The 12 Books of Christmas for Kids

It’s definitely that time of year – the trees are up, the shops are full of decorations and carols are playing – it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! Thought it’s nice to give books at any time of year, it’s particularly nice at Christmas, and books remain a popular gift for kids of all ages. Here we’ve come up with some of our favourite Christmas themed books.

A great gift, Where’s Santa in Australia, has Santa flying down under to visit his cousin Barry. In the style of Where’s Wally, you’ll need to find Santa all over Australia, from the cities to the red centre. This book has over 800 things to spot, so should keep kids occupied for at least a part of Christmas day!

If you prefer your books with a side of craft, there’s the Santa is Coming to Australia series. This series has Santa going round the country, with individual books on places including Tasmania, the outback, the Mornington Peninsula and more. Or there’s the Santa is Coming to Australia Paint With Glitter edition, perfect for any budding artist.

Pig the Pug is funny at any time of the year, but this greedy pug loves presents – so this time he’s staying up all night to make sure he gets them all. Pig the Elf is another laugh out loud book filled with holiday cheer, and this edition also comes with a plush pig toy.

With a heart two sizes too small, the Grinch is the meanest creature you’ll ever meet. He hates Christmas and the whole festive season. But when he hatches a dastardly plot to steal Christmas, he’s in for a big surprise! With hilarious rhymes and beautiful illustrations, How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become a firm favourite.

From the cheeky duo who brought you There Is A Monster Under My Bed Who Farts and The Pirate Who Had To Pee comes a book that is perfect for naughty kids this Christmas – There Is A Monster Under My Christmas Tree Who Farts. The Fart Monster is back and he’s up to his old stinky tricks… will this put him on Santa’s naughty list? Guaranteed to make kids giggle.

One for younger kids, The Little Reindeer Who Lost His Presents is great for little fingers. In this lift the flap book, the Little Reindeer has lost Santa’s presents, and it’s up to you to help him find them! Filled with lovely illustrations as well.

Dashing through the bush, in a rusty Holden ute, Kicking up the dust, esky in the boot.. this Aussie Jingle Bells book with CD is sure to become a family classic! If you’re not so keen on snow and sleighs, this version of the classic song is the book for you, and kids will love to sing along.

If you want to get the kids into the kitchen, Christmas Cooking may be the book for you. This book is full of delicious seasonal recipes including much loved favourites and exciting new ideas and also includes gift-wrapping ideas to make delicious treats into wonderful Christmas gifts.

If you’re more included to go for the classics, you may want to consider The Night Before Christmas Pop-Up. First published in 1823, this is the classic book that begins:

‘Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.

And this edition comes with award winning pop up illustrations that will delight.

Everyone’s favourite bear from darkest Peru is soon to be back at the cinemas, so why not get Paddington and the Christmas Surprise beforehand? When the Browns take Paddington to the Christmas grotto at the local department store, their journey through the Winter Wonderland is full of unexpected surprises.

Australia’s funniest mathematician is back with an hilarious and entertaining picture book for the young (and young at heart). Adam Spencer’s 12 Days of Christmas features a postie who has to deliver 12 ever-more bizarre Christmas gifts. This will delight younger readers with its funny rhymes, stunning illustrations … and cheeky maths (that they won’t even realise they’re learning)! A distinctly Australian take on the classic carol.

The Nativity features the gorgeous illustrations of Julie Vivas (of Possum Magic fame), and tells Mary’s story, beautifully imagining the Angel Gabriel delivering the news to her, the journey with Joseph to Bethlehem, and at last the deliverance of the baby Jesus.