We have built up a beautiful selection of Christmas picture books over years, many of which were included in last year’s Fabulous Festive Reads. This year, alongside some of our favourites such as Oh, Christmas Tree, The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland and Winston, we have added a few more picture books to the list…
Santa’s New Sleigh by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels
This book contains an eco-twist on one of the classic Christmas problems… Santa’s sleigh isn’t working, and the pressure is on to find a new way to deliver the children’s Christmas presents in time.
The elves try a series of options that become increasingly ridiculous, from running to slingshots to asking polar bears for help (they are NOT impressed).
What I loved about this book was that it is a female elf called Lizzie that comes up with the winning solution and even better it is eco-friendly! Might this be the start of a new tradition at the North Pole for many Christmases to come? This book surprised me with its originality and put a smile on our faces.
Published by Faber & Faber, 7 October 2021
ISBN: 978-0571364480
Squirrel’s Snowman by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
My toddler loves the lift-the-flap Tales from Acorn Wood board books and was thrilled with this new Christmas addition.
Squirrel wants to build a snowman, but can she find everything they need to build it?
These sturdy, thick-page books are great to let toddlers explore independently. My daughter loves opening and closing the acorn curtains!
Published by Macmillan Children’s Books, 28 October 2021
ISBN: 978-1529034370
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa’s Stolen Sleigh by Tracey Corderoy and Steven Lenton
Lovable crooks turned bakers, Shifty and Sam, are off to Lapland to treat Santa to a festive delight. But when they arrive there is a sense of panic in the air: the toys aren’t finished!
Thankfully a polar bear called Flo Frost – who just so happens to be a gadget expert – turns up to save the day. Or does she? Might Santa’s magical flying sleigh be one gadget that is just too hard for Flo to resist?
I love how Tracey has hidden clues throughout the plot, but still keeps you guessing with each page turn. Steven’s illustrations are as brilliant as ever. Santa’s Stolen Sleigh will leave you will a happy, warm Christmas smile.
Published by Nosy Crow, 7 October 2021
ISBN: 978-1788007771
The Toys’ Christmas by Claire Clément and Genevieve Godbout
If you’re looking for a gentler Christmas tale, this could be the Christmas book for you. On the first spread we are introduced to Noah who has no idea where his toy elephant Fanfan has gone the night before Christmas.
We then follow Fanfan’s evening. He has set off for a very important meeting with a very important man: Santa! Could it be that your favourite teddy bear holds the key to you getting the gift you want for Christmas?
Genevieve’s beautiful, atmospheric illustrations suit this longer prose picture book format. The Toys’ Christmas is a soothing picture book that will have children hugging their favourite teddies.
Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2 November 2021
ISBN: 978-0711266377
I am very grateful to the publishers for providing me with complimentary copies of these books. This voluntary feature contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
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