We’ve rounded up the best books to give children a magical Christmas read. Each book has been read by a member of our team and hand picked as our favourites, so turn off the TV, snuggle up to the cosy fire and browse through the gift they’ll want to open again and again. We were kindly sent these to review.
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The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo
The Snowman: Inspired by the original story by Raymond Briggs this 40 year old festive favourite has been re-imagined by award winning children’s author, Michael Morpurgo, who takes the original story to a new generation of children.
Seen through the eyes of a child, the story tells the tale of a little boy called James who lives on a remote farm. Like many children James loved to look out of his bedroom window and daydream. His Grandma told him the story of the Snowman and he always dreamed that it would snow and the snowman would come back.
John said: “This is the iconic tale of Raymond Briggs ‘the Snowman’ which has been read by children everywhere.
Beautifully illustrated both inside and out I feel this book would make a great addition to every family’s Christmas reading.”
You can buy The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo HERE
Let it Glow: A Winter’s Walk – by Owen Gildersleeve
Elaine said: “I fell in love with this wintery book the minute I opened it up. It tells the story of a little boy who makes his way home through a snowy landscape and as each page is turned real lights shine through tiny holes giving the impression of a starry sky.
I think this book which is told in rhyme would keep any child engrossed as they follow the story of the little boy as he passes lit up shop windows, carol singers and eventually finds a star at the top the tree.
Set in a winter wonderland I feel that this book would make a wonderful Christmas gift that will glow at every turn of the page and bring the magic of Christmas into any home.”
You can buy Let it Glow: A Winter’s Walk by Owen Gildersleeve HERE
Where’s Wally? The Spectacular Spotlight Search by Martin Handford
Created by English illustrator Martin Handford, Where’s Wally has been a popular children’s book since it first appeared on our shelves in September 1987.
This time around Wally’s lost in the darkness but can you find him? Featuring 6 darkened scenes, kids will love using the paper spotlight searcher inside the book as a magic torch by sliding it across the page to reveal Wally and his friends.
Mandy said: “I really enjoyed The Spectacular Spotlight Search and thought the extra games and challenges on each page were a great addition that help stretch their reading and problem solving.
This would make a great Christmas stocking filler for all Wally-watchers.”
You can buy Where’s Wally? The Spectacular Spotlight Search by Martin Handford HERE
The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle by David Lichfield
Holly said: “I think that children aged 3 and over will love this story and the beautiful illustrations will catch their imagination.
This well illustrated book tells the story of Hector who plays the fiddle and his best friend Hugo the dog. Through good times and bad the friends shared the joy of music however Hector decides that it’s time to retire.
Hugo had always wanted to play the fiddle and secretly learned how to play. So good was he that he was invited to join an all-animal band and travel around the world performing to huge audiences. This is a great way to teach children about friendship and how that friendship could last forever.”
Will Hector get over his jealousy and be happy for Hugo?
You can buy The Bear, the Piano, the Dog and the Fiddle by David Lichfield HERE
The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig
Written by best selling author Matt Haig and illustrated throughout by Chris Mould this is a great book for young readers.
The Truth Pixie is sad as she thinks she is not like any of her 38 brothers and 19 sisters a she can’t sing, dance or tell stories. Pixie was cursed when she was young and must always tell the truth.
Katy said: “Told throughout in rhyme, I think that young children will love this hilarious tale that is packed with characters that children will always remember. Great for reading aloud at bedtime, this rhyming story tells children all about life’s ups and downs.
“Wherever she is, whatever the day, She only has one kind of thing to say. Just as cats go miaow and cows go moo, The Truth Pixie can only say things that are true.”
You can buy The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig HERE
Snow In The Garden A First Book of Christmas by Shirley Hughes
Mandy said: “I fell in love with this hard cover book without even turning a page. The image on the duster cover gave me such a wonderful wintery feeling I knew I’d be hooked straight away.
Featuring wintery stories, Christmassy recipes, seasonal poems and simple little craft items to make, I was tempted to make Red Robin Decorations to hang on the tree.
I think this book will help little ones take their first steps into reading and crafting and will be taken down from the shelf every year.”
Snow in the Garden is one of those books that children will look at time and again.
You can buy Snow In The Garden A First Book of Christmas by Shirley Hughes HERE
The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris
This is the first in a series of four books about the Magic Misfits
It tells the story of Carter Locke, a little boy who, when his parents disappear, is left with his pickpocket uncle who encourages him to do his magic tricks while he cunningly steals from the bystanders.
Carter isn’t a thief, he’s a talented young magician, and he’s had enough of his thieving uncle and soon runs away but finds himself in danger from Ringmaster, B.B. Bosso. Along the way Carter meets five other young magicians and together the gang use their magic to save the day and together the Magic Misfits are formed.
John said: “I think this book would be suitable for children aged 6 and over, it moves along quite quickly and there are always new adventures to hold their attention. Each member of the Magical Misfits has a different magical ability and soon they all learn to trust each other and become firm friends.
I was surprised to find that the book not only grabbed their attention but throughout the book they also found magic tricks and secret messages that stretched their imagination.”
You can buy The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris HERE
The Magic Misfits the second story by Neil Patrick Harris
This is the second of four fun Magical Misfits books. Follow the story of Carter, Leila, Theo, Ridley, Izzy and Ollie aka The Magic Misfits.
Kids will enjoy trying out the real magic tricks that they’ll find as the go through the book as well as hidden secrets, codes and ciphers.
Holly said: “This time around the gang discover a big mystery coming their way and soon find themselves chasing mad monkeys and banishing ghosts from haunted hotels.
I think this is a great follow on to the first book and will grab children’s attention from the first page.”
You can buy The Magic Misfits the second story by Neil Patrick Harris HERE
Alfie In The Snow by Rachel Wells
This is the fifth book which follows the exploits of Alfie the cat and his cute kitten called George.
Written as though Alfie tells the story of his latest exploits and the humans who live with him on Edgar Road, London.
Holly said: “When new residents arrive Alfie and George can’t wait to welcome them to the area, especially as they too have a cat. However, when their street turns to war because of a little misunderstanding, Alfie and George try to bring everyone back together in time for Christmas.
I enjoyed catching up with the exploits of Alfie and George and feel this well written book will captive readers both young and old and would make a great Christmas stocking gift.”
You can buy Alfie In The Snow by Rachel Wells HERE
Did you have a childhood favourite festive book? You can contact us using the social media icons or the comments section below.
