A lighthearted spin on the classic poem ‘The Night Before Christmas’, this is a fun rhyming text that tells the story of a nighttime visit from the Easter Bunny. Younger children will enjoy the story and illustrations while slightly older children could perform the poem by heart or take on the challenge of writing their own versions.
Here at Booksfortopics we are big fans of Mini Grey (author of Traction Man and Toys in Space). This egg-cellent picture book does not fail to impress us either, recounting the tale of an egg that is desperate to learn to fly without having to wait to hatch first. Behind the quirky story, which can be accessed on numerous levels by children of different ages, sit important themes of dreaming big, having hope and the frustration of having to wait for something important to happen.
If you are looking for something slightly different that gives the Christian perspective about Easter, Inspector Smart and the Case of the Empty Tomb: Case File is ideal for KS2. Presented as a detective’s case file, the text and picture clues gradually build up a picture of the story of Jesus’ resurrection and what it means to Christian believers. There is also a simpler chapter book version available on Amazon that is suited to KS1 or weaker readers.
This engaging picture book takes its reader on a guided tour of an imaginary chocolate factory, run by Mr Bunny. The humorous illustrations are packed with details and guaranteed to get imaginations firing. We think that this highly enjoyable text would make a great stimulus for creative writing and is likely to have pupils poring over its inventive visual details for hours. Mr Bunny’s Chocolate Factory is sure to quickly become a humorous Easter favourite in primary classrooms.
This is top of our list for non-fiction on the Easter theme of eggs and new life. Chickens Aren’t the Only Ones explores the exceptional range of animals that lay eggs of all shapes and sizes. We love the rhyming text and the brilliantly life-like illustrations of the creatures and their eggs, raising curiosity levels and giving this non-fiction topic a high level of appeal to young minds.
Milo’s mum must have superpowers. After all, she always knows what he’s getting up to even when he is secretly using her cooking equipment to make magic potions or when he is completely out of sight bouncing on the bed. Deciding that the only possible explanation is that Mum has X-RAY vision, Milo decides to test his Mum’s powers to find out the truth.
This is a new novelised adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ classic story (also available here), bringing all the magic of the original tale into a narrative form.
A boy named James is so excited when snow arrives on his farm that he rushes outside to build the snowman he has been longing to create. Wonderfully, the snowman comes to life and gives James a magical adventure that he will never forget. This cherished story that never loses its magical appeal, is bound to be a favourite for many to curl up with this Christmas.
The Night I Met Father Christmas is a new story with the feel of a Christmas classic, written by comedian Ben Miller. Take A Christmas Carol and mix it with ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and you might be somewhere close to the plot of this enjoyable tale that will prove popular with readers in the 7-10 age bracket.
It’s Christmas Eve and everyone in Jackson’s family is busy getting ready for the big day. Jackson thinks he knows all the old stories about Father Christmas, including the secrets of flying reindeer and the physics-defying magic of delivering presents all around the world in just one night. But when Father Christmas reaches Jackson’s house in the middle of the night and has a bit of a mishap, Jackson embarks upon a thrilling adventure that allows him to see a whole new side to the jolly man with the red suit.
As Father Christmas opens up to Jackson about his personal history, an exciting story unfolds that will take readers on a festive adventure laced with the perfect balance of humour and tenderness. For a chapter book, it’s not a long read (you could easily read it in one or two sittings) but it is a very enjoyable one. Coupled with detailed illustrations by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, this is a charming story that will bring the spirit of Christmas to readers young and old alike.
The Day the Crayons Quit meets The Jolly Postman in this fun, interactive book from Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers, delighting fans of the much-loved crayon stories by adding a festive twist. The crayons are back and this time they have mail. Open the envelopes, boxes and packets to find out what the postman has been delivering to each colour! Peach Crayon receives a dressing-up package from his mum. Crayon-owner Duncan begins to feel left out, until the crayons give him a brilliant festive surprise of their own. There are activities to press out, assemble and play with inside the various packets and envelopes. While there are nods to the previous stories, it could also work as a fun standalone story about the joy of giving and receiving gifts.
We love this tender retelling of the Nativity story through the eyes of Leah, the innkeeper’s daughter.
The streets of Bethlehem are bustling with people and Leah’s family are rushed off their feet, housing travellers at her father’s inn. When a woman who is just about to have her baby arrives, Leah’s father finds them a place to rest in his stable.
Wide-eyed with wonder, Leah witnesses a series of extraordinary events, including some rather unusual visitors from afar. The story is full of humanity and at its heart it depicts a young girl’s personal encounter with the very special baby at the centre of the nativity story.
Illustrated with Karin Littlewood’s watercolour scenes, this beautiful picture book brings a familiar Christmas story to life through a fresh pair of eyes and is a worthy addition to your collection of nativity storybooks.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
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Curriculum links (if relevant)
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