Children’s Books of Christmas
Frank and Bert: The One Where Bert Plays Football by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros – Aimed at two-to-five-year-olds, this easy reader about two friends going for a kickabout offers a simple story with a positive message, complemented by bright, lively pictures. Better still it comes with a free audio reading of the book for twice the fun.
Running My Own Race by Abena Eyeson – A novel aimed at middle-grade readers, this book deals with bullying, identity and athletics in an inspiring coming-of-age story. Kofi’s mum is delighted when he wins a scholarship to an elite private school, but Kofi is more interested in joining the athletics team, but as the only Black boy in his year, he faces unwanted challenges.
Collins Football Clubs of England & Scotland – An absolute must for young football fans, this pocket-sized book offers a wealth of facts that even sports-mad parents will appreciate, including why Newport County are called the Exiles and which team were the first to score 100 goals in a season. A quiz section at the back offers a fun way to pass any downtime over the festive period too.
All the Wonderful Ways to Move by Laura Baker and Sandra de la Prada – Getting little ones interested in sport and activity can sometimes be tricky. But this vibrant, uplifting book encourages them to get up and get moving even if only for a few minutes. Though whether you’ll be able to stop them once they get started is another thing…
Chris Hoy by Isabel Sanchez Vegara – The Little People, Big Dreams series is all about sharing the stories of inspirational heroes with young people, and they don’t come more inspirational than six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy. As well as tracing his incredible cycling career, the book addresses his cancer diagnosis, with 50p from every book sale going to Maggie’s cancer charity.
Ultimate Football Heroes: Team Kit Designer Colouring Book – If you’re looking for a guaranteed way to keep young football fans entertained, look no further than this brilliant book. With 80 pages of designs to colour in, it really is the perfect stocking filler. What’s more, although there are players, kits and boots to colour, it’s great for any young ones whether they’re football fans or not.
Keep Smashing It by Jodie Ounsley – Born profoundly deaf, Jodie Ounsley was one of the youngest people in the UK to be fitted with a cochlear implant and far from holding her back, Ounsley has proven there are no limits to her talents, playing rugby for club and country before becoming a household name as Fury on Gladiators. Here she shares inspiring advice for all.
Formula 1 Greatest Moments by Clive Gifford – While books on football are somewhat ten a penny, it’s not always quite as easy to find something for mini petrolheads, despite the success of Lewis Hamilton and recently Lando Norris on these shores. However, never fear as Clive Gifford’s book introduces young F1 fans to all of the iconic drivers and races down the years.
Football School Facts: A Fact For Every Day of the Year by Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton – Another offering from the brilliant Football School franchise, this book is sure to keep young football fans interested for the duration of the year. The superbly illustrated and vibrantly coloured design makes this a lovely present all round.
Kid Olympians – Winter – There are few more exciting events than the Winter Olympics, but with it happening only ever four years, youngsters may not get the same exposure to it as other sports. Ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 games, Kid Olympians introduces a raft of winter sports stars that have excelled on the snow and ice.
Granny National by Rachael Blackmore – The first and only female to win the Grand National, jockey Rachael Blackmore’s aptly named debut children’s book is a whirling dervish of fun. The hardback edition is a beautiful addition to any child’s bookshelf and the story of Granny’s big horse race is sure to entertain.
The Secret Diary of a Footballer by Ella Toone – Prior to heading out to Switzerland and securing a second consecutive Euros winner’s medal, Lioness Ella Toone found the time to pen her diary. Letting young readers into the life of a Lioness, Toone offers a fun, engaging perspective in her inimitable style.