Our list of books is short and sweet this year, but no less powerful for that. Here are the five books we think you need to know about this Christmas:

1. Is Christmas Unbelievable?, Rebecca McLaughlin (2021)

In this short book, Rebecca McLaughlin dares to cut through the glitter to the solid, bright truth below. She engages with the usual family and pop culture references, but isn’t afraid to interact with atheists and experimental physicists too. This is a book to give away to the non-Christian who has thought about Jesus and Christianity and decided that they are quite simply unbelievable. It is insightful, incisive and exceptionally well written, and with it God may well change many minds.

Read Miriam Montgomery's full review here, and buy it here. Only £2.54 per copy - and quite possibly less!

2. The King and The Shepherd Boy, Sam Brewster (2021)

This picture book gives a poetic retelling of the story of Jesus’ birth and why He came – to be our Saviour! The book is written in verse and this makes it enjoyable to read aloud. The author draws a contrast between a shepherd boy and a king, both in need of a saviour despite their differences and both finding their saviour in Jesus. This book was enjoyed by a 6 and 4 year old and frequent re-readings were requested! The illustrations are attractive and engaging. This could work well as a gift but it would be best to read together with an adult so that concepts like sin and why we need a saviour could be discussed as they arise in the story.

Take Mairi de la Haye's words to heart, and buy the book here.

3. Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies, Robin Ham (2021)

What a refreshing post-pandemic book! At first glance, it might not be what you were expecting. ‘An Advent Devotional’ and ‘Bethlehem skies’ do not make us think immediately of the story of Ruth. However, this is ‘the story behind the story’ (p. 1), with the twenty-five daily reflections from that story pointing consistently to Jesus. The book is written in a very contemporary style, with modern illustrations and pithy, witty headings throughout, which makes it extremely attractive and accessible to all. I loved the song suggestions at the end of each reflection and the brilliant idea of incorporating them all into a Spotify list (which I have already recommended to family members!)

Read Judith Lewis's review here, then head online to buy it.

4. Love Came Down (Story & Activity Book), Bethan Lycett (2021)

A very welcome book for 5–8-year-olds at Christmas time. The activities are just the right age for this group and illustrated with care and attention. The younger ones would need an adult to help which would increase the family learning, but the older children could learn independently. It is a really helpful way to understand and consolidate Biblical concepts within the family setting. This book also ties in well with its counterpart Love Came Down which is a beautifully illustrated story of the whole reason for Jesus coming down to His people. Well worth adding to the Christmas list – and preferably before the holidays.

Buy both of these books here. Under £7 for the pair!

5. Tracing Glory, Sarah Rice (2021)

I found the emphasis on the whole arc of the Bible very helpful, as it is easy to only focus on the story of Jesus’ birth and miss the greater story that Christmas is but a part of. It is not just our children who need to know this story as their own and this will also help parents and carers reading with their children to see their place in God’s amazing story of redemption.

Find Mairi de la Haye's full review here and buy the book here.

These are the best books about Christmas we're recommending this year. For other gift ideas, head over to our Reviews section. Book reviews are published in reverse chronological order, so scroll through to see our favourites from the last few months!