I love Christmas and I love Christmas reading. You can immerse yourself in Christmas spirit and indulge in complete nostalgia, curling up on the sofa with the tree lights bringing added sparkle. Reading always forms a big part of our celebrations and books are always gifted by Santa Claus!
As a child, I repeatedly read The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe – the moment Lucy steps into Narnia will surely be etched in the imaginations of so many readers! And how awful to be in a place that is aways winter but never Christmas?! The moment you realise the White Witch is really losing, when Santa Claus comes through and the children receive their gifts, had me celebrating for days. I always try and read Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol too; it is the ultimate story of redemption - recognising that even the most unlikely of people can have a change of heart - and gives hope for humanity.
In more recent years, I discovered a funny and wonderful book by Jenny Pearson, which really touched my heart – as well as making me laugh out loud. Operation Nativity is the story of what happens when Angel Gabriel lands in the back garden. Time slip and funny family feuding at Christmas, along with the gentle narrative of a grandparent who will likely not be there for next years’ celebrations. It really is a delight and when the many obligations Christmas brings get too much, it’s a great book to restore your Christmas spirit!
I was also recently sent a copy of the absolutely magical A Christmas Delivery, a winter-warmer of a picture book which would be so delightful to read aloud to younger readers, introducing them to the magic and mayhem of The Boy Who Grew Dragons. I'm very pleased to have brilliant author, Andy Shepherd, recommend her favourite Christmas picture books below, followed by some SLA festive suggestions for primary and secondary.
- Victoria Dilly, SLA CEO
I love a Christmas book and even though my two boys are at college it’s still our tradition to get them all out and read them. It’s very hard to choose just three favourites! We love everything from the silly but ultimately heartwarming Out Smelly Sprout by Allan Plenderleith to the classic Ahlberg’s Jolly Christmas Postman to EE Cummings Little Tree. I think this is probably why I’m so excited to have a Christmas book out myself! I can’t wait to read it year after year with my family.
My first pick is A Christmas Story by Brian Wildsmith. The artwork is beautiful with glorious shards of colour illuminating the spreads and gold foil to highlight the scenes. As a little twist, it tells the story of Jesus’ birth through the little donkey who is looking to find his mother.
The next one has to be Mog’s Christmas, written and illustrated by Judith Kerr. I only discovered Mog as an adult and I think this is probably my favourite. Poor Mog is so affronted by the walking talking tree that she skedaddles onto the roof. It’s pure Kerr magic on every page.
And then on Christmas Eve we always read the Arthur Rackham illustrated edition of The Night Before Christmas and also Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost with magical illustrations by Susan Jeffers. It’s so atmospheric with just a few splashes of colour amid the snowy pages and lots of animals to spot. These two always get us ready for Santa!
- Andy Shepherd, author of A Christmas Delivery
Some of our favourite Christmas books for primary school:
Mr Santa by Jarvis: A beautiful picture book to read aloud as you approach Christmas, Mr Santa is warm, funny, tender and cheeky. Told from the perspective of a little girl who finds Santa in her home, the story is made up of all those questions she has been desperate to ask him. Is Santa’s belly button an innie or an outie? Matched with Jarvis’ exquisite illustrations this is a gorgeous book to inspire pupils to think of what questions they would ask Santa if they met him. Perfect for EYFS and KS1 pupils.
The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson and Victoria Sandoy: Told from the perspective of a small tree in the forest of Norway, this story follows the pine as they grow tall knowing they are destined for something big before being cut down and taken across the sea to Trafalgar Square for Christmas. A delighful picture book inspired by the true story of the gift from Norway each year as a symbol of peace and friendship following World War II. Great for sharing at Christmas.
Some of our favourite Christmas reads for secondary libraries:
Silent Night by Emma Read: From thriller writer Emma Read comes another creepy tale, inspired by The Day of the Triffids. Masen, Conor and Joss wake up on Christmas morning to an untouched house, a christmas tree covered in black goo and parents are nowhere to be found. A fantastically spooky set up to a tale of mystery and survival that will engage and thrill your pupils. Perfect for fans of Goosebumps and Jennifer Killick.
The Secret History of Christmas by Catherine Saunders and Lena Addink: A non-fiction book to discover how significant Chrismtas day has been on occassions throughout history. From coronations, to heists, to peace and even a rebellion, fact loving pupils will enjoy learning about how history was made on this day. Includes different ways Winter Solstice is celebrated from Mayans and Vikings, and covering traditions and festivities, a perfect book for Christmas displays and to start conversations.
The Very Merry Murder Club edited by Robin Stevens and Serena Patel: This gorgeous wintery collection brings together thirteen bestselling, award-winning and exciting debut authors. Perfect for those who struggle with reading stamina, the short stories hook you in and before you know it, you're lost in a mystery. This book will be popular in the library all winter-long.
Happy holidays - and happy reading - from everyone at the SLA!