So Christmas is right around the corner and we are very excited. We thought we would put together a list of old and new Children’s Christmas books that you should definitely get your hands on and have a read (with or without a child!)
The Snowman – Raymond Briggs
A classic, one we read every year without fail (and watch the short film of it too!) It celebrated its 30th year in 2012!
Everyone's favourite snowman, with a sparkly glitter cover and introduction by Raymond Briggs. One winter's night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins. Raymond Briggs' favourite classic is a true piece of Christmas magic - narrated entirely through pictures, it captures the wonder and innocence of childhood and is now recognised throughout the world.
The Polar Express – Chris Van Allsburg
Again a jolly good book full of Christmas cheer (and a good film too, who doesn’t enjoy Tom Hanks?)
Late on Christmas Eve a boy boards a mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express, bound for the North Pole. When he arrives there, Santa offers him any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the reindeer's harness. It turns out to be a very special gift, for only believers in Santa can hear it ring.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Dr. Seuss
Now this one is a personal favourite, I enjoy how even someone who has such a thick skin towards joy, can still be changed with love and affection and all before the family season of Christmas!
The ghastly Grinch refuses to be moved by the Christmas spirit in this must-have paperback version of Dr. Seuss's classic tale. "The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason..." With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you'll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive season. But when he hatches a dastardly plot to steal Christmas, he's in for a big surprise!
Mog’s Christmas – Judith Kerr
Ah, Mog, who doesn’t love a cat story? Mog, don’t run away from the tree, don’t you know cats just love to pull them down to the ground, go on, have a go!
It's Christmas, and Mog's house is full of strange noises and peculiar smells. Everyone is busy hanging holly and blowing up balloons, and where is that tree going...? Mog is not happy. So she escapes to the roof, and there she stays...until, unexpectedly, she returns with a bump! Happy Christmas, Mog!
The Night Before Christmas – Clement C Moore
The Night Before Christmas should be read every Christmas Eve without fail, that is not up for discussion! This is the epitome of a perfect Christmas book. So if you have never read it, what are you waiting for?
The glorious publication of Clement C Moore's timeless verse sees it brought to new life by the beautiful illustrations of Christian Birmingham. Every Christmas Eve brings with it hushed anticipation and wonder. Here is the story of this magical night, when children around the world await the arrival of the gifts that symbolise all the warmth and love of Christmas.
The Christmasaurus – Tom Fletcher
Now this, this is a new one to the world and it is fast becoming a favourite because who doesn’t love dinosaurs at Christmas time? Tom Fletcher has created a magical story that is appealing to all ages, I want to get my hands on it!
This story starts, like all good stories, a long time ago. Not just a long time ago, a very, very, very long time ago. Squillions of years ago, in fact. Full of innocent charm and humour, The Christmasaurus follows the adventures of a little boy named William Trundle who travels to that most magical home of Santa Claus, The North Pole, where he meets a dinosaur…
This is not the North Pole as you may have imagined it before: there are elves with names like Snozzletrump speaking entirely in rhyme, Santa has a vinyl-powered sleigh, and, most importantly, there is a dinosaur in residence: a dinosaur who wishes he was a reindeer.
How about an Olympia own:
Elmo’s Christmas Tail – Tammy Johnston
Elmo is a beautifully illustrated book that we all love! We recommend you have a read.
Elmo is a kind-hearted little mouse who is given a magical tail from the moon for being so caring. The animals in his village become jealous so pull his tail off and cast him away. With nowhere to go, and no one to turn to, Elmo is alone. On his journey to seek refuge he meets other animals who turn their back and laugh at his misfortune. The moon takes pity on Elmo and punishes them for being so mean. Find out what happens to the other animals. Discover if Elmo and the other animals will become friends or if he will end up alone on Christmas day.
