The books kids actually want for Christmas, from beautiful picture books to gripping reads for teens

This is the perfect time to give children the gift of a brilliant book. Whether they love magical adventures, laugh-out-loud stories, fascinating facts or beautifully illustrated picture books, there’s something here to spark every young reader’s imagination. To help us find the books children will genuinely be delighted to unwrap on the big day, we asked the experts: children themselves.

These are the ones that stood out for them from a selection of new titles sent to us by publishers. From captivating stories to share at bedtime to page-turners older children can enjoy independently, these books are guaranteed to bring joy long after the wrapping paper has been cleared away.

4 years and under

The House With The Little Red Door by Grace Easton (Thames & Hudson)

This gorgeously detailed picture book about a little girl helping a mouse look for a home on a snowy day was universally adored by our under-fours.

‘A really sweet book with a heartwarming message,’ said one parent.

Fold-Out + Play: Farm by Ingela P Arrhenius (Nosy Crow Ltd)

Our youngest panellists couldn’t get enough of this interactive 3D book that folds out into a farm.

‘My son (four) had so much fun setting this up, building the characters and using the stickers to decorate each room. Big success!’ said one.

The Boy, The Bear And The Star by Pip Cornell, illustrated by Stef Murphy (Andersen Press)

This heartfelt story about a courageous boy lost in the woods was a high scorer.

‘An absolutely lovely story with gorgeous pictures,’ said a parent of a panellist.

...And A Partridge In A Pear Tree by Fay Evans, illustrated by Jono Ganz (Flying Eye Books)

Parents of under-fours told us how much both they and their kids enjoyed this funny version of the classic Christmas song.

‘I enjoyed spotting all the comic little details as much as my daughter did,’ said one mum.

5-7 year olds

Under The Olive Moon by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and Nour Ferwana, illustrated by Raahat Kaduji (Magic Cat)

A mum living in Gaza is the co-author of this beautiful book of Palestinian fables.

‘A wonderful book with a message about resilience and community,’ said one parent.

Rewild by Benjamin Zephaniah, illustrated by Emily Sutton (Magic Cat)

A simple but beautiful story by the late poet about how focusing on nature can save the planet.

‘A really special book in terms of the illustrations and messaging,’ said one mum.

Cosmic Cruise by Owen Davey (Post Wave Children’s Books)

Fact-loving kids adored this colourful, non-fiction journey through the solar system.

‘I learned lots of new facts from this book. Mars is my favourite planet – it’s red because it’s covered in rust!’ said one reviewer.

Mouse Goes To The Mountains by Alice Melvin (Thames & Hudson)

Younger panellists loved how interactive this book-withflaps was, while older readers were drawn to the illustrations detailing a mouse’s journey.

‘We read this one again and again and it is still being asked for,’ said one parent.

8-10 year olds

An Anthology Of Micro Life by Jess French (DK Children’s)

This fascinating hardback book is packed with info about microscopic life on our planet.

‘There are some brilliant creatures in this book,’ said one. ‘I learned about fairyflies, the smallest insect there is.’

The Wild Ones by Steve Cole (Scholastic)

Middle-grade readers rated this action-packed story about a gang of animals who have to fight for their survival.

‘I love Scamp – I want to read more stories about his adventures,’ said one fan.

Tomorrow Bright Before Us: An Inspiring Quote For Every Day Of The Year, illustrated by Victoria Ball (Nosy Crow Ltd)

All ages loved this inspiring book of quotes with stunning imagery.

‘I looked up my birthday and found a quote from Winnie-the-Pooh!’ said a reviewer.

11-13 years old

The Hexton Chronicles: The Trouble With Magic by Amy Wilson, illustrated by Eric Deschamps (Nosy Crow Ltd)

Our older readers found this fantasy novel about a boy with magical powers gripping and fast-paced.

‘An exciting story – I would read more in this series,’ said one reviewer.

The Hunger Games deluxe box set by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic)

The five books that make up the classic Hunger Games series now come in a stunning box set.

‘I’d seen the films but never read the books. I really raced through them,’ said a fan.

The Sign Of The Raven by Pippa Dunn (DK Flip)

This historical fantasy fiction set in Victorian London is aimed at young teens, who praised the atmospheric London setting.

‘I enjoyed this story about a girl leading a double life, it’s filled with adventure,’ said one panellist.