Children's book reviews: Christmas is one of the best times for reading

Christmas is one of the best times for reading, enhancing the magic of the season, keeping young readers occupied.

Our last round-up for 2023 has come around all too quickly, after a fantastic year in children’s literature. 

Speeding towards the festive season, we have some excellent Christmas and winter-themed reads that make fantastic gifts for young readers.

Christmas time is one of the best times for reading, enhancing the magic of the season, keeping readers occupied during bad weather and offering a break from the chaos or stress that can come along with silly season.

We have loads of great options to keep the stockings of readers from toddlers to teens filled with books.

Wishing all readers and supporters a peaceful end to 2023 and a joyous start to the new year.

Snow! by Leslie Patricelli (Walker Books)

It’s snowing and there is so much fun to be had in winter weather! From sledging to making a snowman, two babies are determined to make the most of their very first snow day. A fun-filled story for our youngest of readers, Snow! is a joyous tale of a child’s first experiences of a day spent in a winter wonderland. (2+)

Merry Whatmas? by Eoin McLoughlin and Polly Dunbar (Faber & Faber)

Hedgehog and Tortoise are celebrating their very first Christmas, the only problem is, they’re not quite sure what Christmas is all about. Could it be the shiny presents? Or perhaps the Christmas carols? Ideal for little ones who are feeling overwhelmed by all the chaos of Christmas, this short tale emphasises the importance of togetherness during a busy time. (3+)

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney by Mac Barnett (Walker Books)

How exactly does Santa go down the chimney to deliver our presents? Does he shrink down? Stretch out? And what if you don’t have a chimney, how does Santa deliver presents then? Mac Barnett’s signature deadpan humour brings a new twist on this age-old question with an approach that is equal parts silly and smart. A picturebook that grown-ups will enjoy too. (5+)

Luna Loves Christmas by Joseph Coehlo, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers (Andersen Press)

Sometimes Luna spends Christmas with her mum, other years, with her dad, but wherever she spends it, the festivities are always filled with love and fun. But this year will be particularly special as everyone will be spending Christmas together and sharing the joy of giving. UK Children’s Laureate, Coehlo creates another heartwarming tale in this popular series that reflects both the realities of splitting the festive season between those we love and the joy of helping others. (5+)

Peace on Earth by Smriti Halls, illustrated by David Litchfield (Walker Books)

As a group of friends journey together through various landscapes of natural wonder, their peace is threatened with gathering storm clouds, difficulties and hurt. This profoundly beautiful picturebook highlights the bravery and strength it takes to be a peacemaker and the relief felt by all when peace is restored. A timely and important book. (5+)

The Night Train by Matilda Woods, illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee (Little Tiger)

The night train is ready to set off from the station; its passengers include Henri, a ballet dancer, Princess May and her dragon Ruby, a snow-covered Yeti and a well-meaning monster. The creatures must reach Sleepy Town by midnight to fill the dreams of children, but they may need to work together when an unforeseen delay stops them in their tracks. A dreamy winter’s tale that is the perfect short, cosy story for early readers. (6+)

A World Full of Winter Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends from Around the World by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Olga Baumert (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

The perfect book to curl up by the fire with, this treasury of winter tales retold, includes stories from Europe, America, Asia and even Inuit, First Nation and Native American stories, this collection is ideal for curious readers with an interest in folklore. Baumert’s captivating illustrations balance the glacial landscapes of wintertime with the warmth and festivity of each story, making them an appealing read-along bedtime choice during the cold winter months. (7+)

Juniper’s Christmas by Eoin Colfer, illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat (HarperCollins Children’s Books)

Touching on lots of important issues, Colfer balances the light and the dark moments in this Christmas tale with all his signature sparkle. After suffering a personal tragedy, Santa Claus decides to hang up his sack and escape to a new life as Niko, a handyman who helps the homeless of Cedar Park in London. Niko’s identity remains secret for ten years, until he crosses paths with Juniper Lane. Juniper’s mum is missing, and she is certain that Niko is her only hope in finding her. An action-packed tale on the importance of the Christmas spirit in our busy modern world. (9+)

The Ice Children by M.G. Leonard, illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee (Macmillan)

Blending several traditional tales with a message on protecting the planet, Leonard has created a modern classic. On the first day of December, Bianca awakens to find her little brother Finn frozen. Encased in ice, Finn’s heart continues to beat, but as more and more children begin to turn to ice, it is up to Bianca to solve the mystery of the ice children. Unmissable for fans of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, or anyone who believes in the change that can come from a story well told. (9+)

The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Melissa Castrillón (Usborne)

Based on the folktale of the Snow Maiden, Anderson breathes new life into this tale of friendship and bravery wonderfully realised in this lavishly illustrated hardback edition. Tasha has been struggling to trust in others, her loneliness leading her to wish for a friend whilst building a snow girl in her grandfather’s valley. That night, Alyana is brought to life by Tasha’s wish and the two form a close bond. But as the winter months continue to drag on in the enchanted valley, will Tasha be able to face her fears and risk losing her only friend? (9+)

Catch Your Death by Ravena Guron (Usborne)

The weather outside might be frightful, but inside the Vanforte’s mansion, it’s no better… An unexpected snowstorm sees Devi, Lizzie and Jayne stranded as unwelcome guests of the powerful Vanforte family. But when matriarch Emily Vanforte meets a sudden and untimely death, with only her family as witnesses, the girls team up to uncover the truth. A tense whodunnit with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Think Agatha Christie for Gen Z readers. (14+)

Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello (Simon & Schuster)

What is Christmas without a holiday romcom? Tia is dreading spending Christmas with her family at Saiyan Hedge Farm, mostly because the patchy wifi is making it impossible to win back her boyfriend. Quincy, meanwhile, has his own problems. A painful break-up with his ex-girlfriend has left him without a date to the Winter Ball, the biggest social event of the year. Hatching a fake-dating plan, the pair are determined to catch the attention of their ex’s what could possibly go wrong? Compulsively readable, frothy and fun-filled, this is a highly recommended festive pick-me-up. (15+)

• Ruth Concannon is the publications officer for Children’s Books Ireland, the national charity and arts organisation that champions every child’s right to develop a love of reading.
• This Christmas, they are using their €10,000 prize from the National Lottery Good Causes Awards to gift new books to children experiencing homelessness and living in Direct Provision. Through their Gift A Book appeal, they are calling on the public to match this amount, making this gift go even further in 2024.
• To gift a book, visit childrensbooksireland.ie/giftabook.