Our 10 Favourite Christmas Storybooks for children

Christmas is a magical time for all ages; mince pies, stuffed turkey, presents under a beautifully decorated tree, monopoly and Christmas stories. Christmas just wouldn't feel the same without beautifully illustrated story books and words that take you to another place. From a young age I remember reading, and being read, some wonderful Christmas stories and their essence seemed to linger in the air throughout the whole Christmas period.

Here are 10 great storybooks that will certainly assist in bringing Christmas to life in your home:

1. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens

Christmas just wouldn't feel the same without hearing about the miserable, old Ebenezer Scrooge and the magical story that sees him revisit his life with the ghost of Christmas Past, and learn valuable lessons with the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas yet to come. No home should be without at least one copy of this timeless classic.

2. Father Christmas - Raymond Briggs

This beautifully illustrated story about a very ordinary Father Christmas will awaken the Christmas spirit in any child. A far cry from the St. Nicholas we all know and love, this grumpy old man who says things such as 'bloomin Christmas' will have your kids giggling away.

3. Olivia Helps with Christmas - Ian Falconer

Everyone's favourite little pig Olivia is sure to brighten up any day in this wonderfully illustrated book. Olivia is a very helpful and incredibly busy little pig and with Christmas just around the corner there is plenty to do. This charming and hilarious book is a must for Christmas time.

4. One Snowy Night - Nick Butterworth

A great one for the younger reader, One Snowy Night tells the story of Percy the Park Keeper and his quest to help his friends. A lovely, warm winter's tale, perfect for the Christmas holidays bedtime read and for that heart-warming, cosy feel.

5. The Story of Holly and Ivy - Rumer Godden

An enchanting tale that captures the real meaning of Christmas, this beautiful story about Ivy the Orphan will have boys and girls of all ages truly captivated. Ivy wishes for a real doll, Holly (a doll) wishes for a child to give her a home and Mr. and Mrs Jones wish for a child of their own to share their holiday. A lovely story about 'wishing' that is a favourite amongst children at Christmas time.

6. Angela and the Baby Jesus - Frank McCourt

An elegantly illustrated wonderful Christmas story from the author of 'Angela's Ashes', 'Angela and the baby Jesus' will have you and your child laughing and crying. It tells the story of six-year-old Angela who feels compelled to rescue Baby Jesus and take him home after she sees him in the Christmas crib at a church close to her home. A lovely, heart-warming Christmas book.

7. The Polar Express - Chris Van Allsburg

This magical Christmas tale is one for all the family, about a boy who refuses to stop believing in Christmas. A steam trains arrives on Christmas Eve to take the young boy and his friends on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole, where they will learn that only true believers of Christmas will hear the ringing of the reindeer bell.

8. The Little Reindeer - Michael Foreman

Another beautiful and truly heart-warming Christmas story about the smallest reindeer that accidentally falls into the gift-wrapping machine in Santa's workshop and gets himself delivered as a Christmas present. Enjoy this enchanting story with your children at Christmas time and follow the story of the young boy who accidentally receives a reindeer for Christmas.

9. How the Grinch stole Christmas - Dr. Seuss

This classic Dr. Suess book about the miserable grinch who wants to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville will have children of all ages hooked. The fabulously illustrated tale is written completely in witty rhyme igniting children's imaginations everywhere.

10. The Jolly Christmas Postman - Allan and Janet Ahlberg

Another incredibly illustrated book that is an absolute must for all young children at Christmas time and certainly lives up to the original Jolly Postman. Joining the Jolly Christmas Postman as he delivers the letters this magically interactive book will see children help the postman open his mail along the way with real letters and fun puzzles.

From all of us here at First Tutors, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!