2022 Christmas Reading List for Children
Updated: Nov 4, 2022
Where will you journey this Christmas? To the North Pole to see Santa’s elves at work? Or perhaps you’ll cause mischief with some woodland creatures? Whatever magical realm you are transported to this festive season, there’s nothing like a good book to take you there. Here are some of our top picks to get your children or students reading and in the Christmas spirit this season, including both new releases and a few older classics!
Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb
Recommended reading age: 3+ years
Release date: September 2022
What does joy sound like? Perhaps falling snow? Sounding Joy explores the question in this heart-warming Christmas tale, which is filled with beautiful festive illustrations. The book, which can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, will also be accompanied by children’s music which the author is set to release, for an even more enchanting reading experience!
We’re Going on a Sleighride by Martha Mumford
Recommended reading age: 3-6 years
Release date: October 2022
Santa and his helpers are busy delivering Christmas presents across the globe… but they need a little help. In this lift-the-flap book, there are 10 presents for children to find so Santa can complete his mission – but of course, there are a few obstacles along the way. This jolly Christmas book is perfect for younger children and reading aloud in class or at home, and it’s sure to get you all in the festive mood.
Mr Badger’s Christmas Wish by Lily Murray
Recommended reading age: 3-6 years
Release date: September 2022
Mr Badger has one wish for Christmas, and it’s not what you may think. With Christmas approaching, the woodland creatures are filled with festive cheer, but a disgruntled badger only wishes for Christmas to be banned! Luckily, one little fox cub won’t give up on helping Mr Badger to fall in love with Christmas. Mr Badger’s Christmas Wish is a heart-warming story for younger audiences that tells a tale of Christmas spirit through beautiful illustrations and engaging flaps to lift.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Recommended reading age: 6+
You’ve likely seen the film one or five times, and may have even watched it with your class. But, before the film was a book which is equally filled with magic and wonder! The Polar Express tells the tale of a boy who boards a mysterious train late one Christmas Eve, and encounters all kinds of enchanting characters and exciting adventures along the way. A heart-warming book that teaches the value of courage and friendship, The Polar Express is a must for any Christmas reading time.
Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
Recommended reading age: 3-6 years
After a rather lengthy nap dreaming of the summer sun and warm weather, Father Christmas is awoken to find it’s Christmas Eve – the start of his busiest night of the year – and naturally he’s not too pleased! Follow Santa as he journeys across the world to deliver presents and battles the elements along the way – all to ensure Christmas merriment is delivered to Children all everywhere. As well as a cozy Christmas tale, Father Christmas is filled with beautiful illustrations, many of which are based on the house Briggs himself grew up in.
A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig
Recommended reading age: 7+
Think Santa Clause was always a jolly man with a white beard and red suit? Think again! A Boy Called Christmas recounts his origin story and explains how a boy from Finland became Santa Clause through a tale of magic and adventure. In A Boy Called Christmas, you’ll join Nikolas as he journeys on a life-changing adventure, encountering all kinds of interesting characters along the way, before he becomes the one-and-only Father Christmas!
The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R Tolkien
Recommended reading age: 7+
Resonating with both older fans of the LOTR franchise, and younger generations who crave the magic of Christmas, The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R Tolkien is a real treat for all ages. Every December, a letter from the North Pole would arrive for Tolkien’s children. Each letter was from Santa, who would tell tales of the North Pole and what its magical inhabitants got up to. Tolkien wrote the letters between the 1920s and 40s, and they have now been reworked into a book that will spread joy across faces young and old.
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