With 2026 being the National Year of Literacy, there’s never been a better time to give the gift of reading. Books open up whole new worlds — they spark imagination, curiosity, and creativity. When a child unwraps a book at Christmas, you’re not just giving them a story — you’re giving them adventures, laughter, and sometimes even a few life lessons. You’re showing them that reading is something to love, not something to tick off a homework list.
I’ve gathered some of our favourite reads — from timeless picture books to gripping YA novels — that would make wonderful Christmas gifts. Some are old classics, others are exciting new releases, but all are stories worth sharing.
Picture Books
You can’t go wrong with Julia Donaldson — her stories have stood the test of time in our house. Room on the Broom, Zog, The Snail and the Whale, and of course The Gruffalo are firm favourites for a reason.
Another classic that never gets old is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle — it’s one of those books that every child should have on their shelf.
A newer title worth checking out is The Full Stop That Got Away by Laura Baker — a lovely recommendation from a writer friend who knows her way around a good picture book.
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Lower Grade (Ages 6–9)
It’s been a few years since I worked in a primary school, but some stories are simply timeless. The Twits by Roald Dahl always gets a giggle, and The 13-Storey Treehouse series remains a big hit with junior school kids — the sillier, the better!
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a beautiful story of love, loss and adventure — one to read with your child, as it’s as moving for grown-ups as it is for little ones.
Varjak Paw by SF Said follows a brave blue cat on a dangerous adventure, and The Monster Spotter’s Handbook by Matt Cherry is perfect for monster lovers who enjoy a good laugh.
And if you’re after a magical world to escape into, The Land of Roar is full of imagination, mythical creatures, and plenty of bravery.
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Middle Grade (Ages 9–12)
If you’ve got a confident reader at home, these are some real page-turners:
Kick by Mitch Johnson is a brilliant, heartfelt story that’s a favourite with boys.
The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan is full of Greek mythology, monsters and quests — once they start, they’ll be hooked.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell takes you into a breathtaking fantasy world, and her follow-up The Poisoned King is top of my reading list.
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman flips everything you think you know about unicorns — these are fierce, untamed beasts!
The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson is a moving, magical story about belonging and friendship.
And if you haven’t yet read Tyger by SF Said, make sure you do — it’s a beautifully written, powerful tale set in a dystopian London.
Other must-reads include:
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
- The Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz (great for spy and action lovers)
- The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer — perfect for fantasy fans
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown — a surprisingly heartwarming adventure
- How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell, which kicks off a brilliant 12-book series
- Inkbound – Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Philippa Leathley, which is next on my TBR list!
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Young Adult (Teens and Older Readers)
For older readers, these books are full of twists, emotions and unforgettable characters:
All The Hidden Monsters and All The Lost Souls by Amie Jordan are full of magic, mystery and danger.
The Hive by Anna February is a gripping whodunnit you won’t want to put down.
The Wycherleys is witty, romantic and laugh-out-loud funny.
Play by Luke Palmer beautifully captures the ups and downs of friendship as boys grow into young men.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is packed with puzzles, secrets and inheritance drama — think Knives Out for teens.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han are both hugely popular (and TV favourites).
This year’s Carnegie Medal winner, Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald, is an incredible read about friendship, loyalty and forgiveness.
If mythology is more their thing, Circe by Madeline Miller is stunningly written and utterly unputdownable.
And for something a bit different, Silver by Olivia Levez tells the story of an alien who falls in love with Earth.
Finally, two must-haves for YA shelves:
- Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins, the latest Hunger Games prequel (and it lives up to the hype!)
- Little Bang by *Kelly McCaughrain, a powerful and compassionate story about a teenage girl facing tough choices.
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Books make the most magical Christmas gifts — they’re thoughtful, long-lasting, and spark the imagination like nothing else. Whether it’s a classic bedtime story or a thrilling page-turner, there’s something here for every age and stage.
So, wrap up a story this Christmas and give the gift of reading — it might just become their favourite present under the tree.