At World of Books, we believe that a good story is the best gift of all. We also know that children are sometimes hard to settle down, especially in the festive season. Whether you have little ones who want their stories read aloud or teens who need personal space to read, a good book works wonders. This year we made a list (and checked it twice) of our top five kids’ Christmas books.
’Twas The Night Before Christmas – Clement Clarke Moore
For some people, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is a poem that represents the best of the season. Lots of kids around the world have this story read to them before they go to sleep on Christmas Eve. Why not make it part of your own family tradition?
“He had a broad face and a little round belly
Clement Clarke Moore, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly”
Clement Clarke Moore’s original text is often the most quoted version, but there are many different takes on the poem so you can have a browse and find one perfect for your little one’s bedside table. This poem is great for keeping the magic of Christmas alive and will be sure to inspire good behaviour for those who wish to be on the nice list!
The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson
Take a stroll through the deep, dark woods in the nation’s best-loved bedtime story. The Gruffalo is well-known by almost every toddler and early years learner around. Julia Donaldson has written many books which have been adapted for TV and also stage shows, from The Gruffalo’s Child to Room on the Broom.
“A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.
Julia Donaldson, The Gruffalo
A fox saw the mouse, and the mouse looked good.”
The fantastic illustrations by Axel Scheffler bring engaging characters to life. The Gruffalo uses simple and catchy rhythm and rhymes so that even your littlest bookworms can join in with the reading. Buy your own copy of this staple kids’ book or check out other books by Julia Donaldson here.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling
The most famous literary wizard of all time, Harry Potter first appeared in the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone back in 1997. Since then, the Wizarding World has become a part of the lives of children and adults around the globe. So why not bring the magic of Hogwarts to a new generation this Christmas?
“One can never have enough socks,” said Dumbledore. “Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn’t get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.
J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Though we agree with Dumbledore that you can never have enough socks, you can also never have enough books! Luckily, J. K. Rowling continued the Harry Potter series through to seven books, and then there’s the rest of the Wizarding World to explore. Whether you dread getting a knitted jumper from your mum or love spending time with your tight-knit friends during the holidays, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a book for every child (and adult!).
Mr Stink – David Walliams
David Walliams has turned into one of the best-loved children’s authors of our time. Several of his books have been adapted into TV films, including the story of Mr Stink. Mr Stink is a book absolutely bursting with personality and heart. It follows the blossoming friendship between a lonely young girl with an overbearing mother and a man and his dog living on the streets with a secret past.
“Spending so much time alone had turned Chloe’s imagination into a deep dark forest. It was a magical place to escape to, and so much more thrilling than real life.”
David Walliams, Mr Stink
Mr Stink is perfect for 8 – 12 year-olds and a great story for kids to read on their own as well as with a parent or guardian. David Walliam’s humour is injected throughout the book and the addition of Quentin Blake’s most memorable illustrations make Mr Stink a new kids’ classic. Check out more of David Walliams’ kids’ books here.
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
This classic Christmas story has been portrayed on stage and screen again and again, from the modern-day adaptation featuring Bill Murray to favourite Sesame Street characters in Muppets Christmas Carol. Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s paranormal encounters and eventual transformation has been inspiring adults and kids alike for generations.
“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas”
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
For your youngest readers, there are easy-read adaptations of the story. But we recommend the unbeatable original text for your advanced readers, so the magic of a truly classic Christmas can be passed down to another generation. A Christmas Carol teaches lessons in humility and the importance of human kindness, perfect for the season as well as all the year ‘round.
From Christmas ghost stories to festive joke books, toddler board books to YA novels, we have an abundance of Christmas books for kids of all ages. Explore our selection of cheap children’s Christmas books alongside the all-time bestsellers.
What do you think of our Top Five Children’s Christmas Books? What’s your favourite kids’ books for Christmas? Let us know in the comments below.
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