When my older children were little, we began the tradition of a Book Advent Calendar.
I love a family tradition!
To be honest, I fall more in love with it each year – it’s as much for me as it is for them!
There’s nothing better than bedtimes in festive pyjamas, hot chocolate in hand, carols in the background and a Christmas story to read together. Those December bedtimes are magical together!
Give Children The Gift Of Reading
The prep work for a Book Advent Calendar
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, toys in every store… and if you’re a mum, there’s a good chance you start planning Christmas in September!
*Or, some of us are filled with the best of intentions but just plan to start planning. It’s the thought that counts, right?!
In this post I will go over the various ways you can approach this – whether you need to do this on a budget or know your Amazon delivery man by name (ahem… guilty!) I will then go through our favourite Christmas books that are going in our Book Advent Calendar.
I will be honest, this takes a little prep work, so if you know the theory and are ready to go – I will link my Christmas Book list here and you can get wrapping tomorrow, enjoy!
But if a Book Advent Calendar is new to you…
The idea is to have 24 or 25 books wrapped up so your children can open one a day in the lead up to Christmas Day.
We do 25 so that we have one to unwrap and snuggle up with when we’ve been immobilised by Christmas dinner! It usually takes a little prep work, but no always – there’s several ways to do it.
How to, 4 ways:
- Purchase the 25 books, stash them away until 1st December and Go! No wrapping, quick and painless, and you’re sorted for years to come. You can always switch a few up over the years with new releases etc.
- Have a rummage around your house for Christmas books you already own. Count them and purchase the number you need to get you to a full Book Advent Calendar. Either stash or wrap them, and you’re good to go.
- Dive into charity shops. The money goes to a good cause and bigger ones often have a decent children’s book section. BUT, get there early. I’m talking… April! When my eldest daughter was little and I didn’t have two pennies to rub together, I also reserved some with the library.
- Library reserves. I feel like libraries have been forgotten in recent years, but they’re still our favourite place to visit. most now have an online reserve service, so if you plan early enough, you can reserve a lot of the titles you want to include for the month of December. Some even allow you to request titles they don’t have available!
The Books!
Here’s what’s going into ours this year – 1-25th December. I get a whiff of gingerbread just thinking about it! I have put a link to each book in the title, or you could just pick and choose from this list.
1. How Winston delivered christmas
Written by Alex T Smith. A wonderfully whimsical book written in 24-and-a-half chapters. The story tells how Winston, a mouse, finds a lost letter to Santa. He must delivery it by Christmas! Designed to be read a chapter a day, there are lots of activities, crafting and baking, to get the children feeling festive! This is a personal favourite of mine, as we read the chapter each day after school and are kept busy with the activity all evening.
We adding another Winston book to our collection last year, with How Winston Came Home For Christmas
2. Fletcher and the snowflake christmas
Written by Julia Rawlinson, Fletcher is a little fox with an enormous heart. In this book, rabbits move into the burrow and Fletcher worries that Father Christmas won’t know where to delivery their presents. A story of friendship and kindness, the soft pastel illustrations in the Fletcher series are always lovely. This book would also be fantastic to reassure your children if you have just moved house – Santa always knows!
3. That christmasÂ
Written by Richard Curtis, this was bound to be well loved in our home! A wonderful story offering an insight into what would happen to Christmas if the children were left to organise it. The result is a somewhat unconventional day and it’s illustrated perfectly by Rebecca Cobb.
I can never resist a book by this duo!
4. Pick a pine tree
Written by Patricia Toht, this is one to save for the night before you go to get your tree! I would get ours 1st November, but my husband is less keen to have a completely bald tree on Christmas day. This book looks at the magical ritual a family goes through for their Christmas tree, made even more exciting by the gorgeous illustrations by Jarvis.
5. The Christmas Tale of peter rabbit
Written by Emma Thompson, who I adore, but I was a little nervous about this one – but it’s phenomenal! Having been a lover of Beatrix Potter lover since I could walk, I couldn’t imagine anybody doing Peter Rabbit justice… but she absolutely has!
It’s the story of how Peter has to save the life of the incredibly pompous turkey, who has been invited to Christmas Dinner…
6. The little reindeer
Written by Nicola Killen, there is something quite genius about this book. While the story is simple (which is quite perfect sometimes – not every book needs a message) the book is stunning. The illustrations are in black & white, with just a little red running through as a theme.
The dollhouse seen on the following page as the house on the hill is my favourite part – such a clever detail!
The story itself is very sweet, about a little girl, Ollie, who finds a reindeer in the woods.
7. The nutcracker – the story orchestra
The tale of Clara’s Christmas Eve adventures with a nutcracker who is magically transformed into a prince! I saw this at the ballet every year as a child, and book is something so special.
The children will pour over the illustrations for hours, pressing the buttons which play Tchaikovsky’s music throughout. This one would also make such a lovely gift!
8. We’re going on an elf chase
A beautifully illustrated lift-the-flap book, this one was always going to be a hit with the children! Written by Martha Mumford, it’s the story of a group of bunnies who are trying to find elves in a winter wonderland.
This is a good one for developing counting skills and number recognition if you have toddlers as they love counting the elves!
9. Santa Post
Written by Emma Yarlett, this was probably our most reached for book last Christmas.
With fold-out letters and many a laugh throughout the book, this one delivers! (See what I did there?!)
A story of a letter that is delivered to Santa very late… with the part where the toy request was written burnt off! This one always gets those proper belly giggles that are all I need for Christmas.
10. Dasher
Written by Matt Tavares, this is an enchanting book given the most traditional feel by it’s illustrations.
Dasher and her family are in the circus, but her only wish is to leave for a life in the snow. One day she seizes the opportunity, and meets a nice fellow in a red suit…
I wouldn’t do a Book Advent Calendar without this one!
11. There’s An Elf In your book
Written by Tom Fletcher – any book he writes is worshiped by preschool children.
Bright, sparkly, interactive and fun, there’s a cheeky elf in the book and he’s testing you for the Nice List!
12. Little Robin Red Vest
Written by Jan Fearnley, this book is a festive version of The Smartest Giant In Town.
In a story of kindness, Little Robin gives gives away each of his sweaters in turn to his chilly friends. Though this leaves him cold himself, he is very lucky to make a new friend who can help him.
There’s something so subtle and sweet about the illustrations throughout this one – I do love a beautiful book!
13. Angelina’s Christmas
Written by Katharine Holabird and illustrated exquisitely by Helen Craig. That is absolutely no exaggeration! I had the Angelina Ballerina books as a child and her world is depicted in such detail on every page, I just want to live in them.
This is a story of showing Christmas spirit, as Angelina and her family help the old, retired postman – Mr Bell.
First published in 1985 and with a traditional feel, it’s as magical today as it was then.
14. How does santa go down the chimney?
A new addition from one of my favourite picture book humour, this book follows the many challenges Santa could face when he arrives at your chimney. The humour is the usual Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen’s illustrations compliment the story perfectly.
This pair manage to write children’s books that are genuinely fun to read as a family and get the mischievous cackles that usually only Roald Dahl manages from the kids.
15. Christmas Lights
Written by Ruth Symons, this is the tale of a father and daughter who are guided home by the various lights of the Christmas season.
With wonderful illustrations by Carolina Rabei, flaps to lift and wheels to turn, this book has a distinct cosiness about it. Last Christmas my then-two year old insisted on taking this book to bed with him every night!
16. The empty stocking
Another Richard Curtis and Rebecca Cobb collaboration, this one tells the story of two very different twins: Sam and Charlie. One is very good, and one is a bit… bad. But it turns out that there is an incredibly lovely reason for all of her naughtiness! This book never fails to deliver a warm, fuzzy feeling in your belly.
It’s one of my favourite books of all time, and a must if you know any mischievous siblings, but speaking as an only child – it should have a place on any Christmas bookshelf. Whether you do a Book Advent Calendar or not, I really do recommend this one’s quirky charm.
17. Christmas in exeter street
Written by Diana Hendry, this book feels like my memories of Christmas. This house on Exeter Street is full to the brim with guests and cheer, with a vicar and his wife asleep in the bath and a baby in the sink! The question is, will Santa be able to find everyone?!
Books with a more traditional feel have me fall a little more in love with Christmas with each read, and this one manages it perfectly!
18. Last stop on the reindeer express
Written by Maudie Powell-Tuck, this is Mia’s story of missing her daddy at Christmas. Armed with a card she made for him in school, she goes through a door marked Reindeer Express and embarks on an adventure to deliver it to her daddy in time for Christmas, before happily spending the day with her mummy.
There is nothing specific written about why Mia’s daddy isn’t home for Christmas, so the book could be comforting in so many situations. Whether parents live in two different homes, or one has to be away to work over Christmas, this book is lovely.
It was very well loved when my husband was deployed over the festive season, but will still be a beautiful read this year when he’s home.
19. The twelve days of christmas or grandma is overly generous
A fun twist by Alex T Smith, this book starts off just like the classic – with a partridge in a pear tree. What I lovely gift from Grandma! But it becomes quite clear that Grandma is feeling a little overly generous over the 12 Days of Christmas, sending snorkelling squirrels and parping penguins!
With bright illustrations and giggle-inducing happenings, this one was a hit last year.
20. The Snow Dragon
In a painfully heartwarming tale from Abi Elphinstone, we meet Phoebe (and her sausage dog, Herb) in a gloomy orphanage. On Christmas Eve, the abusive lady who runs the home throws Phoebe in a kennel in the snow. Upon managing to escape, she builds a snowman… who turns out to be a little be magical.
The ending of this superbly illustrated book brings Christmas Day and the most wonderful ending for Phoebe!
21. The tree that’s meant to be
Yuval Zommer brings us another beautiful book with an underdog tale of a tree that grew wonky. One day, people come with their saws, and in the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, leave the wonky tree alone in the snow.
This book is a hopeful tale of being accepted and loved for our differences, and a beautiful nature-focused addition. This author/illustrator also has another wintery release available to pre-order, The Lights That Dance In The Night
22. The snowflake
Created by Benji Davis, this is the story of a little girl called Noelle, and a snowflake who is afraid to fall. Every time the snowflake thinks she thinks she is about to settle, the wind whisks her on.
These pages serve as a reminder that it’s the little things in life that matter. Christmas decorations in the Roses tin serves me a wave of nostalgia every time we read this one! Both the words and the illustrations in this book are marvelous in the quietest, sweetest way.
23. The Night Before The Night Before Christmas
It’s the night before the night before Christmas (Christmas Eve Eve!) and preparation for the big day is full-steam ahead up at The North Pole. But… Santa is sure he’s missed something?!
This book is such a satisfying read! Written as a poem that rolls nicely off the tongue, every page is full of everything children envisage about Santa’s workshop. My children celebrate Christmas Eve Eve with the same level of commitment that they show Christmas Eve, so this book is always met with excited squeals!
24. The Night Before Christmas
This is a classic edition of the timeless poem by Clement C Moore, and a tradition in our house. When I was little, we would read this before bed and I would go to bed with every part of me crackling with excitement. There’s nothing better than sharing traditions from our own childhoods with the kids… except for maybe coming up with a few new ones ourselves!
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse….
25. The Night After Christmas
Twas the night after Christmas… which is obviously Boxing Day, but we love this one at bedtime on Christmas Day. It just wraps up the festivities perfectly.
From the writer of The Night Before The Night Before Christmas, Santa and the rest of The North Pole are celebration a job well done. Which means it’s time to party!
Things To Remember
- If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of the prep work -you don’t need to wrap the books! I personally do, as I enjoy spending an evening with a glass of bubbly, watching The Holiday and getting in the festive mood. (A box of chocolates or a smelly cheeseboard is not necessary… but is highly recommended!)
- Bedtimes are made far cozier with hot chocolate, blankets, big cushions, special Christmas pyjamas – we’re getting these ones
- Don’t forget to number the books!
- If you aren’t wrapping the books it’s probably best to keep them stashed in a cupboard. If you are, they look lovely in a pile or in a basket under the tree (I’m there will be a post on planet-friendly wrapping without compromising on beauty next week, I post Mondays and Fridays. Sign up to my email list here to keep up with posts!
Are you planning to give a Book Advent Calendar a go this year? I would love to hear your festive family traditions!
Love, Helen x
Tree featured is from Bloom & Wild (linked)
Disclosure – some items may be gifted and links within this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through the links, I earn a small commission though this is at no expense to you. As always, I appreciate your support and would never recommend a product we have not tried, tested and loved.
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