5 Heart-warming Christmas Books for Early Years Children

Caroline Cook is a journalist, children’s book reviewer and a Bright Horizons parent! Caroline shares with us five fantastic books which celebrate kindness and love during the festive season…

With the countdown to Christmas well and truly on it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a picture book. As well as celebrating all the excitement of the season, these books also share some of the hopes and feelings that make this time of year so magical...

	The Snowflake by Benji Davies Published by Harper Collins, 2020 Age 3-7 years This is a heart-warming book about a little snowflake who falls from the sky. At first the snowflake doesn't want to fall and as she tumbles she wonders where she belongs. Far below a little girl called Noelle is marvelling at a Christmas tree she has seen. Noelle finds a branch and, inspired by the grand tree, decides to create one of her own. But the tree isn't quite right and it will take something extra special to make Noelle's Christmas shine. A beautiful story which shines a light on what really matters at Christmas time.
	Together by Heather Stricker and Martha Ratcliff Published by Pennant Press, 2020 Age 3-7 years Celebrating family and the things which make the holiday season truly special, Together is a warm and comforting story. It begins with Santa, who asks a boy what he would like for Christmas. The boy explains that he doesn’t want any ‘stuff’, all he wants is to enjoy the season with his family. The boy then proceeds to talk about all the wonderful things his family can do together, like having a hot chocolate or spreading holiday cheer for those in need, making lots of memories along the way.
	Tiny Reindeer by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros Published by Anderson Press, 2021 Age 2-5 years Tiny Reindeer is very, very small, and every Christmas he feels different as he can’t help out like the other reindeers. This Christmas, Santa asks him to check a pile of letters and he spots one from a little girl asking Santa for a tiny reindeer to go with the tiny sleigh her Grandad made her. Tiny Reindeer sets out on a mission to get to the girl, but when he runs into a few hiccups, can anyone help make both his and the girl’s dreams come true? A wonderful story about kindness and embracing who you are.
	I Love You More Than Christmas by Ellie Hattie and Tim Warnes Published by Little Tiger Press, 2020 Age 2-5 years With an adorable Bear family at its centre, this is a gentle reminder of what Christmas is all about. Little Bear, Mummy Bear and Daddy Bear are all busy getting ready for Christmas and they love everything about it, from wrapping the presents to decorating the tree. There is something they love even more than Christmas but every time we’re about to find out what it is there’s another interruption. What could be even better than all the festive fun?
	Little Glow byKatie Sahota and Harry Woodgate Published by Owlet Press, 2021 Age 3-7 years Little Glow feels like the warmest hug for winter. We are guided through this beautifully illustrated book by Little Glow, a candle flame who shows us how light plays a part in different events including birthdays, religious holidays like Diwali and Christmas, Halloween, bonfire night and more. Filled with so many wonderful celebrations from all different faiths and beliefs, it's a wonderful journey of hope, togetherness and love.