Create and Craft - Christmas

November 2023

Christmas

Book and video recommendations from our Children's team including some festive crafts.

Children's picture books

The elf on the shelf's night before Christmas by Chanda A. Bell  

The elf on the shelf's night before Christmas

By  Chanda A. Bell

On the Night Before Christmas, Scout Elf has everything perfectly prepared for Santa's arrival ... or has he? The children are nestled, the stockings hung. Elf is ready to say goodbye to his family for the year, when this perfect Christmas Eve scene becomes a twisty, tangled calamitous sight! Join Scout Elf in this playful retelling of the beloved Christmas classic, with charming illustrations that capture the magic of the festive season. Can Santa and his Christmas magic save The Night Before Christmas? From the global phenomenon, The Elf on the Shelf, tap into the magic of believing and the love of tradition at Christmas.

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Bin Chicken and the Christmas turkey by Kate and Jol Temple and Ronojoy Ghosh

Bin chicken and the Christmas turkey

By  Kate and Jol Temple and Ronojoy Ghosh

The city is buzzing, shoppers run this way and that, there's carols and lights and a Santa Claus hat! But if a bird is clever... if a bird is a smartie... a bird can still have a fabulous Christmas party! Ibis is in a flap and can't find any trash, but Bush Turkey knows exactly where to find a feast to gobble!

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Where's Bluey at Christmas by Nick Rees

Where's Bluey? at Christmas : a search and find book

by Nick Rees

Cheese and crackers, it's Christmas! The countdown is on, but can you find Bluey and Bingo? There's lots of hidden surprises too, so join the festive fun in this search-and-find book. A gorgeous Christmas-themed search-and-find book for kids of all ages

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All my love on Christmas day

All my love on Christmas day

By Disney

With inspirational quotes and beautiful illustrations from the Disney Studio Art Team, this original book is the perfect Christmas gift for Disney and Pixar fans of all ages. Celebrate the spirit and joy of the season with favourite movie characters in this collectable keepsake.

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A Christmas present for Roo by Sophie Sayle and Daron Parton

A Christmas present for Roo

By Sophie Sayle and Daron Parton

It's Christmas Eve, and sleepy Echidna still doesn't have a present for her friend Roo. Maybe she could make something! But Christmas craft doesn't always go quite to plan ...

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The first Christmas by Michelle Madden and Jess Racklyeft

The first Christmas

By Michelle Madden and Jess Racklyeft

A long time ago, in a country far away, a star shone in the night sky and a baby boy was born... The First Christmas perfectly captures the wonder of the nativity and celebrates the spirit of giving and the joy of family.

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More festive children's picture books

The Christmas train by Mike Lucas and Sofya Karmazina

The Christmas train

By Mike Lucas and Sofya Karmazina

The night before Christmas is here once again. The North Pole is waiting, let's climb on the train. The Christmas Train follows the journey of a brother and sister as they journey towards Santa's home in the North Pole. As they travel, they experience all of the magic Christmas has to offer, from candy cane trees to gingerbread houses and everything in between!

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A present from Pooh by Jude Exley, Pritty Ramjee, Eleanor Taylor and Mikki Butterly

A present from Pooh

By Jude Exley, Pritty Ramjee, Eleanor Taylor and Mikki Butterly

It's Christmastime in the Hundred Acre Wood! Pooh and his friends are excited to make homemade gifts. There's just one problem -- Pooh doesn't know what to make! Will Pooh be able to think of the perfect present in time?

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We're going on an elf hunt by Patch Moore and Clare Fennell

We're going on an elf hunt

By Patch Moore and Clare Fennell

It's nearly Christmas Day, and Santa's elves are nowhere to be found! But Santa's not worried ... Join Santa and friends on a jolly elf hunt as they travel over, under, around and through festive obstacles to find the missing elves! This merry twist on the well-known story features bright illustrations and engaging rhymes, perfect for parents and children to share.

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Coco and the Christmas beetle by Laura Bunting and Nicky Johnston

Coco and the Christmas beetle

By Laura Bunting and Nicky Johnston

Coco loves Christmas. Everything about it. She is most looking forward to the celebrations in town, especially the lighting of the tree. But then she finds out Tabby Town won't be putting on a celebration this year. Can a lonely Christmas beetle give Coco the bright idea she needs to create the most meow-gical Christmas ever?

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Father Christmas heard a parp by Olaf Falafel

Father Christmas heard a parp

By Olaf Falafel

Father Christmas is getting ready to deliver the presents, but he keeps getting distracted by some Very rude noises! Who keeps Parping?! Could such a big noise actually be coming from someone rather small?

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The Australian twelve days of Christmas by Conny Fechner

The Australian twelve days of Christmas

By Conny Fechner

Twelve cross-eyed emus, eleven limping lizards, ten noisy numbats, nine fat koalas, eight frill-necked lizards, seven wobbly wombats, six cackling cockies, five pink galahs, four kangaroos, three magpies, two lyrebirds, and a kookaburra in a gum tree.

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Dashing home for Christmas

Dashing home for Christmas

 

Countdown to Christmas with the festive things that go! This busy board book has 10 vehicle-shaped blisters that disappear one by one with the turn of each page. From jolly snowploughs to Santa's sleigh, there's something for every vehicle-lover to enjoy this Christmas time.

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Santas's new reindeer by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels

Santa's new reindeer

By Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels

Disaster! Poor Rudolph's hurt his hoof! Santa's sleigh can't fly without all its reindeer... Can the elves find a fix in time to save Christmas?

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How the Grinch lost Christmas by Alastair Heim and Aristides Ruiz

How the Grinch lost Christmas!

By Alastair Heim and Aristides Ruiz

The Grinch's newfound Christmas spirit is in jeopardy with the arrival of the Whoville's Christmas tree competition, but can one special Who remind him of what's really important?

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Secret Santa by Roger Hargreaves

Secret Santa

By Roger and Adam Hargreaves

Little Miss Sunshine thought it would be a fun idea for the Mr. Men and Little Miss to be Secret Santas for each other. Mr Nosey didn't think it was such a good idea as he likes to know everything! What will the friends' gifts be and how will Mr Nosey cope with all the secrets?!

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Duggee's night before Christmas

Duggee's night before Christmas

 

Discover the magic of Christmas eve with Duggee and the Squirrels. 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the clubhouse, not a Squirrel was stirring, not even a mouse. It's Christmas Eve and the Squirrels are tucked up in bed fast asleep. Suddenly a noise outside wakes them up. Who could it be? Happy Woofmas to all, and to all a good night!

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We disagree about this tree by Ross Collins

We disagree about this tree

By Ross Collins

A fantastically funny festive story about the Bear and Mouse who ALWAYS disagree from the award-winning Ross Collins, creator of the bestselling There's a Bear on My Chair. Bear and Mouse have finally overcome their differences and are living together in perfect harmony... until it's time to decorate the Christmas tree! Bear wants dazzling lights, while Mouse prefers gigantic baubles... and, wait a minute, did Mouse just put a MANATEE on the top?! A topsy-turvy tree is definitely THE LAST STRAW and it looks as if Christmas is RUINED. But maybe, just maybe, Bear and Mouse can reach a compromise in time...?

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The Christmas sprout by Richard Dungworth and Samantha Meredith

The Christmas sprout

By Richard Dungworth and Samantha Meredith

Say hello to a small green chap called Stephen Sprout! Stephen is no ordinary sprout, but a Christmas sprout who is on a quest to spread the gift of kindness and he needs your help! All of Stephen's friends are having wobbles and squabbles, so it's up to this sort-it-out sprout to save the day just in time for Christmas.

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The Christmas star by Hilary Robinson and Ciara Ni Dhuinn

The Christmas star

By hilary Robinson and Ciara Ni Dhuinn

It's a very special night for the angels of heaven. An incredibly important baby has been born, and they need to find the best and brightest star to lead travellers to him. So what will they do when very smallest star in the sky asks to play the part?

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Cats don't like Christmas by Andy Wortlock and Nahum Ziersch

Cats don't like Christmas

By Andy Wortlock and Nahum Ziersch

It's Christmas time! It's here again! But first I need to say... I think you're making too much fuss about this holiday!

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The nutcracker and the mouse king by Federica Frenna, E. T. A. Hoffman and Hannah Pang

The nutcracker and mouse king : a search and find book

By Federica Frenna, E.T.A. Hoffman and Hannah Pang

Discover the world of E.T.A. Hoffmann with Search and Find The Nutcracker. The popular Christmas tale is retold in beautifully illustrated search and find scenes where you can find the characters on the busy pages, and follow them through the story. Each page is full of characters to find and details to spot in the busy scenes, such as Marie and Fritz receiving gifts, the battle between the dolls and the mice and Marie's journey to Candyland. Beautiful illustrations are accompanied by abridged text, perfect for sharing with young readers, and introducing them to the festive classic.

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Christmas is love by Emma Dodd  

Christmas is love

by Emma Dodd

Christmas is joy that is overflowing It's sparkling eyes and faces glowing. Christmas is sharing the laughter and fun and being with family, old and young. Christmas is peace, stars twinkling above a night of sweet dreams and a heart full of love.

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Peppa and the Christmas elf by Lauren Holowaty  

Peppa and the Christmas elf

by Lauren Holowaty

Peppa wants an adventure with a magical Christmas Elf! Will her wish come true? It's the most magical time of the year, and Peppa has made a wish to have an adventure with an elf from Santa's workshop! When mysterious things start happening all around her, Peppa thinks it's the work of a naughty elf! What is really going on?

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Little Bilby's Aussie bush Christmas by Yvonne Mes and Jody Pratt  

Little Bilby's Aussie bush Christmas

by Yvonne Mes and Jody Pratt

A group of little bilbies are hunting for decorations to turn their Australian bush home into a magical Christmas wonderland. Join them on their adventure and meet some friendly Australian animals along the way. This joyful rhyming picture book showcases Australia's colourful flora and fauna, and includes a bonus puzzle page and Christmas craft activity.

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That Christmas Feeling by Lili Wilkinson and Amanda Francey

That Christmas feeling

By Lili Wilkinson and Amanda Francey

Dottie is waiting for the Christmas feeling to arrive - that fizzy, excited feeling, where everything is a bit magical. But this year, Dottie, her brother, Jem, and their dog, Shortbread, are staying with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma and Grandpa are trying hard, but Christmas just isn't the same...

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Dino love at Christmas by Michelle Worthington and Veronica Montoya

Dino love at Christmas

By Michelle Worthington and Veronica Montoya

Treat yourself to this colourful Christmas story, as the adorable dinosaurs come together to celebrate. With festive fun and kindness, Christmas love is all around.

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Wombat Divine by Mem Fox and Kerry Argent

Wombat divine

By Mem Fox and Kerry Argent

Wombat loved Christmas. He loved the carols and the candles, the presents and the pudding, but most of all he loved the Nativity Play... Wombat loves the Nativity Play so much that he tried out for every part, but he doesn't seem to be right for any of them. Luckily, wise emu knows the perfect role for a sleepy wombat, and it's the best Nativity Play ever.

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Pig the elf by Aaron Blabey

Pig the elf

By Aaron Blabey

Santa was coming.'Twas bigger than big. But no-one was feeling more festive than pig. No one loves Christmas more than Pig and the world's greediest Pug will stay up all night to get his presents.

Have it read to you on Storybox
(You will need to login using your library card number. Login at the top right. Choose Library, Find 'The City of Unley' and enter your library card number.)

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What do you wish for? by Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

What do you wish for?

By Jane Godwin and Anna Walker

All the children in the street are writing down a special Christmas wish. But what is Ruby's wish? What does she wish for at Christmas time? Ruby thinks of all the things that make Christmas special

Have it read to you on Storybox
(You will need to login using your library card number. Login at the top right. Choose Library, Find 'The City of Unley' and enter your library card number.)

Request a copy via our catalogue

The twelve dogs of Christmas by Alison Ritchie and Marisa Morea

The twelve dogs of Christmas

By Alison Ritchie and Marisa Morea

The big day has almost arrived and one little puppy is very excited about his first EVER Christmas. But with three drooling Dalmatians, six sausage-snaffling Scotties and every dog in town helping out, the festive season is a shambles! Will everything be ready in time for Christmas Day? Children will love picking their favourite dogs and spotting the puppy in busy scenes. This hilarious picture book is a great way to introduce children to Christmas traditions.

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Fly, Fly, Fly your Sleigh by John Hay and Gerry Parsons

Fly, fly, fly your sleigh

By John Hay and Garry Parsons

It's Christmas Eve, and in Santa's workshop all is not well. The elves might be hard at work, but Santa's in a grump, and he's not going to deliver the presents. Disaster. The elves are determined to cheer Santa up with some tuneful songs. Starting with Row, Row, Row Your Boat and moving on to classics such as Hang, Hang, Hang Your Socks! and Peel, Peel, Peel the Sprouts! But can they get Santa smiling again, and into his sleigh on Christmas Eve?

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The night after Christmas by Kes Gray and Claire Powell

The night after Christmas

By Kes Gray and Claire Powell

Phew! Now that the presents are all delivered, at last Father Christmas and the elves can enjoy their own festive fun! With crackers and presents, dance-off and light shows, Santa's Boxing-night party is the North Pole's biggest event of the year! For anyone who has ever wondered what Santa gets up to once all the present are delivered.

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Children's Non-Fiction 

Horrible Christmas by Terry Deary and Martin Brown

Horrible Christmas

By Terry Deary and Martin Brown

The complete horrible history of Christmas tells tales from the dark days when the Puritans tried to abolish Christmas, to Christmas in the trenches when the British and Germans traded bullets for footballs. Plus dreadful jokes, rotten recipes, and a Christmas quiz!

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Holidays at Hogwarts by Elizabeth Dowsett

Holidays at Hogwarts

By Elizabeth Dowsett

Enter the festive world of LEGO Harry Potter and visit Hogwarts for a spellbinding winter holiday. Celebrate the season with your favorite LEGO Harry Potter minifigures and join them for a feast in the Great Hall. Admire the castle's decorations and get ready to hit the dance floor at the Yule Ball. Head to the Gryffindor common room to play a game of wizard chess, warm up in front of a roaring log fire, and join Harry as he exchanges gifts with friends.

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The big book of festivals by Marita Bullock, Joan-Maree Hargreaves and Liz Rowland

The big book of festivals

By Marita Bullock, Joan-Maree Hargreaves and Liz Rowland

From tomato-throwing parties to graveside picnics, fire-walking ceremonies, crying baby competitions and the biggest bathing festival on Earth- this book introduces you to some of the world's most incredible cultural and religious celebrations. Some festivals are outrageously fun and joyful, others are more serious. All of them bring people together to mark big events in life. So join us in this riotous explosion of colour as we feast, sing, cry and celebrate the diversity of festivals and traditions this wonderful world of ours has to offer.

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The twelve days of Christmas with Roald Dahl by Roald Dahl, Lauren Holowaty and Quentin Blake

The twelve days of Christmas with Roald Dahl

By Roald Dahl, Lauren Holowaty and Quentin Blake

Celebrate Christmas with a feast of sprouts and snozzcumbers and all your favourite characters from the world of Roald Dahl. . . . on the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . Three Naughty Muggle-Wumps, Two Smelly Twits and Matilda in the library!

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Christmas by Emily Raij

Christmas

By Emily Raij

Christmas is about celebrating! It is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. Some people mark the holiday with Christmas trees and other decorations. People gather with family and friends to eat meals and give gifts. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

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Films

Tim Burton's the Nightmare before Christmas

Tim Burton's The nightmare before Christmas

 

The first full-length stop-motion animated feature. Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween -- but alas, they can't get it quite right.

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A boy called Christmas

A boy called Christmas

 

An ordinary young boy called Nikolas sets out on an extraordinary adventure into the snowy north in search of his father who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of the elves, Elfhelm. Taking with him a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and a loyal pet mouse, Nikolas soon meets his destiny in this magical, comic and endearing story that proves nothing is impossible.

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Dr Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas also featuring Horton hears a who!

Dr Seuss' How the Grinch stole Christmas!

Chuck Jones and Theodore Geisel

Christmas is about celebrating! It is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus. Some people mark the holiday with Christmas trees and other decorations. People gather with family and friends to eat meals and give gifts. Readers will discover how a shared holiday can have multiple traditions and be celebrated in all sorts of ways.

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Dr Seuss' How the Grinch stole Christmas with Jim Carrey

Dr Seuss' How the Grinch stole Christmas!

Jim Carrey

The Grinch is a bad-tempered green hairy creature who lives inside a snowflake in a cave high atop Mount Crumpit. The Grinch's heart is two sizes too small and the two things he hates most in the world are Christmas and the Whos who live in Whoville at the bottom of his mountain.

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Christmas Crafts

Here are some of our Christmas crafts. These can be paired up with any of the books above to make your own Storytime session with your child. They are great for early literacy and parent-child interaction.

 

 

 

Caitlin creates a quick and easy paper plate Christmas tree designed for ages 2-5 years to make with a carer.

No template is needed for this one.  All you will need is:

  • A thin paper plate
  • Green tissue/crepe paper/cellophane
  • A piece of string or ribbon
  • Coloured or sparkly card
  • Some bits and pieces to decorate the tree. We used patty pans, but you can use anything that is safe for a child to use.
  • A pair of scissors, a glue stick and some sticky tape will help you stick it all together.

This craft can go with any of the books above, though one with a Christmas tree would be most appropriate. Some of the books above are available on Storybox, so you can have them read to you.


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