Essex


<p>From Christmas Eve escapades to teen TikTok sensations, there&#8217;s Christmas books for kids of every age to add to their wish list, all recommended by the well-read experts at Brentwood book store, <a href="https://chickenandfrog.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicken &amp; Frog</a>!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-horrible-christmas-by-terry-deary"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/horrible-christmas-terry-deary/6507293?ean=9780702343971&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Horrible Christmas</em></a> by Terry Deary</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="517" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/horrible.jpg" alt="Horrible Christmas by Terry Deary" class="wp-image-26334" /></figure>



<p>From the Horrible Histories team comes a fun packed information book all about the horrors of Christmas! This beautifully foiled edition is brimming with crazy jokes, quizzes and facts. Perfect for history lovers aged 7+.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-night-before-christmas-in-neverland-by-carys-bexington"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-night-before-christmas-in-neverland-carys-bexington/7844507?ean=9781529078367&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Night Before Christmas in Neverland</em></a> by Carys Bexington</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/neverland.jpg" alt="The Night Before Christmas in Neverland by Carys Bexington" class="wp-image-26335" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/neverland.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/neverland-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/neverland-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



<p>The naughty Captain Hook learns all about the true meaning of Christmas in this stunningly illustrated picture book. If you are a Peter Pan fan, visit Neverland in this new adventure.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-snow-girl-by-sophie-anderson"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-snow-girl-sophie-anderson/7447863?ean=9781803704357&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Snow Girl</em></a> by Sophie Anderson</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="420" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/snow-girl.jpg" alt="The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson" class="wp-image-26336" /></figure>



<p>Do you love Frozen? Are you enchanted by Narnia? Then this is the perfect middle grade read for you. A fairy-tale adventure of friendship, belonging and bravery in a winter wonderland that will get you ready for the festive season.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowscape-by-yoojin-kim"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/snowscape-yoojin-kim/cf7a2339e5b4de44?ean=9781623486594&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Snowscape</em></a> by Yoojin Kim</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="632" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/snowscape.jpg" alt="Snowscape by Yoojin Kim" class="wp-image-26337" /></figure>



<p>This pop-up book is stunning. For children of all ages, up to 100! It’s a joyous celebration of the natural world in winter. A very special gift.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-old-forest-path-by-jamie-catto"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-old-forest-path-jamie-catto/7696300?ean=9781857145007&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Old Forest Path</em></a> by Jamie Catto</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="498" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/forest.jpg" alt="The Old Forest Path by Jamie Catto" class="wp-image-26338" /></figure>



<p>A fairytale-esque story, with whimsical illustrations to enchant any reader. This gentle tale will capture the imagination of a young reader. It’s a must-have bedtime story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghost-by-finbar-hawkins"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/ghost-finbar-hawkins/7625782?ean=9781837933075&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Ghost</em></a> by Finbar Hawkins</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="397" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/ghost.jpg" alt="Ghost by Finbar Hawkins" class="wp-image-26339" /></figure>



<p>Druids, white witches and a mysterious wood connect this story which spans the centuries. There’s powerful old magic out there. Finbar Hawkins weaves a tale which will have middle grade readers gripped from the first page.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-she-gets-the-girl-at-christmas-by-alyson-derrick"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/she-gets-the-girl-at-christmas-rachael-lippincott/7817193?ean=9781398548244&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>She Gets the Girl at Christmas</em></a> by Alyson Derrick</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="420" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/gets-the-girl.jpg" alt="She Gets the Girl at Christmas by Alyson Derrick" class="wp-image-26340" /></figure>



<p>Who doesn’t love a heart-warming romance at Christmas? Ice-skating, snowball fights and a spot of match making all come together to create a cosy read for young YA readers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-christmas-contest-by-maxime-gillio"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-christmas-contest-maxime-gillio/7836735?ean=9781398550575&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Christmas Contest</em></a> by Maxime Gillio</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="511" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/contest.jpg" alt="The Christmas Contest by Maxime Gillio" class="wp-image-26341" /></figure>



<p>This is such a fun countdown to the big day! Open a chapter a day in the ultimate countdown to Christmas. Santa is looking for an apprentice and you’re going to help him on his mission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-merry-christmas-my-little-cuddle-bug-by-nicola-edwards"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/merry-christmas-my-little-cuddle-bug-nicola-edwards/7867370?ean=9781838918460&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Merry Christmas, My Little Cuddle Bug</em></a> by Nicola Edwards</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="639" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/cuddle-bug.jpg" alt="Merry Christmas, My Little Cuddle Bug by Nicola Edwards" class="wp-image-26342" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/cuddle-bug.jpg 639w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/cuddle-bug-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/cuddle-bug-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px" /></figure>



<p>If I had to describe this board book in one word, it would be ‘cute’. It’s an adorable story of a little bug who’s super excited for Christmas. Snuggle up at bedtime and soothe your little one to sleep.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-listen-to-the-music-at-christmas-by-mary-richards"><a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/listen-to-the-music-at-christmas-mary-richards/7826478?ean=9781836005827&amp;next=t" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Listen to the Music at Christmas</em></a> by Mary Richards</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="560" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/11/listento.jpg" alt="Listen to the Music at Christmas by Mary Richards" class="wp-image-26343" /></figure>



<p>Honestly, the sound clips in this joy of a book are just wonderful. Following Pip and Sammy around the world, as they collect Christmas music will get everyone in the mood.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/panto-season-has-arrived-in-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panto season has arrived in Essex! Where to snap up seats this Christmas</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/magical-memories-the-best-places-to-find-father-christmas-this-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magical memories: The best places to find Father Christmas this year</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/must-see-festive-theatre-in-essex-this-christmas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Encore! Must-see festive theatre in Essex and beyond this Christmas</a></li>
</ul>


Gift-worthy reads for kids, from a book shop near you!

You may also like