Looking for something magical to read with the kids in the run up to Christmas? Double points if it’s fun to read aloud together? Well snuggle up, because it’s going to be a cosy ride. We’ve got journeys to the North Pole, naughty elves, good-hearted bears and plenty of opportunities to learn the real meaning of Christmas.
First Christmas For You by Julia Gray
This personalised story makes a little one’s first Christmas feel extra special by turning them into the main character! They meet all the adorable animals on First Steps Farm and count down the days until the big day in heartwarming rhyme – just like you’ll be doing.
Great for ages: 0 to 3
The best bit: Christmas Day, of course!
Our 12 Days of Christmas by David Cadji-Newby
Start a family tradition with this twist on the classic song. This time it’s all about your family making the home festive. You can add up to two grown-ups and three kids and see them all cooking up a very special Christmas. Warning: It’s very catchy.
Great for ages: 0 to 8
The best bit: Trying to remember all the words on the 12th Day of Christmas
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Everyone knows the first line from this classic verse, but not everyone remembers the cosy tale that comes afterwards. It’s an essential Christmas read aloud story and the perfect way to send the little ones off to sleep on Christmas Eve (so Santa can do his job in peace).
Great for ages: 1 to 3
The best bit: The iconic opening and closing lines
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
Generations of families have rhymed along to Dr Seuss’ words together, so absolutely no list of Christmas read alouds would be complete without The Grinch and his grumblings at all things festive. Will his dastardly plan to steal Christmas go ahead or is he in for a heartwarming surprise?
Great for ages: 1 to 3
The best bit: Whoville singing together even without presents
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Late one Christmas Eve, a boy boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole. With the help of atmospheric illustrations of the wintery nighttime, this story makes you want to snuggle under the duvet – so it’s perfect for some bedtime reading.
Great for ages: 3 to 6
The best bit: Pretending you can still hear the sleigh bells
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Follow the outrageous antics of the Herdman siblings (aka “the worst kids in the history of the world”) as they take over the annual Christmas pageant with hilarious and heartwarming results. Just prepare for the reading to be interrupted with uncontrollable laughter.
Great for ages: 7 to 10
The best bit: The surprisingly excellent Christmas pageant
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlberg
Join The Jolly Postman as he delivers letters, cards and presents to famous fairy-tale characters. You can open and read all his deliveries – and even play a few games too. It’s an innovative and interactive book that’s great fun to read aloud as well.
Great for ages: 3 to 5
The best bit: A jigsaw to put Humpty Dumpty back together again
Harold Loves His Woolly Hat by Vern Kousky
A little bear loses his beloved woolly hat – only to discover that there are others who may need it more. It’s a cute and heartwarming tale that teaches that who you are is much more important than what you have.
Great for ages: 3 to 7
The best bit: The adorable snowy illustrations
The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson
A little pine tree stands in the middle of a snowy wood, and when it grows tall enough, it’s going to become the famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. Julia Donaldson’s poem is a joy to read aloud and makes you think about the journey our Christmas trees have been on before they reach our homes.
Great for ages: 2 to 6
The best bit: The reveal that it’s the famous Trafalgar Square tree
