10 festive books to share with 3–5-year-olds this Christmas

How does he indeed? Headfirst or feetfirst? Does he turn himself into fire? Maybe he stretches like taffy and goes in one leg at a time? What if he gets stuck? He must carry treats for dogs. . . This fantastically funny, gem of a book is perfect for curious young children and their many questions about Santa Claus.

It's Christmas Eve, the busiest night of the year for Santa and his little elves – but gorging on one too many candy canes has put them out of action! Who else but the Sunnytown bunnies could come to Santa's rescue? Through playful text and vibrant, busy illustrations, this rhyming riot of a picture book is sure to add some sparkle to all your story times this Christmas.

High up in the clouds a tiny snowflake is made. Down below, a little girl longs for the perfect star for her Christmas tree. With a stunning colour palette of purples and whites, this enchanting story of a girl and a snowflake looking for their place in the world will bring a little sparkle – and wintry cheer – to everyone's festive season.

An absolute classic for the festive season! Join the Jolly Postman as he sets off to deliver Christmas mail to a host of nursery rhyme characters and fairytale friends. With detailed illustrations and actual letters, cards and games to share on each page, this is a book that will keep little ones engaged for days on end. The glorious rhyme and use of dialogue beg for it to be read aloud, with as many different voices as you can manage!

An ugly little fir tree is taken to the city where no one wants to buy him – everyone wants the big grand trees. However, when a boy experiencing homelessness takes ownership of the tree, it finds itself at the centre of a magical Christmas Eve it will never forget. Emily Sutton's illustrations have a classic yet modern feel and wrap the message of the book in enough Christmas magic to make it a story children will love to talk about, and read again and again.

This heartwarming retelling of the classic Christmas tale will have wee ones captivated this festive season. When Santa gets lost in a blizzard, a lonely little mouse is on hand to help him deliver his presents – but will mouse's own Christmas wish come true? We can't tell you that! But we can tell you it's definitely a book to put on your list. With its traditional illustrations and pitch-perfect rhyme, this is a truly magical tale for Christmas time.

Little Lucy and Noah would love a white Christmas but it’s Christmas Eve and still no snow has fallen! They’re allowed to open one present before bed and inside is a beautiful snow globe. When Lucy can’t sleep she stares at the snow globe and all of a sudden she feels a cold flurry against her cheek. Celebrating the magic of imagination, this charming book is full of festive joy and excitement.

This book is a glorious mashup of two classic tales. The Queen of Hearts hasn’t allowed Christmas since the White Rabbit missed the last Christmas post when she was little, and her letter didn’t make it in time. When an elf finally discovers the Queen’s mouldy letter after all these years, Santa’s epic journey through Wonderland begins. With an evil queen, an elusive Cheshire cat and an opulent palace – Christmas colliding with Wonderland is a spectacular event not to be missed.

When a boy's snowman comes to life one night, a magical adventure and journey of friendship begins. With its sweeping snowy landscapes and nostalgic flying scenes, wordless picture books don't come any better than this. Why not describe what you see in the pictures or point things out to children? If they're a little older, they may even be able to tell the story themselves! The opportunities are endless with this festive book.

This brightly illustrated story tells the story of the night before the night before Christmas, as Santa and the elves busily prepare for Christmas Eve. Children will love following the magical preparations of the toys and the loading of the sleigh, seeking out hidden details in the rich illustrations. However, there is one thing Santa forgets each year and throughout the book, he ponders what that might be – with a surprising (and very funny) twist revealed at the end.