The Best Festive Reads to Get Your Little Ones in the Holiday Spirit
Check out the best Christmas books for kids in 2023.
Believe it or not, the holidays are just around the corner. With Christmas just over one month away, it’s time to turn up the cheer.
While it can be hard to spare a thought for the holidays during the end-of-the-year rush, it’s important to stop and soak up the festive spirit. Not only is the holiday season a great time for remembering our core values (family, generosity, community), but it’s also a chance to imbue your child’s life with a little bit of magic.
One easy way to start feeling jolly is by swapping your usual bedtime books for holiday-inspired titles instead.
Scroll on to see some of the best Christmas books for kids this year. (Psst . . . they also make great stocking-stuffers!)
9 of the best Christmas books for kids 2022
Bluey: Merry Christmas
Need a way to while away the hours during school holidays?
This Bluey colouring book is guaranteed to be a hit! Featuring characters from the award-winning preschool show, the book is full of pictures of Bluey and her family. Kids can colour in the Heelers as they play Verandah Santa, take a Christmas swim and enjoy other summer activities!
Bluey: 12 Days of Christmas
Experience the 12 days of Christmas like you never have before, featuring – you guessed it – Bluey!
From mango trees to bin chickens, this book is a nod to all things Aussie Christmas and is sure to delight readers of all ages.
Young readers can also follow along with this read-aloud with Wippa.
Spot’s First Christmas by Eric Hill
Speaking of puppies, we couldn’t forget about Spot. Celebrate Christmas with this special edition of a classic Christmas-themed Spot tale. Join in the fun as the adorable pup helps Mum prepare the house for Christmas day. With the same flaps that the other Spot books are known and loved for, young readers can engage their motor skills while following Spot as he wraps presents, decorates the tree, and learns all about carol singing.
Peppa and the Christmas Elf
Peppa is so excited for Christmas and the one thing she wants more than any gift is an adventure with an elf from Santa’s workshop. When mysterious things start happening, Peppa starts to wonder if her wish has come true. Are the strange occurrences the work of a naughty elf – and if not, what’s really going on?
Peter Rabbit; Happy Christmas Peter by Beatrix Potter
What could be more heart-warming than this gorgeous Peter Rabbit flap book? As winter settles all around, there’s so much for Peter and his friends to do. Follow them as they work to make this an extra-special season full of Christmas festivities.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Night Before Christmas by Eric Carle
This caterpillar is arguably the most iconic picture book character of all time – and now he’s embarking on a Christmas adventure. It’s Christmas Eve and the lovable insect finds himself exploring a magical snowy landscape. Join him in lifting the flaps to say goodnight to some cute baby animals before the magic begins.
Mr Men: The Christmas Elf by Roger Hargreaves
Who doesn’t love the Mr Men characters? They’re cute, colourful and oh-so-fun! In this fun picture book, Little Miss Naughty is trying to avoid the naughty list this year. . . and let’s just say it’s a challenge. When she realises that her naughtiness levels are off the charts, she commits to being good this year. But will she be able to stay true to her word?
Zola and the Christmas Lights by Melina Marchetta and Deb Hudson
From the bestselling author of Looking for Alibrandi comes this gorgeous picture book about community and tradition.
After two years without Christmas lights, Zola and Alessandro can’t wait to decorate Boomerang Street with Nonno Nino’s lights. Along the way, they learn about tradition and why some families celebrate differently. This book is quintessentially Australian with themes of diversity, community and togetherness.
Meerkat Christmas by Aura Parker
This fun and funny rhyming picture book will have little kids (and parents) laughing out loud as ten Meerkat friends play a wobbly Christmas game. From the creator of the popular Meerkat Splash this book is equally joyful – but with a festive twist.
