The best picture books to gift at Christmas time
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be compiling a host of gift guides to help you with your Christmas shopping.
Here is a collection of our favourite picture books that celebrate Christmas.
Dreaming of a White Christmas…
-
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht and Jarvis – This book is an ideal read-aloud with rhythmic, rolling text that describes the process of decorating a pine tree and a glorious double page spread of the final decorations that requires you tip the book sideways.
-
Waltz of the Snowflakes by Elly MacKay – This whimsical wordless picture book captures the magic of The Nutcracker and is a wonderful pick for a young ballet or theatre lover.
-
Little Christmas Tree by Ruth Symons and Jessica Courtney-Tickle – A sweet lift-the-flap picture book that celebrates nature and its transformative power on a little Christmas tree.
-
Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Karl James Mountford – We adore Karl James Mountford’s busy and intricate style which perfectly enlivens this magical tale about a girl who misses her father on Christmas day. Kids will love the peep-through page and lift-the-flaps.
- Coming Home by Michael Morpurgo and Kerry Hyndman – A plucky little robin sets out on an epic journey in this lyrical tale from Michael Morpurgo that has a decidedly classic feel.
Stories with an Australian flavour…
-
Christmas Wombat by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley – The irresistible Mothball the Wombat celebrates Christmas in her wombat way in this endearing tale.
-
Bouncing Bouncing Little Joeys by Lesley Gibbes and Doris Chang – A group of little joeys decorate a Christmas tree in anticipation of Santa’s arrival in this bouncy, charming tale.
-
All I Want for Christmas is Rain by Cori Brooke and Megan Forward – This is a distinctly Australian story with a simple and immensely satisfying narrative: a young girl wishes for rain to ease her family’s strain from a drought.
-
That Christmas Feeling by Lili Wilkinson and Amanda Francey – We adore this first picture book from young adult novelist, Lili Wilkinson, which sees a young girl misplace her Christmas spirit. But don’t worry, she soon finds it again, and in an unlikely place.
- John Williamson’s Christmas in Australia by John Williamson and Mitch Vane – John Williamson’s hugely popular family song about Dad’s long-suffering attempt to take a family photo is brought to life by Mitch Vane.
Reimagining the 12 Days of Christmas…
-
The 12 Days of Christmas by Pilgrim Lee – This Melbourne artist’s vibrant, detailed and retro-inspired art makes this picture book an absolute pleasure to pore over.
-
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Alison Jay – A luminous and magical story that sees a happy couple discovering wonderful gifts on their way to a Christmas party.
-
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Anna Wright – Anna Wright’s version of the classic song is a sumptuous and exquisite offering of pen, ink, watercolour and collage
-
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Britta Teckentrup – Britta Teckentrup’s distinctive die-cut art allows kids to ‘peep-through’ the pages in this bright and cleverly designed book.
- The 12 Days of Christmas by Greg Pizzoli – A funny, raucous and effervescent reimagining of the classic song that asks a question we’ve all had: What are we supposed to do with 10 lords a-leaping?!
For families who attend church…
-
Refuge by Anne Booth and Sam Usher – This picture book follows the fleeing of Jesus, Mary and Joseph from Herod’s soldiers to Egypt and has a message that couldn’t be more relevant.
-
The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda – The story of the birth of Jesus is lovingly brought to life by master pop-up artist Robert Sabuda in six imaginative scenes.
-
The Christmas Book by Dick Bruna – In this simply written and elegantly designed book, Dutch author and illustrator Dick Bruna shares the story of Jesus’s birth with his inimitable flair.
-
Wombat Divine by Mem Fox and Kerry Argent – Wombat loves everything about the Nativity play, but it seems that he’s not right for any of the parts – that is, until Emu has a brilliant idea…
- Angel Mae and the Christmas Baby by Shirley Hughes – Another picture book that has the Nativity play at its centre, this time from Shirley Hughes. Mae Morgan is thrilled to be given the part of the Angel Gabriel in the nativity play but her mum is expecting a baby and she’s worried that her new baby might steal her glory.
For kids (and adult kids) with a skewed sense of humour…
-
A Die Hard Christmas by Doogie Horner and J.J. Harrison – Yes, this is exactly what you think it is and it is Very Good. This smart book uses the structure of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas’ to laugh-out-loud effect.
-
Grumpy Cat’s First Worst Christmas by Stephanie Laberis – Join your favourite and grumpiest feline as she ‘celebrates’ the most terrible time of the year – under duress of course.
-
Presents Through the Window by Taro Gomi – Originally published in Japan in 1983, this clever peekaboo book is a cult favourite and demonstrates all the terrible (or terribly amusing) mistakes that can happen when Santa is in a hurry.
-
Father Christmas goes on Holiday by Raymond Briggs – In this hilarious and charming tale, Father Christmas heads off for a well-deserved holiday. Naturally, chaos ensues…
- Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey – Pig the Pug is a greedy, selfish and entirely lovable beast, and this Christmas tale sees him behaving as badly as ever, with disastrous results.
For longer read alouds or interactive fun…
-
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss – This classic Seussian tale tells the story of the disgruntled Grinch and his fiendish attempts to steal Christmas from the citizens of Who-ville.
-
One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell and Emily Sutton – When Theo wishes for some friends to keep him company at Christmas, the decorations on his Christmas tree begin to disentangle themselves, and prepare to wreak a little havoc… Emily Sutton’s illustrations are a delight.
-
Tea and Sugar Christmas by Jane Jolly and Robert Ingpen – This informative and engaging picture book is based on the real tea-and-sugar train that travelled from Port Augusta to Kalgoorie once a week from 1915 to 1996, servicing settlements with everything from groceries to medical care.
-
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet Ahlberg and Allan Ahlberg – Help the Jolly Postman deliver letters and packages on Christmas Even in this interactive picture book filled with surprise envelopes containing letters, cards, and even puzzles and games.
- Christmas Treats by Enid Blyton – A bumper collection of short stories from Enid Blyton with plenty of humour and festive cheer.
For non-Christmassy books that celebrate family, summer time and love…
-
Little Dog and the Summer Holiday by Corinne Fenton and Robin Cowcher – Corinne Fenton’s gifts readers another gorgeously gentle story that celebrates family. In this story, Little Dog and his family set off with their caravan on a big summer road trip.
-
Raymond by Gwendal and Yann Le Bec – In this wryly funny story, Raymond decides he wants to become more human. He starts sitting at the dinner table, walking on his hind legs and even gets a job, but soon begins to miss the pleasures of his old life.
-
The Sloth Who Came to Stay by Margaret Wild and Vivienne To – A fun and loving picture book that sees a sloth teach a busy, hectic family how to slooooooow down and take the time to enjoy each other’s company.
-
The Poesy Ring by Bob Graham – A discarded gold ring goes on a journey from rural Ireland to 1960s New York City in this romantic tale that traverses continents and time.
- Mouse House by John Burningham – When their parents discover mice living in their home and call the mouse catcher, two children warn the mouse family and then help them escape. This is a tender and quirky tale about what makes a home.
