Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book, especially with the shorter days and nights filled with festive twinkles. Reading together not only sparks imagination but also provides a wonderful opportunity to bond. To help you create magical moments with your little ones, we’ve rounded up 10 festive and winter-themed books for different age groups. We’ve even added in a little Practically Family magic with our interactive tips to make story time even more enchanting.

Books for Under 5s

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Follow Stick Man’s heartwarming adventure as he tries to return to his family tree in time for Christmas.
Interactive Tip: After reading, head outdoors to collect sticks and create your own Stick Family!

 

Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner

This exuberant, rhyming tale reveals a wonderful wintertime secret - when we are sleeping, the snowmen are out playing!
Interactive Tip: Build your own snowman and imagine what adventures it might have when you’re asleep

 

Ten Little Elves by Mike Brownlow and Simon Rickerty

This counting rhyme follows ten little elves on a festive rescue mission. But what will the Ten Little Elves do when they meet a growling polar bear?
Interactive Tip: Create your own counting game using toy elves or festive objects like baubles or candy canes.

 

One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth

Percy the Park Keeper shares his hut with animals seeking shelter on a snowy night.
Interactive Tip: Act out the story with soft toys or puppets to recreate Percy’s cosy hut.

 

The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

A snowy sequel to The Gruffalo, this tale follows the Gruffalo’s Child on a brave winter adventure.
Interactive Tip: Use torches to create shadows and reenact scenes in a dimly lit room.

 

 

Books for Under 11s

 

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

A classic that captures the magic of a child’s snowman coming to life and their adventures together flying through the night sky!
Interactive Tip: Watch the animated adaptation after reading, and discuss the differences.

 

Winter Magic curated by Abi Elphinstone

A collection of enchanting winter tales by some of the UK’s best children’s authors.
Interactive Tip: Let your child choose a story to read aloud and encourage them to imagine their own magical winter tale.

 

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

A beautifully illustrated story about a boy’s magical train journey to the North Pole.
Interactive Tip: Create a "train" at home with chairs, play Christmas music, and serve hot chocolate during the story.

 

The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher

A delightful adventure about a boy and a dinosaur who saves Christmas.
Interactive Tip: Draw your own Christmas dinosaur together and imagine what its magical powers might be.

 

Frostheart by Jamie Littler

An epic wintry tale of courage, friendship, and a young boy's journey to find his family.
Interactive Tip: Make up songs like the "Pathfinder’s Song" from the book, using pots and pans for instruments.

 

Tips for Interactive Storytime

1. Use Props: Gather soft toys, scarves, or household items to act out scenes from the book.


2. Ask Questions: Pause during reading to ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How would you feel if you were the character?”


3. Add Sound Effects: Clap, stomp, or use everyday items like rice in a jar to mimic footsteps, wind, or falling snow.


4. Create a Reading Nook: Transform a corner of your home into a cosy winter-themed reading space with fairy lights, blankets, and cushions.


5. Extend the Fun: Pair the story with a themed activity, like baking cookies for The Christmasaurus or making paper snowflakes after The Snowman.

Storytime is about so much more than reading; it’s about creating memories and nurturing a lifelong love of books. So grab a blanket, light a candle, and dive into the magic of winter stories with your children.

Want to know what books we’ll be reading in POD in 2025?  Click here – they’d make a wonderful Christmas present!



Happy reading!