8 new Christmas books for kids in 2022

Unboxing the Christmas books is as much a highlight of the festive season at Parrot Street HQ as hanging the decorations. Every year we look forward to rediscovering and rereading our favourite Christmas books – it’s a family tradition! Of course, we like to add a few new ones to our collection each year as well, and this year we are spoilt for choice. There are some fantastic new Christmas books for kids aged 5 to 12 publishing this year, including brand new titles by some of our favourite authors. Here are the Christmas books at the top of our list in 2022.

The Grumpus: And His Dastardly Dreadful Christmas Plan by Alex T. Smith

What better place to start than with a brand-new festive book by brilliant author/illustrator Alex T. Smith, creator of the Claude and Mr Penguin series. The Grumpus is the heart-warming tale of a modern-day Grinch, packed with Alex’s trademark illustrations in a beautiful hardback book that would make a great Christmas gift for young readers aged 5+.

Humbug: The Elf Who Saved Christmas by Steven Butler

If it’s funny books you’re after, this illustrated chapter book by the bestselling author of The Nothing to See Here Hotel will fit the bill perfectly. Gristle and his family run the Reindeer Poo Disposal department at Santa’s workshop, but this year must bring some festive cheer to the patients and staff at a local hospital, inspired by one very special little girl. We love Steven Butler’s silly humour as much as our kids do. This is definitely one for fans of The Christmasaurus.

The Christmasaurus Cracker by Tom Fletcher

Speaking of which, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a new book by Tom Fletcher. In the absence of a full-length chapter book, this year’s offering in the Christmasaurus franchise is a fun-filled activity book, packed with jokes, puzzles, festive facts, Christmas recipes, decoration ideas and more, plus two new Christmas stories. Ideal as a stocking filler for kids aged 7+.

The Arctic Railway Assassin by M.G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman

If you haven’t already discovered the Adventures on Train series, perfect for young readers aged 8+, then you are in for a treat. In this latest instalment, Hal and Uncle Nat are off to the Arctic Circle to see the northern lights for Christmas – but their detective skills are called upon once more as a sinister figure from Uncle Nat’s past appears to be following them.

The Christmas Carrolls: The Christmas Competition by Mel Taylor-Bessent

The Christmas Carrolls was one of our favourite new festive reads of 2021 – warm, relatable and hugely entertaining. Mel Taylor-Bessent follows her debut with a brand-new adventure for the Christmas-crazy Carrolls. But are they still the town’s Most Festive Family? They’ve got stiff competition this year – can Holly and her family win back the Christmas Chronicles tinselly crown?

Virtually Christmas by David Baddiel

Imagine a Christmas controlled by robots, with 3D holograms of Santa and presents delivered by drones instead of reindeer! Comedian and bestselling author David Baddiel brings a digital Christmas to life in his latest book for kids, reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas in his usual riotously comical style. Can 11-year-old Etta and her friend Monty bring back the real Christmas before it is lost forever?

Secrets of a Christmas Elf by Ben Miller

Last year’s Diary of a Christmas Elf was a huge hit for bestselling author Ben Miller. In 2022, Holly and Tog are back and it’s business as usual at Santa’s workshop. But Santa himself is under the weather and there’s a risk things won’t be ready in time for the big day. Full of mischief, fun and a race against time to save Christmas, this is perfect for kids aged 8+.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and other festive poems chosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell

One of our all-time favourite illustrators Chris Riddell has put together a brand-new collection of festive poems, combining favourite classics with all new seasonal verse, fully illustrated throughout in his inimitable style. This gorgeous volume will make a fantastic Christmas gift for bookworms of all ages.

 

Enjoyed these recommendations?

Don't miss out on our handpicked collection of the best Christmas chapter books this year.

 

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