Jólabókaflóð books for children and teens
Have yourself a little Jólabókaflóð this Christmas! In Iceland, the Christmas Book Flood celebrates the pleasure of giving books on Christmas Eve, followed by a cosy evening of reading, often with a mug of hot chocolate. Inspired by this lovely tradition, our book recommendations include festive picture books, magical adventures, family stories, Christmas mysteries and thoughtful gifts for older teenagers. There is plenty here to encourage reading for pleasure, kindness, friendship and the joy of sharing stories. This list features books by Raymond Briggs, Charles Dickens, Michael Morpurgo, Terry Pratchett, Tom Fletcher, Louisa May Alcott, Jeanette Winterson, Abiola Bello, Elle McNicoll, and Katya Balen.
Jólabókaflóð book ideas for children and teens – our recommendations
Jólabókaflóð picture books
Christmas: A Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog Adventure by Britta Teckentrup
Christmas is approaching in the forest, and Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog are preparing to celebrate. As they decorate their tree, the animals they meet bring their own festive ideas and traditions to share. Britta Teckentrup’s atmospheric illustrations fill the snowy woodland with detail, inviting children to look closely at the decorations and the creatures taking part. The story has a gentle emphasis on friendship, generosity and celebrating together. It’s a lovely book for 3-7 year olds, particularly when talking about the different ways families and communities mark Christmas.
Santa Comes Home by Áine Ní Ghlinn, illustrated by Andrew Whitson
Santa has delivered the last present, and now it is his turn to enjoy Christmas. Back home, he is reunited with his friends and companions for a celebration involving snowball fights, skiing, presents and plenty of seasonal fun. Reindeer, elves, snowmen and even Yetis join the festivities. Áine Ní Ghlinn imagines what happens after Santa completes his busiest night of the year, while Andrew Whitson’s lively illustrations give the story a nostalgic Christmas annual feel. Beneath the cheerful activity lies a warm celebration of gratitude and the pleasure of coming home.
Otto’s Jumper by Sadhbh Devlin, illustrated by Róisín Hahessy
Otto has received a jumper lovingly knitted by his grandmother, but he is less than enthusiastic about wearing it. The wool is itchy, the design is embarrassing, and a trip through the woods makes matters increasingly complicated. As the jumper begins to unravel, Otto discovers that his grandmother’s gift means much more than he first realised. Sadhbh Devlin’s story brings humour and tenderness to a familiar family experience, with illustrations by Róisín Hahessy. Its affectionate treatment of handmade gifts and family relationships fits beautifully with the spirit of Christmas book giving. Highly recommended.
The Captain’s Christmas by Mathilde Tourbillon, illustrated by Beatrice Cerocchi
Captain Drake enjoys life aboard his boat alongside his squirrel companion, Skipper. When he learns that a young girl called Matilda is facing Christmas alone, an ordinary festive season begins to turn into something much more special. The captain sets about bringing people together for a celebration filled with warmth and generosity. Mathilde Tourbillon’s picture book for 6-8 year olds captures the joy of making someone feel included, while Beatrice Cerocchi’s warm illustrations bring the nautical setting and Christmas gathering to life. An uplifting story about companionship and sharing.
Lena and the Bear by Katya Balen, illustrated by Laura Carlin
In a wintry landscape, Lena finds an injured bear and begins caring for the extraordinary creature. Their growing attachment brings comfort and companionship, but Lena must eventually think about what the bear needs to be happy. Katya Balen’s gentle story considers love, freedom and the difficult kindness of letting something return to the wild. Laura Carlin’s expressive illustrations add a distinctive visual atmosphere to this illustrated book for 4-8 year olds. It’s a thoughtful winter gift that encourages conversations about friendship, caring for animals and respecting the natural world.
Hank Goes Ho Ho Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck, illustrated by Duncan Beedie
Hank the goose is desperate for Christmas to arrive and has absolutely no patience for waiting. After eating his way through an entire Advent calendar, his attempts to hurry the festivities along lead to increasingly chaotic mishaps and a journey to Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. Maudie Powell-Tuck’s lively storytelling gives Hank plenty of opportunities to cause trouble, while Duncan Beedie’s expressive illustrations capture his impatience and enthusiasm. Children familiar with Hank’s earlier adventures will enjoy another outing with this noisy, mischievous goose, particularly as his plans for making Christmas come sooner spiral spectacularly out of control.
…And a Partridge in a Pear Tree by Fay Evans, illustrated by Jono Ganz
The familiar Christmas carol becomes the starting point for a playful picture book packed with unexpected visitors. A partridge in a pear tree finds itself at the centre of a growing festive gathering, as the song’s memorable gifts inspire a series of amusing encounters. Fay Evans builds on the repetition and anticipation of The Twelve Days of Christmas, while Jono Ganz fills the illustrations with visual humour. Children can enjoy spotting new arrivals, counting the characters and joining in with the familiar song. It’s a lively and fun addition to a Christmas Eve picture-book pile.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas… According to Max! by Dr Seuss and Alastair Heim, illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
Christmas in Who-ville looks rather different through the eyes of Max, the Grinch’s loyal dog. Max loves the festive season, even though his owner is determined to steal Christmas from the Whos. As the Grinch’s plans unfold, Max offers his own perspective on the familiar adventure. Alastair Heim’s rhyming retelling of Dr Seuss’s Christmas classic is accompanied by colourful illustrations from Aristides Ruiz. The result is an affectionate return to Mount Crumpit, with the importance of kindness and Christmas spirit brought into focus by an unexpectedly sympathetic narrator.
I’m an Elf by Ruth Symons, illustrated by Matthew Scott
This shaped board book introduces a parade of cheerful Christmas characters, from elves and gingerbread people to reindeer, snowmen and Father Christmas himself. Each differently shaped page reveals another festive surprise, accompanied by a playful sound for children to imitate. Ruth Symons keeps the text lively and simple, and Matthew Scott’s bright illustrations give little hands plenty to investigate. The sturdy pages and repeated sounds encourage participation during shared reading. It’s a colourful introduction to Christmas characters for babies, toddlers and families enjoying their first festive books together.
Disney Stitch and the Christmas Post by Georgina Kyriacou, illustrated by Sian Bowman
Stitch wakes on Christmas Eve to find a sack of undelivered letters and a message from Santa asking for help. Wearing a Santa hat, he sets out to deliver the post to his friends and family, encountering plenty of seasonal distractions along the way. Six fold-out letters and cards invite children to take part in the story, while an activity at the end encourages them to write their own letter to Santa. Familiar characters from Lilo and Stitch appear throughout this illustrated adventure, which combines the excitement of Christmas post with friendship and helping others.
Jay Runs Away: It’s Christmas Every Day! by Dawn McNiff, illustrated by Nicola Slater
Jay thinks celebrating Christmas every day would be wonderful, so he runs away to the North Pole in search of a place where the festivities never end. The story unfolds entirely through letters between Jay and his family, with six interactive fold-out letters for children to open and read. As Jay discovers what life at the North Pole is really like, he begins to reconsider his plans and what makes Christmas special. Dawn McNiff’s imaginative storytelling and Nicola Slater’s colourful illustrations bring humour and warmth to this unusual festive adventure, which explores family relationships, homesickness and the excitement of Christmas.
The Moon Shines Bright in the Sky at Night by Emma Carlisle
Nighttime becomes a place of wonder in Emma Carlisle’s beautifully illustrated celebration of the world after dark. As the moon shines overhead, the book turns its attention to the creatures and natural rhythms that emerge when daylight fades. The lyrical language and atmospheric pictures create a peaceful reading experience, particularly suited to a quiet evening at home. Children can look for details in the illustrations and talk about the changing sky, nighttime wildlife and familiar bedtime routines. This is a thoughtful winter gift for families who enjoy nature, picture books and calm storytelling.
Old Bear Five-Minute Adventure Stories by Jane Hissey
Old Bear and his toy friends return in this collection of five classic stories from Jane Hissey’s much-loved series. Each adventure brings together familiar characters, imaginative play and the pleasures of friendship, accompanied by Hissey’s beautifully detailed illustrations of the toys and their surroundings. The five-minute format makes the stories particularly suitable for bedtime reading or sharing during the Christmas holidays. Children can follow the toys’ adventures, revisit their favourite characters and discover small details in the illustrations that reward repeated readings.
Disney Winnie the Pooh The Story of You by Lucy Dowling
Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends provide the illustrations for this guided keepsake journal, designed for parents and carers to complete and eventually give to a child. More than 300 prompts invite families to record memories, from a child’s earliest days and first milestones to birthdays, school experiences and growing up. There are spaces for photographs and personal messages, creating a record that can be revisited over many years. Its affectionate Hundred Acre Wood artwork makes it a beautiful Christmas gift for families who would like to preserve their own stories alongside a familiar literary character.
Books According to Dog and Owl by Piers Torday, illustrated by Tim Smart
Girl, Dog and Baby Brother discover how books can bring adventure, companionship, understanding and pleasure into everyday life. From visiting libraries to sharing stories at home, their experiences celebrate the many ways reading can become part of childhood. When distractions begin to crowd out the magic of books, the arrival of Story Owl helps them rediscover what reading means. Piers Torday’s lyrical text is accompanied by Tim Smart’s illustrations in this celebration of stories and imagination. It makes an especially meaningful Jólabókaflóð present, given its central message about the gift of reading.
The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet Ahlberg and Allan Ahlberg
It’s Christmas Eve in Fairy-Tale Land, and the Jolly Postman has a sack full of seasonal deliveries. Baby Bear is expecting a card, Humpty Dumpty receives a get-well jigsaw, and Little Red Riding Hood has some rather unusual post from Mr Wolf. Children can open the envelopes and examine the letters, cards and other surprises tucked into the pages. Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s interactive picture book brings together familiar nursery-rhyme characters, playful storytelling and the excitement of receiving something special through the post.
Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs
Raymond Briggs gives Father Christmas a wonderfully human personality in this illustrated Christmas classic. Waking from a dream about a sunny holiday, a decidedly grumpy Santa discovers that it is Christmas Eve and he has a long night’s work ahead. His journey brings the familiar business of delivering presents together with domestic details and dry humour. The comic-strip illustrations are full of things to notice, from the preparations before departure to the small inconveniences of the journey. It’s a funny and affectionate book to share during the Christmas holidays.
The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
One snowy day, a little boy builds a snowman outside his home. That night, the snowman comes alive, and a remarkable friendship begins. Raymond Briggs tells the story entirely through pictures, allowing children to follow every expression, gesture and magical moment for themselves. Its quiet visual storytelling makes this a particularly lovely book for sharing across generations. Families can linger over the illustrations, talk about what the characters might be thinking and discover how much a story can communicate without written dialogue.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C Y Moore
A household is settling down for Christmas Eve when an unexpected visitor arrives with a sleigh and eight reindeer. Clement C Y Moore’s familiar Christmas poem captures the anticipation of the night before Christmas, from the stockings waiting by the fireplace to the sound of reindeer on the roof. This illustrated edition provides an inviting way to introduce children to traditional festive verse. Its memorable rhymes and lively descriptions make it especially enjoyable to read aloud together before bedtime on Christmas Eve.
Spot’s First Christmas by Eric Hill
Spot is busy helping his mum get everything ready for Christmas. There are presents to wrap, decorations to put on the tree and Christmas carols to learn. Eric Hill’s sturdy board book invites little children to lift the flaps and join in with Spot’s preparations. The familiar puppy and simple festive activities make it easy to connect the story with things happening at home or nursery. It’s a lovely introduction to Christmas traditions, with plenty of opportunities to name objects and talk about helping one another.
Spot’s Christmas Tree by Eric Hill
Christmas is approaching, and Spot and his family need to find a tree. Children can lift the flaps to help Spot choose one, bring it home and decorate it for the celebrations. A pop-up Christmas tree appears on the final page, providing a cheerful conclusion to the preparations. This 2026 board book combines a familiar character with hands-on surprises for little fingers. The simple sequence of choosing, carrying and decorating a tree also lends itself to talking about family traditions and the excitement of getting ready for Christmas.
Peppa Pig: Peppa’s Christmas Post by Peppa Pig
When Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig are unwell, Peppa and George decide to organise Christmas themselves, helped by Granny Pig and Grandpa Pig. They have cards to send, decorations to prepare and delicious things to make before the celebrations can begin. Six envelopes inside the book contain festive surprises, including a Christmas card to complete, decorations to make and a small recipe book. The story combines family teamwork with practical Christmas activities, making it an enjoyable present for children who like opening letters and making things together.
Jólabókaflóð books for 7-12 year olds
The Christmas Book by Katherine Woodfine, illustrated by Lizzy Stewart
In wartime Iceland, Tómas wants to keep his grandfather’s stories at the heart of the family’s Christmas. He puts on his grandfather’s jumper for courage, earns money doing chores and heads into town to buy presents. The shop he finds open gives him a way to keep that promise. Lizzy Stewart’s full-colour illustrations accompany a story inspired by Jólabókaflóð itself, a fitting book to unwrap and read together on Christmas Eve. Read our full review.
Lydia Marmalade’s Christmas Adventure by Cariad Lloyd, illustrated by Patri de Pedro
Lydia has come to London before Christmas on a mission to rescue a missing ice sprite. Her schedule is full of society parties, but she has other ideas for how to spend her time. Her sausage dog, a frosty ice queen and a new friend are all part of the adventure. This illustrated fantasy for 9+ year olds puts loyalty and friendship at the centre of Lydia’s very different plans for Christmas.
How to Do (Almost) Everything by Becky Baines, illustrated by Laurie Avon
This handbook gives 8-12 year olds 100 things to try, from making slime and folding a paper aeroplane to tying knots and writing an algorithm. Diagrams, illustrations and photographs break down the steps, and specialists contribute advice on subjects such as Moon-watching and memory. It is a gift for someone who likes to learn how a thing works and then put it to the test during the holidays.
The Palace of Facts by Kate Olesin, illustrated by Andy Smith
Pip, Alice and their dog Charley lead the way through a palace with 400 facts tucked into its rooms. The treasure room has crystals, the fossil hall has dinosaurs and the observatory is the place to head for space. Andy Smith’s illustrations turn the memory-palace idea into somewhere 8-12 year olds can picture themselves walking through. It is just as easy to browse one room as it is to spend an afternoon exploring them all. Highly recommended.
The Notted Island by Katherine Child
Colour has yet to reach Last Island, its Notte keeps making mistakes and a salesman has arrived offering an automated night sky. Umbertiska Lupp sets out to do something about it, with cake in her pockets and the future of the island on her mind. In this illustrated fantasy for 9-11 year olds, Katherine Child gives a community in need of change an inventive heroine and a world full of odd details to discover.
The Grinch Christmas Craft Book by Dr Seuss
The Grinch brings his characteristic Christmas mischief to a collection of festive activities and things to make. Children can spend time with puzzles, colouring, paper decorations and other creative projects inspired by the famous character and the residents of Who-ville. The activities provide opportunities to practise following instructions, concentrating on a task and making something to share or display. It makes a cheerful companion to How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, particularly for families who enjoy combining a seasonal story with
some Christmas crafting.
A Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Edition by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Chris Mould
Ebenezer Scrooge is spending Christmas Eve alone when his former business partner, Jacob Marley, appears with a warning. Three spirits then take him through scenes from his past, present and possible future. Chris Mould illustrates this abridged edition in full colour, from Scrooge’s chilly surroundings to the bustle of Victorian London. The atmospheric pictures give children an accessible way into Dickens’s story of generosity and the chance to change. Read our full review.
Disney: A Magical Christmas Countdown by Sally Morgan and Dan Whitehead, illustrated by Seda Kir
Behind each of the 24 doors on the cover is a page number leading to an illustrated Disney story. Characters from familiar animated films appear in short festive tales that families can read a day at a time through December. The advent format gives 7+ year olds a timely reason to pick the book back up, and the stories are short enough to share in the evening.
Where’s Spidey? Christmas Edition by Marvel
Spider-Man and his friends are hidden in busy pictures packed with people, buildings and familiar Marvel faces. This Christmas edition adds three festive scenes to the search-and-find challenges. Children can work through a spread on their own or hand it across the table when another pair of eyes might help. It is an activity book for the holidays that rewards looking slowly and returning to a picture after you think you have seen everything.
Ultimate Football Heroes 2027 by Matt Oldfield, Tom Oldfield, Emily Stead, Seth Burkett and John Murray
Young supporters can revisit the 2025-26 season and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in this football annual. Alongside player stories and match highlights are statistics and quizzes to try out on another fan. The book covers club and international football and includes women’s football. It makes a Christmas gift for 7+ year olds who like comparing players, reliving a match or saving up a good football question for the family. Highly recommended.
The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries
William Trundle is about to have an extraordinary Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he encounters the Christmasaurus, a dinosaur unlike any he has imagined, and finds himself swept into a magical adventure involving Santa, elves and flying reindeer. Tom Fletcher brings together Christmas excitement, humour, friendship and family in this illustrated children’s novel. William’s encounter with the Christmasaurus also gives the story an emotional centre, as he discovers what he truly wishes for. It’s an imaginative festive adventure for children who enjoy substantial chapter books.
The Snowman by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Robin Shaw
James wakes one December morning to discover that snow has fallen. He spends the day making a snowman, complete with a green hat, scarf and tangerine nose, inspired by his favourite picture book. When the snowman comes alive that night, James is drawn into an extraordinary adventure. Michael Morpurgo reimagines Raymond Briggs’ much-loved story as a longer prose narrative, illustrated by Robin Shaw. The added storytelling gives children more time with James and his magical companion, making this an inviting winter read for 7+ year olds.
Tales of Mistletoe and Mischief by Terry Pratchett, illustrated by Mark Beech
Four Christmas stories bring Terry Pratchett’s inventive humour to younger readers. Among the festive surprises are an unusually demanding computer, an abominable snow-baby and someone wearing a suspicious Father Christmas beard. The stories play with familiar Christmas ideas, finding comedy in unexpected places and giving each tale its own amusing predicament. Mark Beech’s full-colour illustrations add to the playful atmosphere. This collection makes a cheerful seasonal gift for children who enjoy funny short stories and a touch of festive chaos.
The Tale of the Nutcracker by Alexandre Dumas
When Marie receives an unusual wooden nutcracker as a Christmas present, she is intrigued by its odd appearance. At midnight on Christmas Eve, her new toy comes alive and confronts the fearsome Mouse King and his army. Alexandre Dumas’s adaptation of the famous Nutcracker story takes children into a strange and magical world of animated toys, daring battles and extraordinary kingdoms. This Puffin Classics paperback is an appealing way to discover the literary story associated with the celebrated Christmas ballet.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum
Long before he becomes the familiar giver of Christmas presents, Santa begins life as a baby raised among the magical creatures of a forest. As he grows older, his kindness towards children inspires him to make toys, and the traditions associated with Father Christmas gradually take shape. L. Frank Baum imagines the origins of the reindeer, chimneys and stockings in a fantasy full of nymphs, fairies and other extraordinary beings. This 2026 Puffin Clothbound Classic makes a handsome Christmas gift, particularly for children fascinated by stories about Santa’s beginnings.
Roald Dahl’s The Twelve Days of Christmas by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
Roald Dahl’s world receives a festive makeover in this Christmas collection of jokes, recipes, activities and mischievous ideas. Familiar characters, including Matilda, the Twits and the Muggle-Wumps, appear among the seasonal surprises. Children can enjoy the playful references to the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas song, try the activities and share the jokes with family or friends. Quentin Blake’s illustrations bring the familiar Dahl atmosphere to the pages. It’s a lively seasonal gift for children who enjoy making, reading and laughing their way through the Christmas holidays.
Jólabókaflóð books for teens aged 13-16
Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello
Trey works at Wonderland, his family’s Black-owned bookshop. Ariel takes a holiday job there to help pay for art tuition. When they discover the shop could close by Christmas Eve, they have to get past their differences and work out what they can do together. The romance grows as they try to keep a much-loved place open, making this a fitting Christmas Eve gift for a teen who likes to spend time in bookshops.
Only for the Holidays by Abiola Bello
Tia would happily spend Christmas in London. Instead, she is at Saiyan Hedge Farm, where Quincy is preparing for the Winter Ball and needs the date he has already told everyone he has. They agree to pose as a couple, until a snowstorm threatens the ball and makes their arrangement harder to keep simple. The farm setting gives the romance a different rhythm from Tia’s life in the city.
Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle
When a Christmas Eve snowstorm brings a train to a halt near the town of Gracetown, it sets the scene for three interconnected stories about friendship, romance and unexpected encounters. As a group of teenagers deal with disrupted Christmas plans, complicated relationships and surprising new friendships, their paths cross in ways they don’t always realise. Funny, romantic and full of festive mishaps, this collection of three short stories is an entertaining Christmas read for young adults.
The Silent Stars Go By by Sally Nicholls
Christmas 1919 brings Margot Allan’s family together for their first festive gathering since the end of the First World War. Margot has spent years believing her fiancé Harry was killed in action, but when he unexpectedly returns, she must confront a secret that could change both their lives. Their reunion is complicated by the discovery that Margot gave birth to their son during the war, and that her family has been raising him as her younger brother. This moving historical romance explores love, family loyalties and the strict social expectations facing young women in post-war England.
Some Like it Cold by Elle McNicoll
Eighteen-year-old Jasper Montgomery returns to her picturesque hometown of Lake Pristine for Christmas, determined to say goodbye and leave her old life behind. However, her plans become complicated when she encounters Arthur, a budding filmmaker and former school rival who has never quite forgotten her. As family tensions rise and an unexpected romance develops, Jasper begins to question whether she really wants to leave. Featuring an autistic heroine, this warm and funny festive romance explores friendship, family relationships, self-acceptance and finding somewhere to belong. It’s an unforgettable winter read for young adults.
Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Cute and Cosy Colouring Book
Jack Skellington, Sally, Zero and the residents of Halloween Town appear in more than 40 colouring scenes inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas. The pictures combine the film’s familiar characters with seasonal details, including Christmas markets, gingerbread houses and preparations for the festive season. Short quotations accompany the artwork, inviting older children and teenagers to spend time colouring and experimenting with different colours.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy March are growing up during the American Civil War, while their father is away from home. The four sisters have different ambitions and personalities, but their family remains central to their lives. Christmas provides some of the novel’s most memorable moments, including an early decision to share their breakfast with a family in greater need. Louisa May Alcott’s classic combines domestic life, friendship, creativity and generosity with the challenges of growing older. This handsome Puffin Classics hardback is an inviting gift for teenagers discovering the March family.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Ebenezer Scrooge has little patience for Christmas or the people who celebrate it. During a remarkable Christmas Eve, three spirits take him on journeys through his past, present and possible future, revealing the consequences of his decisions and the lives of those around him. Charles Dickens brings memorable characters and Victorian London to this story about compassion, generosity and the possibility of change. The ghosts, dramatic encounters and powerful conclusion make it especially rewarding to discuss during the Christmas season.
Jólabókaflóð books for sixth-formers aged 16+
Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days by Jeanette Winterson
Jeanette Winterson pairs twelve Christmas stories with twelve festive recipes. A haunted house and a Christmas cracker with an unexpected gift share the book with sherry trifle, turkey biryani and Mrs Winterson’s mince pies. The stories range from ghostly to playful, and the recipes give the book a second life in the kitchen after the last story has been read.
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Della and Jim are a young married couple with very little money, but each is determined to buy the other a special Christmas present. Their secret sacrifices lead to a wonderfully ironic ending that reveals the true meaning of generosity and love. This beautifully presented collection also includes eleven other short stories by O. Henry, featuring colourful characters, unexpected twists and his trademark humour.
A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Inspired by Truman Capote’s childhood in the American South, the title story follows seven-year-old Buddy and his relative Sook as they prepare for Christmas. With little money but plenty of imagination, they gather ingredients for homemade fruitcakes, make decorations and find simple ways to celebrate together. This collection also includes other seasonal stories that explore childhood memories, unusual friendships and the sometimes bittersweet nature of Christmas. Beautifully written and deeply nostalgic, it’s a thoughtful festive read for older teenagers.
Christmas Pudding by Nancy Mitford
Lady Bobbin is determined to organise a respectable Christmas house party at her country estate, but her guests have other ideas. Among them is Paul Fotheringay, a novelist dismayed that his serious debut has been hailed as a comedy. He secretly arranges to stay at the house to research a biography, but soon becomes distracted by Lady Bobbin’s daughter Philadelphia, who already has an eligible suitor. With romantic misunderstandings, eccentric aristocrats and plenty of social snobbery, Nancy Mitford’s witty comedy offers an entertaining glimpse of upper-class life in 1930s England.
The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels
Recently single Margot Murray has no desire to spend Christmas thinking about romance, so she agrees to accompany her friend Ben Gibson to his family’s country manor. In return for a relaxing holiday, she must pretend to be his girlfriend. Everything seems straightforward until she meets Ben’s attractive sister Ellie, who immediately suspects their relationship isn’t genuine. As Margot finds herself falling for Ellie, keeping up the pretence becomes increasingly difficult. Funny, romantic and full of festive complications, this LGBTQ+ Christmas romcom is an great seasonal read more mature sixth formers.
The Christmas Orphans Club by Becca Freeman
When Hannah and Finn find themselves without family to spend Christmas with, they decide to celebrate together. Their annual tradition grows into something special when friends Priya and Theo join them, creating a close-knit group with its own festive rituals. But after ten years of Christmases together, Finn announces plans to move across the country, leaving Hannah worried that their chosen family is falling apart. Moving between past and present celebrations, this warm and funny novel explores friendship, love, growing older and the importance of finding people who feel like family.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Katherine May draws on her own life to write about periods when everyday demands become difficult to sustain and retreat becomes a form of care. She moves between personal experience, the natural world and winter customs, from solstice celebrations and hibernation to swimming in cold water. The unhurried pace suits the quieter days of the holidays and offers a reflective non-fiction option for a Christmas gift.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Growing up in a remote Russian village, Vasya has always been fascinated by her nurse’s stories of the Winter King and the mysterious spirits that inhabit the surrounding forests. Unlike the rest of her family, she can actually see these creatures. When her father’s new wife forbids the traditional offerings that keep the spirits happy, strange and frightening events begin to threaten the village. As winter tightens its grip, Vasya must draw on her unusual abilities to protect her family. Inspired by Russian folklore, this atmospheric historical fantasy explores the conflict between ancient traditions and religious beliefs, with a courageous heroine determined to make her own choices.
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
It’s Hogswatchnight on Discworld, but the Hogfather, a mysterious figure who delivers presents to children, has disappeared. With Christmas traditions in danger and the very fabric of reality beginning to unravel, Death decides to take his place. Unfortunately, his attempts to spread festive cheer are rather unsettling, especially when he turns up in department stores dressed in red. Meanwhile, his granddaughter Susan investigates what has happened to the real Hogfather. Terry Pratchett combines dark humour, fantasy and satire in a wonderfully inventive story that explores why people believe in traditions, myths and the impossible.
A Merry Christmas: And Other Christmas Stories by Louisa May Alcott
Best known for Little Women, Louisa May Alcott frequently wrote about family celebrations, generosity and the importance of helping others. This collection brings together Christmas episodes featuring the March sisters alongside other seasonal stories, including The Quiet Little Woman, Kate’s Choice and What Love Can Do. From modest family gatherings to acts of kindness that transform people’s lives, the stories reflect the customs, attitudes and social inequalities of nineteenth-century America. Presented in an attractive hardback edition, the collection introduces readers to Alcott’s shorter fiction and the moral questions that run through much of her writing.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
A curious boy encounters a curious mole, a wary fox and a gentle horse as they travel together through a landscape of forests, rivers and open countryside. Along the way, their conversations touch on friendship, kindness, fear and the importance of asking for help. Charlie Mackesy’s expressive ink drawings and handwritten dialogue give the book an intimate, almost sketchbook-like quality. Rather than following a conventional plot, it presents a series of encounters and reflections that readers can enjoy individually or as part of the companions’ journey.
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Jólabókaflóð resources for teachers
- The National Literacy Trust offers a free Jólabókaflóð teaching resource to help schools celebrate Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood. Designed to promote reading for pleasure across different age groups, it suggests practical ways to create a cosy winter reading experience, encourage independent book choice and make reading a special occasion. Free registration is required to download the resource.
- Visit Iceland explores the history and cultural significance of Jólabókaflóð, explaining how Iceland’s publishing industry, literary heritage and Christmas Eve book exchanges became closely connected. This illustrated introduction provides useful background material for KS2 and KS3 geography, cultural studies and English lessons examining reading traditions around the world.
- The Icelandic Publishers Association’s Bókatíðindi catalogue is the authentic annual book catalogue associated with Jólabókaflóð. Its online edition includes children’s picture books, fiction for 6-12 year olds, young adult literature and non-fiction. Although the website is in Icelandic, pupils can explore the covers and categories, compare international book publishing and create their own Christmas book recommendation catalogue.
- Writing for Penguin Books, Icelandic novelist Ragnar Jónasson explains how to pronounce Jólabókaflóð, explores the origins of the tradition and describes the excitement surrounding Iceland’s annual Christmas book season. His first-hand account makes an engaging reading comprehension text for older primary and secondary pupils, particularly when exploring the relationship between literature, language and national identity.
- World Book Day and Jigsaw PSHE provide a free teacher’s guide to organising an inclusive book swap for 3-11 year olds. It includes preparation checklists, suggested layouts, book-sharing activities and follow-up ideas. Teachers can adapt the guidance to organise a school Jólabókaflóð celebration using donated or second-hand books, avoiding the need for families to purchase new gifts.
- The World Book Day book-sharing stations resource includes printable displays and discussion prompts connecting books with the NHS Five Ways to Wellbeing. Schools can adapt the stations for a Christmas Book Flood event, inviting pupils to browse different genres, exchange recommendations and discuss how stories make them feel. Particularly useful for primary school libraries, reading corners and whole-school celebrations.
- The National Literacy Trust’s book choice resources include a teacher’s guide, presentation, worksheet and reading interests log. These materials help pupils identify their interests and select books they genuinely want to read. They work particularly well before a Jólabókaflóð event, allowing children to prepare wish lists, recommend titles to classmates and discover unfamiliar authors or genres.
- World Book Day’s reading for fun activities offer practical ideas including book tasting, reading buddies, book swaps, second-hand book giveaways and displays celebrating favourite stories. Many can be adapted for a Jólabókaflóð afternoon or end-of-term reading celebration. The suggestions provide inexpensive alternatives to formal gift exchanges and are suitable for use throughout the school year.
- The Scottish Book Trust’s paired reading toolkit provides a teacher’s guide, printable pupil letters, reading reports and certificates for shared reading projects. Suitable for children aged 3-14, it offers a way to extend Jólabókaflóð beyond exchanging books. Teachers can organise reading partnerships between older and younger pupils, encouraging children to share favourite stories and introduce one another to new books.
BISAC JUV017010, JUV013000. | Thema YBCS, YFN, 5HPD.
