The best new Christmas books for kids in 2024

As the festive season approaches, there's nothing quite like the magic of a good Christmas book to spark joy and wonder in young readers. Whether it’s tales of festive adventures, heartwarming stories of kindness, or imaginative journeys to snowy winter wonderlands, Christmas books capture the spirit of the season like nothing else. This year brings a delightful array of new releases that promise to enchant children and adults alike, adding fresh layers of excitement and warmth to our favourite festive traditions. Here is our pick of six of the best new Christmas books for kids published in 2024 that are sure to become instant favourites!

The Snowman Code by Simon Stephenson, illustrated by Reggie Brown

If like us you grew up reading Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman, this one is for you. Set in a beautiful wintery London, brought to life by Reggie Brown’s brilliant illustrations, this is the story of 10-year-old Blessing and 600-year-old Albert Framlington, an eccentric snowman who has seen many winters in many cities and is duty bound by the Snowman Code to help any child in need. Author Simon Stephenson is a screenwriter who worked on Paddington 2 and wrote the original screenplay for Luca. This is his children’s novel debut and is ideal for children aged 8+, in particular fans of The Christmasaurus.

The Biggest Christmas Secret Ever by L.D. Lapinski

L.D. Lapinski follows up last year’s hit Stepfather Christmas with another laugh-out-loud story of family Christmas chaos. Harper is back and so is her mum’s partner, Nick, with his big bushy beard, thick red coat and a team of reindeer. But baby sister Yula is about to bring a whole new meaning to the magic of Christmas. Indoor snowflakes, naughty gingerbread biscuits and reindeer running wild spell Christmas chaos! And with the Elf and Safety Department on the lookout for any unexplained festive magic, it's up to Harper’s family keep the biggest Christmas secret ever . . . Told in 25 chapters and perfect Advent reading, this is ideal for 8+.

Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat

Top children’s author Eoin Colfer’s New York Times bestselling Christmas adventure is available in paperback for the first time this year and it’s a future classic not to be missed. Set between North London and the North Pole, it’s packed with empathy, heart and humour. It’s been ten years since Santa Claus performed his Christmas duties, but when Juniper Lane discovers the mysterious Niko, who lives in her local park surrounded by Christmas trees and reindeer that can fly, she steps into a Christmas story like no other. Perfect for 8+.

How Winston Came Home for Christmas by Alex T. Smith

We are huge fans of this fun festive series by author/illustrator Alex T. Smith. Winston is back in a chapter book edition of his irresistible Christmas adventure, packed with the author’s inimitable illustrations and ideal for newly independent readers. It is five days until Christmas and Winston has a Very Curious Mystery to solve. Recently, he has been having hazy memories of another mouse, and he just knows that someone very important to him is lost. After promising his best friend Oliver that he will be back in time for Christmas, no matter what, Winston sets out on an exciting round-the-world adventure to find the missing mouse, helped along the way by wonderful old friends and delightful new ones, too. Perfect for 5+.

Lola and Larch Make a Winter Wish by Sinead O’Hart, illustrated by Rachel Seago

We love this new series of illustrated chapter books filled with fun, friendship and fairies, perfect for newly independent readers. In this wonderfully wintery volume, chaos comes for Christmas! When Larch wishes her human best friend, Lola, could understand what it's like to be a fairy, something amazing happens. The friends swap bodies! Now Lola has to learn how to fly and Larch has to act "normal" in a school concert. And a very bad fairy called Euphorbia Spurge can't wait to make the most of this magical mix-up! How will Lola and Larch escape this Christmas pickle?! Ideal for 5+.

Luna Loves Christmas by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

We love the Luna Loves picture book series from award-winning Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho. This latest volume celebrates separated families at Christmas, and the power of giving to bring people together. Luna loves Christmas. Sometimes at Mum’s, sometimes at Dad’s, she gets two trees, two dinners, two advent calendars to open . . . but this Christmas, Luna’s family are doing something different. They’re volunteering, and Luna can’t wait for them to all be together at the community Christmas dinner. Perfect family reading for all ages.

Want even more Christmas book recommendations for kids? Check out last year’s blog post here.

There’s nothing better than a book gift at Christmas! Find out all about our gifting options here, including past packs, gift sets and subscription gift vouchers – you’ll find the ideal gift for any young bookworm.

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