Olympic Games not just financial, it’s spiritual, says Lord Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics
Entertainment Books The 22 best children’s Christmas books 9:45pm, Dec 2, 2013 Updated: 2:49pm, Dec 6The 22 best children’s Christmas books With only 22 days to go until Santa hits the chimneys, we bring you the top 22 children's Christmas books - reminisce or introduce your own brood to these classics. Susannah Guthrie Entertainment Editor @susguthrie Share Twitter Facebook Reddit Pinterest Email The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg: the idea of an express train to the North Pole fulfils the dreams of countless kids. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas. "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott: the perfect coming-of-age tale. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien: an illustrated collection of the actual letters Tolkien wrote to his children on behalf of Santa. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss: Seuss' own version of Scrooge - a kooky, furry, grumpy party-pooper. The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen: a sad but beautiful take on the holiday season. Santa's Aussie Holiday by Maria Farrer and Anna Walker: showcases Santa's fabulous Australian vacation during his downtime. The First Christmas by Jan Peinkowski: a beautifully illustrated condensed version of the nativity. The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton: even with a skeleton as the lead character, Burton manages to make spooky seem sweet. Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman and Maurice Sendak: the inspiration for the famous ballet. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: although not remembered as a Christmas tale, Lawis' Narnia was a perpetual winter wonderland. Frosty the Snowman by Annie North Bedford: the book adaptation of a popular 1950 Christmas song. The Christmas Book by Dick Bruna: a sweet and simple classic. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson: six delightfully naughty kids take over the community Christmas pageant. The Australian Twelve Days of Christmas by Heath McKenzie: an Aussie take on the classic English carol. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May: the original birthplace of the famous character. The Snowman by Raymond Briggs: every child's dream - a snowman who comes to life. The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore: a lovely, atmospheric rhyme perfect for Christmas Eve excitement. A Bush Christmas by C.J. Dennis: An Australian classic. Cops and Robbers by Janet and Allan Ahlberg: a bunch of marauding present-thieves are thwarted by one brave policeman. Wombat Divine by Mem Fox: the adorable tale of a Christmas-loving wombat desperate to be part of a nativity play. A Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Christmas by Mark MacLeod: May Gibbs' beloved characters in a Christmas special. Comments View Comments