Win our 12 Books of Christmas
Our 12 Books of Christmas competition is back and this year our festive selection is full of winter magic. From beautiful picture books to gorgeous gift editions, there’s something for readers of all ages to enjoy.
For a chance to win our 12 Books of Christmas, we want to know what your child has done to make it onto Santa’s nice list this year. Whether they’ve conquered a fear or mastered a new skill, simply comment on the pinned competition post on the Oxford Owl Facebook page to tell us what they’ve done to make you proud.
UK residents only. Entry closes at 11.59pm on 16 December 2021. Terms and Conditions apply (PDF).
Our 12 Books of Christmas
The Tree that’s Meant to Be
Written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer
Makes a great gift for: Nature-lovers who enjoy sharing a story, age 2+
A small fir tree is left all alone after the other trees near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas trees. But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, it finds the warmth of Christmas in the heart of a cold, snowy forest.
Free Gift: Decorate your own tree activity sheet >
A Thing Called Snow
Written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer
Makes a great gift for: Fans of heartwarming Christmas classics, age 2+
Fox and Hare were born in spring, grew up in summer, and were best friends by autumn. When winter comes, they can’t wait to jump, leap and bounce in this thing called snow. But what exactly is snow?
Free gift: Make your own A Thing Called Snow Christmas card activity sheet >
The Lights that Dance in the Night
Written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer
Makes a great gift for: Animal lovers, adventurers and explorers, age 2+
In this wonderfully festive picture book, Yuval Zommer imagines the Northern Lights’ fleeting journey from space to Earth and how they weave a special magic for the animals and people living in the frozen lands below.
The Christmas Unicorn
Written by Anna Currey
Makes a great gift for: Anyone who loves the magic of Christmas, age 2+
Christmas is only days away when Milly meets a unicorn. He patters softly into Grandpa’s house on a snowy night and suddenly Milly’s world is filled with magic, friendship, and the happiness she has been hoping for.
Free gift: Create your own magical Christmas Unicorn decorations activity sheet >
A Song in the Mist
By Corrinne Averiss and Fiona Woodcock
Makes a great gift for: Those looking for a moment of tranquillity this Christmas, age 2+
Chi is a panda who loves to listen. Being silent brings sounds to her ears: the swish of bamboo, the chitter of birds, and then one day, a new sound, gentle and sweet. The sound leads Chi to a boy, who blows breath through a piece of bamboo. Chi is enchanted and longs to make friends, but she is shy and hides instead. As the boy searches for Chi and mist gathers in the forest, she must find the courage to help him – even if it means being seen…
A Dot in the Snow
Written by Corrinne Averiss and illustrated by Fiona Woodcock
Makes a great gift for: Animal lovers with curious imaginations, age 2+
This is the story of a curious polar bear, a little girl lost in the snow, and the precious friendship they discover together. With themes of empathy and kindness, the story is stunningly illustrated by Fiona Woodcock.
Isadora Moon and the Shooting Star
Written and illustrated by Harriet Muncaster
Makes a great gift for: Fairy and fantasy fans, age 5+
Planets, comets, stars! Isadora’s class is learning all about space. So when she spots a shooting star, she decides to follow it and discovers a new glimmering friend. Her name is Nova, she is not supposed to be on Earth and, even worse, her moon kitten Pluto is lost! Can Isadora help Nova find the lost kitten before she has to fly back home?
Free gift: Make an Isadora Moon tree topper for your Christmas tree activity sheet >
A Christmas Story
Written by Brian Wildsmith
Makes a great gift for: Those looking for an enduring classic to share, age 2+
The story of the Nativity is made truly magical in the masterful hands of the acclaimed author, Brian Wildsmith. This beautifully illustrated book is a delight to share at Christmas time.
Roald Dhal’s Beastly and Bewildering Words
Written by Kay Woodward and illustrated by Quentin Blake
Makes a great gift for: Troublesome chiddlers with a love for animals and language, age 7+
A little book full of words and phrases inspired by Roald Dahl’s stories of fantabulous animals, frightswiping creatures and beastliness! Packed with bewildering words and fun ideas, it is the perfect inspiration gift to help children get writing creatively and build their confidence with words.
Free gift: Roald Dahl Hidden Creatures wordsearch >
Roald Dhal’s Scrumptious and Delumptious Words
Written by Kay Woodward and illustrated by Quentin Blake
Makes a great gift for: Language lovers with a taste for creativity, age 7+
A little book full of words and phrases all about food from the delunctuous to the yucksome! Packed with toothsome wordy snippets and fun ideas from Roald Dahl’s brilliant stories and characters, it is the perfect inspiration gift to help children get writing creatively and build their confidence with words.
Winnie and Wilbur: Winnie’s Best Friend
Written by Valerie Thomas and illustrated by Korky Paul
Makes a great gift for: Fans of magic and mayhem, age 2+
This is the story of when Winnie met Wilbur. When Winnie moves in to her big house, it’s much too quiet. She invites her sisters to stay, then some unusual companions – and chaos ensues! Winnie wonders if she’ll be alone forever – until she spots a scruffy black cat…
Pippi Longstocking (Gift Edition)
Written by Astrid Lindgren and illustrated by Lauren Child
Makes a great gift for: Readers looking for an amazing rebel role model, aged 5+
This flagship gift edition is a glorious celebratory tribute to the strongest girl in the world, illustrated by bestselling author and illustrator, and former Waterstone’s Children’s Laureate, Lauren Child.
Free gift: Make a collage and colour in scenes in a Pippi Longstocking activity pack >
More Festive Reading
If you’re looking for even more holiday reading suggestions or gift ideas, don’t miss our Children’s Books for Christmas.
