Twelve Picture Books for Christmas: part seven

The Storm Whale in Winter by Benji Davies (Simon and Schuster)

Benji Davies was the inaugural winner of the prize with his unforgettable book The Storm Whale. This sequel has a wonderfully wintry theme – Noi is worried about the whale he saved last year now that it is snowy, shivery winter – but this time it’s the whale’s turn to save him!

Benji’s other brilliant books including Grandma Bird and Grandad’s Island are also available to read together.

Twelve Picture Books for Christmas - part six

We were thrilled when Steve’s brilliant book The Queen’s Hat won Oscar’s Book Prize in 2015. Here’s a festive tale from the same series: this time The Queen is off on a round-the-world tour in search of the perfect Christmas present. And she's not alone... Father Christmas is here to help!

This story follows the Queen and Father Christmas on a whirlwind tour of some of the world's best-known landmarks. 

This is a wonderful story to enjoy together as the countdown to Christmas well and truly hits its stride!

Twelve Picture Books for Christmas - part three

Rachel Bright and Jim Field won this prize in 2016 with The Koala Who Could, and now have a wonderfully snowy adventure set in the Arctic about a little wolf cub who gets lost.

This book is perfect for the many toddlers who are determined to do things for themselves, who will enjoy the adventure told in rhyme.

If you love this books and want more, other books by this wolfishly talented pair include The Lion Inside and The Squirrels who Squabbled.

Twelve Picture Books for Christmas - part two!

Our second choice for Christmas is not one but a bundle: three festive choices from the treasure trove of Raymond Briggs' books. All equally wonderful, they are: The Snowman, The Snowman and the Snow Dog and … because how could we not… Father Christmas.

All three books capture perfectly the excitement and wonder of childhood – especially at Christmas. From wishes coming true, to the simple delight in building a snowman, and some insight to Santa himself, the humour, warm and detailed pictures and sense of anticipation make these an enchanting adventure for small children.

There are also some wonderful variations of these books to further delight children, including a pop up version of The Snowman and finger puppet version of The Snowman and the Snowdog.

All published by Puffin.