30 Amazing Diverse Children Books About Christmas
Picture twinkly lights on the tree, the smell of cinnamon drifting from the kitchen, kids bouncing around like sugar fuelled elves and a stack of Christmas books waiting to be cracked open. Now, let’s be honest, Christmas stories are magical, but too often they’re like the same sugar cookie over and over again; delicious, sure, but wouldn’t you love a whole cookie platter? That’s where diverse Christmas books come in. They sprinkle the season with fresh perspectives, traditions from around the world, and characters every child can see themselves in.
These aren’t just holiday reads; they’re invitations to celebrate the joy, warmth, and sparkle of Christmas through many different lenses. Think: Christmas in vibrant city streets, family gatherings with unique cultural twists, and stories that remind little readers that the spirit of the season is big enough for everyone. Grab your cocoa, get cosy under the fairy lights, and let us show you 10 amazing children’s books that prove Christmas magic comes in every shade, culture, and tradition.
Honestly, your holiday bookshelf deserves more than just one kind of jingle.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Father Christmas Needs a Wee
- Stick Man The Present Hunt
- Christmas at Hogwarts
- I Love You More Than Christmas
- Pick a Pine Tree
- The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas
- There’s a Little Snowman in Your Book
- Dasher
- One Snowy Night
- The Christmas Pig
- The Night Before Christmas
- We’re Going on an Elf Chase
- The Grumpy Reindeer
- You Choose Christmas
- The Dinosaur That Pooped a Reindeer
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Squirrel’s Snowman
- What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas
- The Christmas Bear
- Dear Santa
- John Williamson’s Christmas in Australia
- A Stork in a Baobab Tree An African 12 Days of Christmas
- Peace Joy and Love Christmas in Africa
- The Jolly Christmas Postman
- Santa in the City
- What If We Were All Merry!
Father Christmas Needs a Wee
Get ready for giggles! Father Christmas Needs a Wee by Nicholas Allan (illustrated by Sue Buswell) is the kind of cheeky holiday read that kids adore. The story follows Father Christmas as he tucks into all the festive treats left out at every house, from milk, mince pies, hot cocoa… and, well, you can guess what happens next! Let’s just say, all that snacking catches up with him in a very relatable way.
With its bouncy rhymes, playful counting, and laugh out loud storyline, this book is a guaranteed hit for story time. It manages to sneak in some early math while keeping things wonderfully silly and festive. Best of all, it gives Santa a refreshingly human twist, because even the big guy can’t escape the consequences of too many cookies and cocoa! This is one of those books kids will beg to hear again and again, and honestly, you’ll enjoy reading it just as much.
Stick Man The Present Hunt
Stick Man: The Present Hunt isn’t your classic Julia Donaldson rhyming tale, it’s a festive flap book designed to get kids fully involved in the fun. Readers join Stick Man and his family on a merry little treasure hunt around their home, peeking under flaps and lifting doors to discover hidden Christmas presents. Each page is bursting with Axel Scheffler’s playful illustrations, full of tiny details that make kids want to stop, search, and giggle at what they find.
It’s the perfect mix of storytelling and playtime; ideal for toddlers and pre-schoolers who love interactive books, or for slightly older kids who enjoy the anticipation of a surprise on every page. Because it stars Stick Man (a firm favourite thanks to the original story and TV adaptation), it instantly feels familiar, comforting, and festive.
This read is basically a Christmas scavenger hunt wrapped up in a book, with Stick Man leading the way.
Christmas at Hogwarts
Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling, with magical illustrations by Ziyi Gao, is like unwrapping a glittering gift straight from the wizarding world. Instead of just reading about Christmas at Hogwarts, readers get to step right inside the magic from the enchanted Great Hall decked out with towering Christmas trees to the sparkle of the Yule Ball and the warmth of hand knitted Weasley jumpers.
What makes this book extra special are Gao’s beautiful, whimsical illustrations that capture the sparkle, charm, and snowy wonder of the holidays at Hogwarts. It’s not just a story it’s a visual celebration, perfect for paging through by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate or, let’s be honest, a butterbeer.
This keepsake book is packed with beloved Christmas scenes, cosy details, and festive magic making it a must have for Harry Potter fans of all ages who believe Christmas isn’t complete without a little Hogwarts charm.
Santa Post
Santa Post by Emma Yarlett is a Christmas treat wrapped up in storybook form! When Santa receives a very important letter, he calls on his friends, The elves, Reindeer, Polar Bear, and more for advice. But here’s the magical twist; this book is bursting with real letters tucked inside envelopes for little readers to open, read, and giggle over.
Emma Yarlett’s signature style shines through with bright, playful illustrations, witty details, and interactive fun that make kids feel like they’re part of Santa’s special delivery team. Every page is a surprise, full of flaps, fold outs, and charming correspondence that keep curious little hands busy and imaginations buzzing.
It’s festive, funny, and endlessly re-readable the kind of book kids will want to pull off the shelf every December (and probably July, too). Perfect for families who love interactive stories, Christmas magic, and a good dose of silliness.
There's an Elf in Your Book
There’s an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Greg Abbott, is an interactive Christmas adventure that’s equal parts cheeky and charming. A mischievous little elf has slipped inside the pages, and it’s up to the reader to follow his instructions, complete silly challenges, and see if they’re on Santa’s naughty or nice list.
With Greg Abbott’s playful, colourful illustrations and Fletcher’s trademark interactive style, kids aren’t just reading the story, they’re part of it. Expect giggles, wiggly fingers, and plenty of festive fun as the elf tests just how good you’ve been this year.
It’s an imaginative, laugh out loud read, which is perfect for story time which gets everyone involved, because really, who can resist a bossy little elf and the magic of Christmas?
I Love You More Than Christmas
I Love You More Than Christmas by Ellie Hattie, with sweet, cosy illustrations by Tim Warnes, is a heart melting holiday story about what really matters at Christmas time. It follows little Bear and their family as they get caught up in the excitement of festive treats, sparkly decorations, and shiny presents only to realize that the greatest gift of all is love.
Tim Warnes’ illustrations are soft, cuddly, and full of festive charm, making every page feel like a big Christmas hug. With gentle storytelling and a message that tugs at the heartstrings. This book is perfect for snuggly bedtime reading, for family story time, or gifting to little ones who need a reminder that love outshines even the biggest pile of presents.
It’s warm, it’s tender, it’s festive and basically, it’s Christmas in book form with a big bow of love on top.
Pick a Pine Tree
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht, illustrated by Jarvis, is a delightful Christmas adventure that turns the holiday tradition of choosing a tree into a fun, interactive story. Readers join a family (and a curious dog!) as they search for the perfect pine tree, exploring snowy landscapes, quirky surprises, and little woodland friends along the way.
Jarvis’ illustrations are vibrant, playful, and full of detail, inviting kids to linger on every page to spot hidden treats and silly antics. Patricia Toht’s rhyming, and lively text makes it a joy to read aloud, encouraging early reading skills, holiday excitement, and imaginative play.
Perfect for families who love festive adventures, colourful illustrations, and the joy of Christmas traditions. This book captures all the magic of picking the tree and decking it out for the holidays.
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas by Matt Lucas is a magical, musical, laugh out loud festive adventure with a big heart at its core. It follows Leo, a boy who’s determined to make this Christmas absolutely perfect, but when things don’t go to plan, he ends up missing the big day entirely! Cue a journey full of songs, silliness, festive magic, and a sprinkle of chaos as Leo learns what really makes Christmas special.
This isn’t just a story it’s an all singing, all dancing experience, packed with Matt Lucas’ trademark humour, heart warming moments, and heaps of festive fun. Expect catchy songs, quirky characters, and lots of giggles, all wrapped up in a story that reminds kids and grown ups that Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.
Perfect for families who love musical magic, funny adventures, and feel good holiday stories. This book is like a Christmas panto in pages joyful, silly, and full of festive sparkle.
There’s a Little Snowman in Your Book
There’s a Little Snowman in Your Book by Tom Fletcher is a chilly, giggle packed interactive adventure that invites kids to join in the fun. A jolly little snowman has popped up on the page, and he needs your help to wiggle, shake, blow, and laugh your way through the story to keep him from melting!
With Fletcher’s trademark interactive storytelling and bright, cheerful illustrations by Greg Abbott (yep, his usual partner in fun), this book turns story time into playtime. Kids don’t just read the story they become part of it, keeping the magic alive with every silly instruction.
It’s festive, funny, and full of snowy surprises, perfect for families who love books that get everyone joining in, shouting out, and laughing together. Basically it’s snow much fun!
Dasher
Dasher by Matt Tavares is a beautifully told and gorgeously illustrated Christmas tale that reimagines the origin of Santa’s famous reindeer. It follows Dasher, a brave young reindeer with a wild spirit, who dreams of a life beyond the traveling circus where she lives. One starry night, her wish comes true as she meets Santa himself and together, they set out on a journey that changes Christmas forever.
Matt Tavares weaves a story that’s both tender and adventurous, pairing it with rich, glowing illustrations that feel like stepping into a snow globe. It’s a book full of courage, magic, and the spirit of following your heart, with a timeless quality that makes it feel like an instant Christmas classic.
Perfect for families who love warm storytelling, breath taking artwork, and a touch of festive wonder, Dasher is the kind of book that begs to be read aloud by the fire year after year.
One Snowy Night
Nick Butterworth’s One Snowy Night is a charming winter classic that captures the magic of kindness on a frosty evening. When the snow begins to fall thick and fast, Percy the Park Keeper retreats to his warm hut, ready for a quiet night in. But before long, there’s a knock at the door. Then another. And another! One by one, Percy’s animal friends such as hedgehogs, rabbits, foxes, badgers, and even a tiny mole arrive shivering and hopeful for a spot by the fire. With a big heart and a little shuffling around, Percy makes room for them all. What starts as a chilly night turns into the cosiest sleepover imaginable, full of gentle humour, delightful illustrations, and a message about friendship and generosity.
The Christmas Pig
J.K. Rowling’s The Christmas Pig, beautifully illustrated by Jim Field, is a magical festive story about love, loss, and the true meaning of Christmas. It follows Jack, a boy whose beloved toy pig (aptly named Dur Pig, or DP for short) goes missing on Christmas Eve. Heartbroken, Jack suddenly finds himself swept into a fantastical world called the Land of the Lost, where broken, discarded, and forgotten things live. There, he teams up with the plucky Christmas Pig DP’s replacement toy who’s brave daring adventures, is able to escape terrifying dangers (including the fearsome Loser who devours lost things), and is able discover what it really means to treasure what you love.
With themes of resilience, courage, and the unshakable bond between children and their favourite toys, it’s both a thrilling quest and a heart tugging holiday story that reminds us, sometimes the most ordinary things are the most extraordinary.
The Night Before Christmas
Clement C. Moore’s The Night Before Christmas, brought to life with Eric Puybaret’s enchanting illustrations, is the timeless holiday poem that has been delighting families for generations. It whisks us straight into the magic of Christmas Eve, where stockings are hung, children are snug in their beds, and suddenly there’s a clatter on the roof! Cue the arrival of jolly St. Nicholas with his sleigh and reindeers, spreading joy and presents with a twinkle in his eye.
The key themes sparkle through every page; the anticipation of Christmas, the wonder of Santa’s midnight visit, and the cosy warmth of holiday traditions shared with loved ones. It’s a classic blend of magic, rhyme, and nostalgia that captures the very heart of Christmas spirit.
We're Going on an Elf Chase
Martha Mumford’s We’re Going on an Elf Hunt, with Laura Hughes’ joyful, sparkle filled illustrations, is a festive twist on a classic adventure rhyme. Join a group of eager children as they set off on a merry mission to find cheeky little elves hiding all around. Through snowy forests, across jingling sleigh rides, and into twinkly holiday scenes, the hunt is full of giggles, surprises, and plenty of festive cheer.
At its heart, this story is all about teamwork, excitement, and the pure magic of Christmas anticipation. Kids will love spotting the sneaky elves peeking out from their hiding places, while parents will appreciate the playful rhythm that makes it perfect for reading aloud. It’s a holly jolly celebration of curiosity, laughter, which brings the joy of holiday traditions.
The Grumpy Reindeer
DK’s The Grumpy Reindeer, with Clare Wilson’s bright and playful illustrations, is a snowy story packed with Christmas cheer and a dash of bad mood! It follows a reindeer who, unlike the rest of Santa’s merry team, just can’t quite find his festive spirit. While others are jingling and laughing, he’s stomping and frowning. But as the adventure unfolds, with a little kindness and friendship from those around him, our grumpy reindeer slowly discovers the magic of Christmas and the joy of joining in.
The key themes that sparkle through are emotions, empathy, friendship, and learning that it’s okay to feel grumpy sometimes and joy often comes from sharing moments with others. It’s a fun, heart warming read for kids that shows how even the grouchiest characters can find their Christmas cheer.
You Choose Christmas
Pippa Goodhart’s You Choose Christmas, with Nick Sharratt’s wonderfully bold and colourful illustrations, is a festive feast for the imagination. Every page is crammed with cheerful choice such as what decorations will you hang? What outfit will you wear? What gifts will you give? and even how you’ll celebrate the big day! With so many fun options, kids get to design their own perfect Christmas again and again, spotting new details each time they open the book.
The key themes shine with festive sparkle such as creativity, decision making, self expression, and the magic of Christmas traditions. It’s interactive, playful, and endlessly fun making it the kind of book that little ones will want to return to all holiday season (and parents will secretly enjoy “choosing” right along with them).
The Dinosaur That Pooped a Reindeer!
Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter’s The Dinosaur That Pooped a Reindeer! With Garry Parsons’ hilarious illustrations, is a laugh out loud Christmas adventure that’s as cheeky as it sounds. Danny and his enormous, ever hungry dinosaur are back and this time, their festive fun takes a wacky turn when the dinosaur accidentally gulps down a reindeer! Cue a wild, giggly romp full of snowy chaos, Christmas magic, and of course… a very explosive solution.
The key subjects here? Friendship, festive fun, teamwork, and the pure silliness kids love sprinkled with a dash of toilet humour that guarantees giggles at story time. It’s zany, Christmassy, and perfectly over the top, just the way a holiday read should be.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Is the ultimate holiday classic, bursting with rhyme, rhythm, and a whole lot of heart. High up on Mount Crumpit lives the Grinch, a grouchy, green fellow who simply cannot stand the joyful noise and glittering cheer of the Whos down in Whoville. Determined to put a stop to Christmas, he cooks up a sneaky plan to steal every tree, present, and pudding in sight. But when Christmas morning dawns, the Grinch discovers something he never expected, that the true spirit of the holiday can’t be wrapped, bagged, or stolen.
The key themes shine bright; kindness, community, generosity, and how even the grumpiest heart can grow three sizes with a little love. With its playful rhymes, whimsical illustrations, and timeless message, it’s a story that makes every generation’s Christmas feel a little more magical.
Squirrel's Snowman
Julia Donaldson’s Squirrel’s Snowman, with Axel Scheffler’s warm and whimsical illustrations, is a gentle winter tale full of friendship, problem solving, and snowy fun. When Squirrel decides to build the perfect snowman, she quickly realizes she’ll need a little help from her woodland friends. Together, they gather everything needed from sticks, to berries, and a touch of teamwork to ensure their frosty creation comes to life.
The key subjects that shimmer through the snow are cooperation, sharing, creativity, and the joy of friendship on a wintry day. With Donaldson’s playful storytelling and Scheffler’s charming artwork, it’s a delightful story that shows little readers how working together can make even the chilliest days warm with fun.
What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas
Julia Donaldson’s What the Ladybird Heard at Christmas, with Lydia Monks’ cheerful and lively illustrations, is a merry adventure full of holiday hijinks. The clever little ladybird is back, ready to save the day when a pair of sneaky robbers try to spoil Christmas on the farm. With quick thinking, teamwork, and a pinch of Christmas magic, the animals band together to protect the farm’s festive treats and show that even the tiniest creatures can make a big difference.
The story’s key themes sparkle with holiday spirit such as cleverness, bravery, cooperation, and the joy of working together. Packed with rhyme, humour, and festive cheer. It’s the perfect read for kids who love a little suspense wrapped up in Christmas fun.
The Christmas Bear
Ian Whybrow’s The Christmas Bear, brought to life with Axel Scheffler’s bright and friendly illustrations, is a festive lift the flap adventure that little ones will adore. When Santa accidentally leaves a present behind, it’s up to the Christmas Bear to set things right, with bravery and plenty of curiosity, Bear dashes off on a snowy journey filled with flaps to peek under, surprises to discover, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic on every page.
The key subjects that shine through are kindness, adventure, problem solving, and the excitement of helping others at Christmas time. It’s interactive, playful, and full of Scheffler’s signature charm making it the perfect story to share together on a cosy December evening.
Dear Santa
Rod Campbell’s Dear Santa is a Christmas classic for the tiniest readers, packed with festive fun and interactive lift the flap surprises. In this merry tale, Santa is trying to find the perfect present but not every gift is quite right. Little ones get to peek under the flaps to see what’s hiding in Santa’s sack, from silly to sparkly, until the very best present of all is revealed.
The key subjects that sparkle through the story are excitement, curiosity, problem solving, and the joy of giving and receiving at Christmas. With its simple text, playful repetition, and big reveal at the end, it’s a cosy, interactive read that captures the magic of the season for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
John Williamson's Christmas in Australia
John Williamson’s Christmas in Australia, with Mitch Vane’s playful illustrations, is a laugh filled look at the holiday season Aussie style! Instead of snowflakes and sleigh bells, this Christmas is bursting with blazing sunshine, cheeky kangaroos, sizzling barbecues, and a few hilarious disasters that only an Aussie Christmas can deliver. Packed with Williamson’s trademark humour and energy, it’s a story that shows how Christmas spirit shines just as brightly under the southern sun.
The key subjects bounce through like kangaroos on Christmas morning such as family, fun, festive traditions, and celebrating Christmas in a uniquely Australian way. With its lively illustrations and cheeky humour, it’s a joyful reminder that Christmas magic isn’t about the weather it’s about laughter, love, and coming together.
A Stork in a Baobab Tree: An African 12 Days of Christmas
Catherine House’s A Stork in a Baobab Tree, with Polly Alakija’s vibrant, joyful illustrations, is a festive African retelling of the classic Twelve Days of Christmas. Instead of lords a leaping and partridges in pear trees, readers are swept into a world of drummers drumming, dancers twirling, colourful animals, and lively traditions from across the continent. At the heart of it all is the celebration of a very special birth the baby whose arrival brings hope, love, and the true meaning of Christmas.
The key subjects that shine brightly are music, family, cultural celebration, the Nativity story, and the joy of coming together at Christmas time. With its rhythmic verses and rich artwork, this is both a sing along adventure and a meaningful reminder of why Christmas is celebrated around the world.
Peace, Joy and Love: Christmas in Africa
Terry Lister’s Peace, Joy and Love: Christmas in Africa takes readers on a festive journey across the African continent, showing how the holiday is celebrated in different countries and cultures. From lively music and joyful dancing to colourful decorations, delicious feasts, and meaningful traditions, this book captures the rich diversity of Christmas in Africa. Along the way, it highlights the universal themes that bind us all during the season family, faith, community, and the celebration of the birth of a very special baby.
The key subjects that glow like Christmas lanterns are cultural traditions, togetherness, generosity, and the shared spirit of peace, joy, and love. It’s both a celebration of Africa’s variety and a reminder that the heart of Christmas hope, kindness, and unity shines brightly no matter where in the world you are.
The Jolly Christmas Postman
Allan and Janet Ahlberg’s The Jolly Christmas Postman is a Christmas classic bursting with festive fun, fairy tale friends, and delightful surprises tucked inside every envelope. The ever cheerful postman sets off on his snowy rounds, delivering cards, letters, games, and gifts to all the storybook characters we know and love from Red Riding Hood to the Big Bad Wolf. Each page is filled with charming rhymes and interactive treasures for readers to discover, making it feel like you’re unwrapping little presents as you go.
The key subjects that shine like twinkly lights are kindness, storytelling, friendship, and the joy of giving and receiving at Christmas. With its mix of humour, imagination, and hands on play, it’s a book that brings festive magic straight through your letterbox!
Santa in the City
Tiffany D. Jackson’s Santa in the City, with Reggie Brown’s warm and festive illustrations, is a heart warming holiday story that proves Santa really can find his way anywhere even in a bustling city! Little Deja has her doubts as there are no chimneys, tiny apartments, and a neighbourhoods that never seems to sleep so how could Santa possibly pull it off? But with a little Christmas magic and a lot of community spirit. Deja learns that Santa always finds a way to spread joy, no matter where you live.
The key subjects that shine like holiday lights is belief, wonder, city life, community, and the magic of Christmas traditions. It’s a modern, cosy tale that reassures kids everywhere that Christmas magic doesn’t skip a single home even for high rises in the city.
What If We Were All Merry!
C. M. Harris’s What If We Were All Merry! with Vitor Lopes’s bright and joyful illustrations, is a festive celebration of kindness, community, and togetherness. Bursting with colour and cheer, this story asks a big, heart warming question: what would the world look like if everyone shared in the joy of the season? Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any holiday filled with love this book reminds us that the magic is in the laughter, generosity, and unity we share.
The key subjects that glow like twinkling lights are joy, inclusivity, kindness, compassion, and celebrating traditions that bring people together. With its uplifting message and playful artwork, it’s the perfect holiday read to show that the merriest season is one where everyone, everywhere, is invited to join in.
PLEASE NOTE: This book is released on the 4th November. You can Pre-order it HERE now.
Grandpa's Cracker Won't Go Bang
Becci Murray’s Grandpa’s Cracker Won’t Go Bang is a hilarious and heart warming Christmas story full of festive chaos. Grandpa’s Christmas cracker is super stubborn it just won’t bang! So the whole family jumps in to help, trying every trick and tug they can think of, leading to laughter, giggles, and a wonderfully silly Christmas mess.
The key subjects that shine through are family togetherness, teamwork, problem solving, and the joy of holiday traditions even when things don’t go as planned. With its humour, warmth, and festive cheer, it’s a perfect story for children and grown ups who love a bit of Christmas fun with a twist.
Gary the Farting Gingerbread Man
Tootin’ Tom’s Gary the Farting Gingerbread Man is a hilariously silly holiday tale that will have kids and grown ups snorting with laughter. Gary isn’t your ordinary gingerbread man he’s got a very unusual talent that causes all sorts of festive chaos! As he zips, zaps, and whooshes through the story, his little (or not so little) farts lead to laughter, surprises, and plenty of cookie sized mischief.
The key subjects that are full of fun is humour, silliness, playful mischief, and the joy of embracing what makes you unique even if it’s a little gassy. With its zany antics and over the top illustrations, it’s the perfect read for kids who love outrageous, laugh out loud stories at Christmas time (or any time!).
Final Thoughts
And there you have it 30 sparkling, snowy, and downright silly children’s books that are perfect for cosying up this Christmas! From mischievous dinosaurs, a grumpy reindeer to clever ladybirds and magical city Santa’s, these stories capture every kind of festive fun. Whether your little ones love giggling at outrageous antics, joining in interactive adventures, or snuggling up for heart warming tales about friendship, kindness, and holiday magic, there’s something on this list for every family.
So grab a blanket, a mug of something warm, and maybe even a cheeky mince pie or two because with these books, are the countdown to Christmas and the festive season has just got a whole lot more magical, merry, and memorable. Happy reading, and may your holiday season be full of laughter, love, and lots of story time snuggles!