The best new Christmas books to read with kids this year

At Parrot Street HQ, rediscovering our favourite Christmas books is just as important an annual event as unpacking the Christmas decorations! There’s something particularly special about sharing a festive tale with the family in the run up to the day itself. Of course, we have plenty of old favourites, but never miss an opportunity to add new books to our collection. This year there is a bumper crop of brand-new Christmas books coming out which we’re really excited about. Here’s our pick of the best new Christmas books to read with kids in 2023:

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’s Christmas Shenanigans by Alex T. Smith

Perfect for 5+

Alex T. Smith, author and illustrator of the Claude series, Mr Penguin books and How Winston Delivered Christmas, is back again with another festive treat – a beautiful retelling of a Christmas classic packed with humour and festive mayhem. The story is told in 24 chapters, making it ideal for sharing together as a family during Advent. The gorgeous colour illustrations in this hardback edition also make it an incredible gift – don’t miss this one off your Christmas list.

Stepfather Christmas by L.D. Lapinski

Perfect for 8+

Young readers will laugh out loud at this super fun, heartwarming and hilarious Christmas story in which 10-year-old Harper is convinced that her mum’s new boyfriend is actually Father Christmas. We love L.D. Lapinski's Strangeworlds series and are excited for this brand-new festive treat. The story starts 25 days before Christmas and there are 2 chapters, making it perfect festive reading for the whole family (and even better than an advent calendar in our opinion)!

Gnome Alone at Christmas by Nick Pine, illustrated by Di Brookes

Perfect for 5+

This is the perfect stocking filler for newly independent readers. It’s fun, festive and illustrated throughout. Packed with mischief and magic, the story stars Noah, a hugely relatable lead character, and Tommy, a magical gnome who turns up on 24^th December bringing all kinds of chaos with him! Can Noah fix Tommy’s magical mischief in time to save Christmas?

Operation Nativity by Jenny Pearson

Perfect for 8+

The brand-new paperback edition of last year’s Christmas hit makes another excellent stocking filler for middle grade readers. Jenny Pearson is one of our favourite funny authors and Operation Nativity is laugh-out-loud funny with a brilliant cast of characters and loads of festive mayhem. When the Angel Gabriel crash lands in their grandparents’ back garden, it’s up to Oscar and Molly sort things out and save Christmas.

The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson

Perfect for 8+

The wintry landscape of Sophie Anderson's latest book about friendship, belonging and bravery is just stunning and makes for perfect festive reading. Sophie's talent for epic storytelling is second to none and this beautiful book is no exception. Her books are always packed with adventure, empathy and originality. This illustrated hardback edition would make the perfect Christmas gift.

The Ice Children by M.G. Leonard

Perfect for 8+

M.G. Leonard’s books are always packed with adventure and intrigue. Her latest story is set in an icy winter wonderland, beautifully brought to life by Penny Neville-Lee’s illustrations in this lovely hardback gift edition. The story involves a magical book and a shadowy stranger who Bianca is convinced are connected to the children found mysteriously frozen around her city.  Can Bianca save her brother and the other Ice Children before they are forever lost?

Adventuremice: Mice on the Ice by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre

Perfect for 5+

We absolutely adore this new series by author-illustrator dream team Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre. These fun and delightfully charming stories are beautifully illustrated in colour throughout, perfect for newly independent readers and for fans of Alex T. Smith and Nadia Shireen. Adventuremice: Mice on the Ice adds a fun festive flavour to the series. When a surprise snowfall puts the Frost Fair at risk, it's up to Pedro and the team to save the Fair and bring joy to the town!

From our award-winning monthly book subscriptions to chapter books, letterbox gifts, stocking stuffers and ideas for a Christmas Eve box, we’re here to help you give the gift of reading this Christmas. Head to the dedicated Christmas area on our website for everything you need this festive season!