*This post was originally posted in 2014 & has been updated for 2019. Ad - contains affiliate links
This year, I have decided to finish our collection to make 24 books and turn them into a Christmas book advent tree that will sit under the tree throughout December.
The idea is that every evening before bed, a new book will be unwrapped and shared. How exciting!
The thought of finding (and wrapping) 24 books may seem daunting but there are LOTS of titles to choose from.
I already had a box of Christmas books that I bring out every year and I scoured the internet for the best deals to boost my collection.
Most of my books were bought from amazon, Usborne and the book people. I spent about £30 this year to bring my total number of books to 24.
I already had a box of Christmas books that I bring out every year and I scoured the internet for the best deals to boost my collection.
Most of my books were bought from amazon, Usborne and the book people. I spent about £30 this year to bring my total number of books to 24.
So, in no particular order, here are our Christmas books:-
What they say:
Cynthia LOVES Christmas. So much so that her flockmates send her off to the North Pole to help Father Christmas. But it turns out that there isn’t much an enthusiastic sheep can do to help with Christmas – until one crucial moment…
Cynthia LOVES Christmas. So much so that her flockmates send her off to the North Pole to help Father Christmas. But it turns out that there isn’t much an enthusiastic sheep can do to help with Christmas – until one crucial moment…
What they say:
Jack loves everything about Christmas. Except for one thing: he does not like Brussels sprouts. When Jack's parents bring home the largest sprout he has ever seen, things are about to get out of control. Sproutzilla is the meanest, greenest Christmas ruining vegetable ever and now he's heading straight towards Santa! It's up to Jack to save Christmas, and there's only one way to do it . . . He'll have to eat the sprouts!
Sproutzilla vs. Christmas is Tom Jamieson and Mike Byrne's first picture book with Macmillan. Their strikingly bold and funny story about a rampaging sprout will convince even the most reluctant eaters about the importance of eating their vegetables.
What they say:
When Plip the penguin loses his favourite toy, it seems like the end of the world! As the sky grows dark, Plip runs off to find it, all on his own. What will become of poor little Plip, out in the snowy storm?
When Plip the penguin loses his favourite toy, it seems like the end of the world! As the sky grows dark, Plip runs off to find it, all on his own. What will become of poor little Plip, out in the snowy storm?
I've seen Santa - buy here
What they say:
It's Christmas Eve and Little Bear can't wait for Santa to deliver his presents. "Santa will come just as soon as you go to sleep," Mummy Bear says.
Little Bear doesn't want to go to sleep. But then he hears a noise downstairs. Will he really get to see Santa...? This new edition of a classic Christmas story features a CD with a delightful rendition of the story, read by actors Jason Isaacs and Lesley Sharpe, along with music and sound effects.
It's Christmas Eve and Little Bear can't wait for Santa to deliver his presents. "Santa will come just as soon as you go to sleep," Mummy Bear says.
Little Bear doesn't want to go to sleep. But then he hears a noise downstairs. Will he really get to see Santa...? This new edition of a classic Christmas story features a CD with a delightful rendition of the story, read by actors Jason Isaacs and Lesley Sharpe, along with music and sound effects.
Rudey's Windy Christmas - buy here
What they say:
A hilarious story full of noises and naughtiness. A sure-fire Christmas cracker of a book!
“Oh, dearie me!” said Rudey. Now I’ve done a windy pop!
This is a bit embarrassing. I’ll do my best to stop.”
This is a bit embarrassing. I’ll do my best to stop.”
Rudey has eaten too many sprouts and the explosive effect is smelt all around the world as he Santa delivery presents on Christmas Eve… The other reindeer have laughed so much, they’re out of puff. How ever will they get the sleigh back home?
The Dinosaur that pooped Christmas - buy here
What they say:
Danny wants everything for Christmas.
But what he gets is a dinosaur, a very hungry dinosaur.
Danny's new dino eats up all of Christmas, but as we all know, what goes in must come out . . .
Danny is about to have the most EXPLOSIVE Christmas of his life!
There's poop, presents and prehistoric creatures in this festive feast!
Danny wants everything for Christmas.
But what he gets is a dinosaur, a very hungry dinosaur.
Danny's new dino eats up all of Christmas, but as we all know, what goes in must come out . . .
Danny is about to have the most EXPLOSIVE Christmas of his life!
There's poop, presents and prehistoric creatures in this festive feast!
Is it Christmas yet - buy here
What they say:
Christmas is coming and Ted is SO excited, he's just about ready to pop! "Is it Christmas yet?" he cries. "It is it christmas yet?" Poor Ted - will it EVER be Christmas?
Christmas is coming and Ted is SO excited, he's just about ready to pop! "Is it Christmas yet?" he cries. "It is it christmas yet?" Poor Ted - will it EVER be Christmas?
A lovely chunky padded board book edition of a favourite Christmas story by the award-winning Jane Chapman (The Little White Owl and The Bears in the Bed and the Great Big Storm), Is It Christmas Yet? is the perfect festive gift for little ones with the Christmas jitters! With sturdy pages that are easy for little hands to turn, along with beautiful illustrations and a vibrant, funny text, this is an ideal book to read with children in the run up to Christmas.
What they say:
Christmas is coming and everyone is so excited - except for Grumpy Badger. Piffle he shouts. I am going to sleep until spring, and if anyone wakes me up I shall be VERY grumpy. But then Grumpy Badger has three visitors... and there is a great crisis. Will he learn the error of his ways before it's too late?
Christmas is coming and everyone is so excited - except for Grumpy Badger. Piffle he shouts. I am going to sleep until spring, and if anyone wakes me up I shall be VERY grumpy. But then Grumpy Badger has three visitors... and there is a great crisis. Will he learn the error of his ways before it's too late?
.JPG "Our Christmas Book Advent tree | Ideas for the Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas - The Smelly Sprout")
What they say:
Thrown out into the snow on Christmas day, the smelly sprout comes up against a terribly rude Christmas tree, an awfully impolite snowman and, worst of all...a greedy fox.
But will a chance encounter with someone as small as the sprout change everything? "The Smelly Sprout" is a Christmas classic.
With deliciously witty illustrations and a story to touch the heart, this is a tale children and their parents will love. And one thing's for sure, love them or loathe them, you'll never look at a sprout in the same way again!
Thrown out into the snow on Christmas day, the smelly sprout comes up against a terribly rude Christmas tree, an awfully impolite snowman and, worst of all...a greedy fox.
But will a chance encounter with someone as small as the sprout change everything? "The Smelly Sprout" is a Christmas classic.
With deliciously witty illustrations and a story to touch the heart, this is a tale children and their parents will love. And one thing's for sure, love them or loathe them, you'll never look at a sprout in the same way again!
.JPG "Our Christmas Book Advent tree | Ideas for the Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas - The Nativity")
What they say: A flap book to introduce little children to the story of baby Jesus. It features warm and friendly illustrations.
What they say:
Young children love things that go, and the Whizzy Wheels titles are books they can spend hours playing with, as well as reading.
Santa's reindeer have the flu. Who'll pull his sleigh, what will he do? With a bit of elf-help and some sparkly magic, Santa transforms a broken toy into fabulous scooter-sleigh!
Follow his journey through Christmas Eve, then close the book and push it along on its moving wheels to go on your own scooting adventure.
Whizzy Santa is filled with Marion Billet's bright illustrations that are packed with detail, this book is a must for every child with a scooter!
Follow his journey through Christmas Eve, then close the book and push it along on its moving wheels to go on your own scooting adventure.
Whizzy Santa is filled with Marion Billet's bright illustrations that are packed with detail, this book is a must for every child with a scooter!
What they say:
It’s Christmastime, and everyone is very excited for the Christmas Day Party! But Kittie has one very special client to visit before the big day. . .
Father Christmas!
But when they discover that the Christmas presents have been stolen, Kittie and Father Christmas must race against time to find them.
Will Christmas be saved? And will Kittie manage to make a new friend on the way?
It’s Christmastime, and everyone is very excited for the Christmas Day Party! But Kittie has one very special client to visit before the big day. . .
Father Christmas!
But when they discover that the Christmas presents have been stolen, Kittie and Father Christmas must race against time to find them.
Will Christmas be saved? And will Kittie manage to make a new friend on the way?
.JPG "Our Christmas Book Advent tree | Ideas for the Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas - The smowman")
What they say:
One winter's night, a snowman comes to life and an unforgettable adventure begins.
Raymond Briggs' classic is a true piece of Christmas magic - narrated entirely through pictures, it captures the wonder and innocence of childhood and is recognised throughout the world.
.JPG "Our Christmas Book Advent tree | Ideas for the Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas - Father Christmas needs a wee")
Father Christmas needs a wee - buy here
What they say:
"Father Christmas needs a wee.
He's been drinking drinks since half past three . . ."
At each different house that he visits Father Christmas drinks and eats all the goodies left out for him. Before long he really, really, really needs a wee.
So much so that he even forgets to leave the presents behind. But he dashes back, delivers all the pressies and flies home at high speed to avoid an embarassing accident . . . there's just one tiny problem . . . he's lost his house key!
Find out what happens and whether Father Christmas ever gets to relieve himself in this brilliant and fabulously funny counting book from the talented author/illustrator Nicholas Allan!
"Father Christmas needs a wee.
He's been drinking drinks since half past three . . ."
At each different house that he visits Father Christmas drinks and eats all the goodies left out for him. Before long he really, really, really needs a wee.
So much so that he even forgets to leave the presents behind. But he dashes back, delivers all the pressies and flies home at high speed to avoid an embarassing accident . . . there's just one tiny problem . . . he's lost his house key!
Find out what happens and whether Father Christmas ever gets to relieve himself in this brilliant and fabulously funny counting book from the talented author/illustrator Nicholas Allan!
Father Christmas Comes Up Trumps - buy here
What they say:
Father Christmas is back, and this time he's had three helping of sprouts! As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in - he doesn't want to wake anyone up!
Will he come up TRUMPS?
Father Christmas is back, and this time he's had three helping of sprouts! As he tries to deliver the presents, his tummy rumbles, gurgles and groans, but Father Christmas knows he must keep it in - he doesn't want to wake anyone up!
Will he come up TRUMPS?
.JPG "Our Christmas Book Advent tree | Ideas for the Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas - Aliens love Panta Claus")
What they say:
The aliens are excited,
As tomorrow's Christmas day,
So instead of stealing underpants,
They're giving them away!
Yes, it's true! Everyone's favourite aliens are full of the festive spirit and so they are giving away their beloved underpants - shock, horror! Join them as they help out in Santa's busyworkshop, put neon pants on Rudolph and tie knickers up in the place of stockings.
But remember to hold on to your pants - this special pants giveaway is for one day only. Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas!
The aliens are excited,
As tomorrow's Christmas day,
So instead of stealing underpants,
They're giving them away!
Yes, it's true! Everyone's favourite aliens are full of the festive spirit and so they are giving away their beloved underpants - shock, horror! Join them as they help out in Santa's busyworkshop, put neon pants on Rudolph and tie knickers up in the place of stockings.
But remember to hold on to your pants - this special pants giveaway is for one day only. Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas!
.JPG "Our Christmas Book Advent tree | Ideas for the Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas - The Jolly Christmas Postman")
What they say:
It's Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman is delivering greetings to everyone's favourite fairy-tale characters.
It's Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman is delivering greetings to everyone's favourite fairy-tale characters.
He has a card for Baby Bear, a game for Red Riding Hood, a get-well jigsaw for poor Humpty Dumpty and lots more packages to deliver!
The Jolly Postman keeps on peddling his bicycle up hill and down dale. . . and into everybody's hearts.
What they say:
Little Miss Shy is the shyest person in the world, so when she gets an invite to Mr Happy's Christmas Party, just the thought of going makes her blush.
The other Mr Men are very excited. Mr Strong finds the Christmas tree, Mr Greedy bakes a Yule tree trunk and Little Miss Naughty brings the mistletoe! But will Little Miss Shy's blushes be spared when there's a thick blanket of snow on the day of the party?
Little Miss Shy is the shyest person in the world, so when she gets an invite to Mr Happy's Christmas Party, just the thought of going makes her blush.
The other Mr Men are very excited. Mr Strong finds the Christmas tree, Mr Greedy bakes a Yule tree trunk and Little Miss Naughty brings the mistletoe! But will Little Miss Shy's blushes be spared when there's a thick blanket of snow on the day of the party?
Help Santa's Beard on a hilarious adventure to find the right face.
It’s summer and Santa’s Beard is far too fluffy and warm on Santa's sweaty face. “Don’t worry, Santa, I’ll just find a new face,” says his Beard, and off he flies straight on to … the face of someone new!
But neither the baby in the pram, the princess in her castle or the pirate at sea seem to want a beard.
Will Santa's Beard ever find someone who wants him? In this completely hilarious novelty book illustrated in Nick Sharratt’s bold and distinctive style, help guide Santa's Beard page by page on its adventure to find its rightful face.
But neither the baby in the pram, the princess in her castle or the pirate at sea seem to want a beard.
Will Santa's Beard ever find someone who wants him? In this completely hilarious novelty book illustrated in Nick Sharratt’s bold and distinctive style, help guide Santa's Beard page by page on its adventure to find its rightful face.
.JPG "Our Christmas Book Advent tree | Ideas for the Best Children's Books to Buy this Christmas - T'was the night before christmas")
What they say:
Claire Fennell s unique, collage illustrations bring this story to life, mixing quirky patterns with characters that children will love.
Twas the Night Before Christmas is a festive twist on a classic story that is perfect to read to young children during the holiday season!
Claire Fennell s unique, collage illustrations bring this story to life, mixing quirky patterns with characters that children will love.
Twas the Night Before Christmas is a festive twist on a classic story that is perfect to read to young children during the holiday season!
What they say:
Together Big Bear and Little Bear set out to explore their world and treasure the natural beauty that is all around them.
Together Big Bear and Little Bear set out to explore their world and treasure the natural beauty that is all around them.
It's Christmas Eve and Father Christmas is taking Dolly and Teddy to their new home. Teddy loses his scarf, and when they chase after it, the sleigh leaves without them.
Stranded in the dark woods, Dolly and Teddy must find their own way home.
Stranded in the dark woods, Dolly and Teddy must find their own way home.
When Ollie sees snow for the first time, he's amazed. It is wonderful! He rushes outside to play with his brother and sister, but then a huge, scary dog appears and the puppies scatter.
Ollie runs and runs, and when at last he stops, he finds himself lost and alone. Will he ever find his way back to the warmth and safety of his family and home?
Ollie runs and runs, and when at last he stops, he finds himself lost and alone. Will he ever find his way back to the warmth and safety of his family and home?
What they say:
Christmas Poems is a festive collection of classic and specially created poems which celebrates all the best things about Christmas from the Nativity to Father Christmas, including snow, angels, reindeer, Christmas trees and, of course, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.
Collated by children's poetry expert Gaby Morgan, Christmas Poems is decorated in full-colour by Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom.
Christmas Poems is a festive collection of classic and specially created poems which celebrates all the best things about Christmas from the Nativity to Father Christmas, including snow, angels, reindeer, Christmas trees and, of course, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.
Collated by children's poetry expert Gaby Morgan, Christmas Poems is decorated in full-colour by Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom.
Our Top 5 Christmas Books
Phew! Well done for reaching the end of the list. Let me know if you have any Christmas book recommendations too.
Pin Me For Later
This is the best idea :) so cute, the kids will enjoy this. I recognise a bunch of these titles from work (Alien loves Panta Claus is my fav)
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I love it and can't wait for 1st December so we can get started x
DeleteThis is a great idea and something I've been thinking about doing when my little one is older x
ReplyDeleteI would advise starting your collection now with a few books ever year - it is much more manageable that way x
DeleteOh wow, what an amazing idea. I will totally be stealing this idea for when Boo is a little bit older.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this idea and there are some lovely books here. I'm off to get The Smelly Sprout which I know our son will love! #ChristmasCountdown
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous idea. I'll definitely be checking out some of these titles for my book-mad toddler! :)
ReplyDeleteI saw this idea recently on facebook and have decided to do the same for Baby. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely idea I think I will have to try something like this in a year or two when my little two are a bit older. The books you have brought look great x
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely idea, ive seen a few mummies doing this so cute. I love your wrapping paper too! :) x
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ReplyDeleteI love Dear Santa. And The Snowdog of course. It actually has a more uplifting ending than The Snowman, which always makes me feel sad! My son has requested Lucy and Tom's Christmas every night for the ten days we've been staying with my parents. I like how it has all the build up and the lovely illustrations by Shirley Hughes. I do the same and keep Christmassy books separate.
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