:14","slug":"christmas-books-for-children-our-pick-of-the-best-new-releases-and-classics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/2025\/11\/christmas-books-for-children-our-pick-of-the-best-new-releases-and-classics\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Books for Children – Our pick of the best new releases and classics!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At LittleBird.co.uk we are passionate about sharing the magic of stories, helping kids fall in love with reading and to keep that love of books growing as they do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing better than seeing a child\u2019s face light up when they get lost in a book or meet a new favourite character. Whether it\u2019s a laugh-out-loud adventure or a cosy bedtime story, we are passionate about doing our bit to help children discover how special reading can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also love shouting about the amazing publishers and authors who make these stories possible. From exciting new talent to brand-new Christmas releases, we\u2019re always on the lookout for books that bring a bit of sparkle, wonder, and joy that we can share with our LittleBird family for their families. Championing fresh voices and festive favourites and helping families find new stories to fall in love with, year after year is such a joy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is our pick of the best new festive children’s book releases – the perfect gift ideas…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And to make it even easier, we have included the link to purchase so you can just pop it into your Amazon basket! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Santa & Son by David Walliams | Harper Collins<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Christmas Eve, and a robbery is underway in the world\u2019s most famous toy shop. Trapped inside, Santa and his son must outsmart the thieves using only the toys around them \u2014 pogo sticks, slime, stink bombs, and more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Santa & Son<\/strong> is a hilarious, action-packed Christmas adventure destined to become a modern classic.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas by Julia Donaldson<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A<\/strong>festive 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\u2019s presents. But this clever little ladybird has a brilliant plan to stop them and save Christmas!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Very Last Christmas Present by Adam Baron | Harper Collins Books<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Father Christmas has a problem \u2014 he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Paddington\u2019s Twelve Days of Christmas by Michael Bond | Harper Collins<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Everyone in the Brown family is singing about some wonderful Christmas gifts they\u2019ve received. But Paddington can\u2019t even find the partridge in a pear tree! He sets out to solve the mystery and is soon planning a spectacular Christmas Day surprise \u2026Sing along with Paddington Bear in this funny festive story!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Kringle’s Emporium: A Magical Christmas Adventure by Jemma Hatt | Elmside Publishing<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When Laney and Ben stumble into Kringle\u2019s Emporium, they uncover a world of hidden magic \u2014 and a threat to Christmas itself. Joined by Ben\u2019s cheeky sister Millie, they must unlock the shop\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dear Santa: A lift-the-flap Christmas book  by Rod Campbell | Macmillan Childrens Books<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

“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<\/strong>. With bright artwork, a touch-and-feel surprise, and a shiny gold cover, Dear Santa<\/strong> is the perfect Christmas gift for toddlers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Barrie Saves Christmas by Stephen Mangan | SCHOLASTIC<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s presents, adventure calls! With a mischievous elf threatening to sabotage the system, Barrie and the kids must spring into action to save Christmas!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Night I Met Father Christmas: A festive picture book adventure by Ben Miller | Simon & Schuster <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Join Jackson on a magical Christmas Eve adventure in Ben Miller\u2019s 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 \u2014 and takes him on an unforgettable sleigh ride around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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That’s not my Winter Wonderland by Fiona Watt | Usborne<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Elf On The Shelf Santaverse: The Rise Of Nicholas The Noble by Chanda A. Bell | Farshore<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Before the Elf on the Shelf, there was Nicholas \u2014 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A Reindeer Called Joy by Helen Peters | Nosy Crow<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When young animal-lover Jasmine finds an injured reindeer calf named Joy, she\u2019s determined to help her recover. But with Christmas fast approaching, Joy has a very special job to do \u2014 and time is running out. A heart-warming festive tale from Helen Peters, perfect for readers aged 7 and up.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Merry Christmas Murders: a thrilling new murder-mystery series: Volume 1 | by Alexandra Benedict | Simon & Schuster<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Murder is afoot in this thrilling new mystery series. When a string of murders strikes during the Christmas Cup competition \u2014 each linked to a mince pie marked with a mysterious letter \u2014 five neurodivergent kids must use their unique talents to crack the code, catch the killer, and save their club before it\u2019s too late. A clever, heart-filled festive mystery celebrating difference, friendship, and the power of seeing the world differently.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Charlie and the Christmas Factory: A glorious collection of festive short stories | by Roald Dahl | Puffin<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A star-studded line-up of authors \u2014 including Pamela Butchart, Hannah Gold, and Adam Kay \u2014 bring twelve brand-new festive tales inspired by Roald Dahl\u2019s beloved characters. Find out why Matilda fears the naughty list, what happens when George\u2019s 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\u201312.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Pocket Potters Little Guides to the HARRY POTTER Stories by JK Rowling | Bloomsbury Children’s Books<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 without any spoilers. Discover fun details about Hogwarts life, iconic objects, and unforgettable moments \u2014 and start your Pocket Potters<\/em> collection today!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Boy Who Grew Dragons: A Christmas Delivery by Andy Shepherd | Templar<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Tomas and Lolli\u2019s dragons love Christmas \u2014 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\u2019t 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<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Horse Dreamer by Holly Surplice | Chicken Books<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When Merryn loses her father, a mysterious horse named Sorrel appears in a storm \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sprouts by Sib\u00e9al Pounder | Bloomsbury Children’s Books<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the year 4024, Christmas happens every day<\/strong> \u2014 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\u2019s 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 \u2014 perfect for fans of Tinsel<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dasher by Matt Tavares | Walker Books<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dasher is a little doe with a big dream \u2014 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Snowy Penguin by Holly Webb | Little Tiger<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Bella joins her mum on a penguin expedition in Antarctica, where she spots a rare pale penguin \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Special Gift by Ruth Doyle | Orchard Books<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

On a snowy night, Donkey is swept far from home, feeling lost and without purpose. But a magical bird\u2019s message and a shining star lead him on a journey to discover his own gifts \u2014 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 Salda\u00f1a.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Plus no Christmas in the LittleBird household would be complete without the annual copy of this….<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Guinness Book of World Records 2026 <\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Get ready \u2014 this year Guinness World Records 2026<\/a><\/strong> is shining bright and bringing you a world full of wow! Packed with jaw-dropping photos, awesome facts, and brand-new records, it\u2019s your ticket to the most amazing, funniest, and most unbelievable achievements on the planet. Meet incredible people (and pets!), explore wild places, and discover records that will have the whole family saying, \u201cWait\u2026 what?!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With bonus online content, fun activities, and exclusive interviews, this yellow-covered favourite is bursting with inspiration and excitement for record fans of all ages! Firmly on our Christmas list, have you got your copy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thanks for reading and if you have any titles or authors you would like to share with us and with our families, do comment below, we would love to hear from you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Happy reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the LittleBird team<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2764\ufe0f xo<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclosure: This post does not contain any paid for content but this post may contain affiliate links, meaning LittleBird may receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through any links. This is at no cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At LittleBird.co.uk we are passionate about sharing the magic of stories, helping kids fall in love with reading and to keep that love of books growing as they do. There\u2019s nothing better than seeing a child\u2019s face light up when they get lost in a book or meet a new favourite character. Whether it\u2019s a … Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11658,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11624","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11624","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11624"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11624\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11660,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11624\/revisions\/11660"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11624"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11624"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.littlebird.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11624"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}