Christmas books for blind children

We have a wonderful array of magical children’s books for blind and partially sighted children, perfect for the festive season. All books come packaged with painted tactile pictures, braille pages and an atmospheric audio guide with music and sounds.

Here’s a selection, all available to borrow free from our postal library.

The Snowman written and illustrated by Raymond Briggs

This Christmas classic brings sparkle and magic to our library – the perfect wintry, snowy tale. The story comes highly recommended by library member Jai-Ryan and his mum, who kindly road-tested our adaptation for blind and visually impaired children:

“If I could kiss you, I really would, thank you so much for bringing this story to life, especially for a little boy that is really starting to fully understand Christmas and the magic of it! Jai really enjoyed this story, and has fallen asleep dreaming of this magical tale.”

After the snow settles on a cold winter’s day, a boy builds a Snowman. Later that night, under the glittering stars, the Snowman comes to life! Together they fly through the night sky on a breath-taking and magical journey, until the sun comes up and it’s time to go home. BBC TV presenter Simon Reeve lent his voice to the atmospheric audio guide, and there’s magical music and sound effects too.

Stick Man

Stick Man’s been taken on an inadvertent adventure! Can he get back to his family at home in the stick family tree in time for Christmas? Perhaps Father Christmas can help!

The Gruffalo’s Child

The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood. But one wild and windy night, the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist – does he? With four pages of tactile pictures, braille and audio guide. A wonderfully snowy tale to share.

The Stone

In an ancient Persian town astronomers discover a star that fills the sky with a fiery light. Intrigued, they search through their scrolls and come across the legend of a remarkable baby. They set off with precious gifts to honour the child. In return, he gives them a small stone, which they think is worthless until they cast it away into a well. A thought-provoking legend offering a fascinating perspective on the story of the Three Wise Men.

The Snow Lady

Sam loves playing in Trotter Street with her dog Mick and her friend Barney, despite Mrs Dean’s complaining. “Mrs Mean”, Barney calls her – and that’s what he writes by the snow lady that they build in front of her house on Christmas Eve. But they find out that Mrs Dean isn’t as cold-hearted as she seems…

Is that you Father Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and Holly is too excited to sleep. She keeps hearing noises – tinkling, whooshing, crackling. “Is that you, Father Christmas?” she asks. But it isn’t. Will Father Christmas ever come? This lovely story captures perfectly the excitement and anticipation all young children feel at Christmas.

The Fox’s Tale: Jesus is Born

The story of the birth of Jesus seen through the eyes of a fox. He’s searching for food on the hills of Bethlehem when he is startled by a bright light and hears the sound of angels singing.

One Snowy Night

Percy, the park keeper, always feeds the animals in the park where he lives. But one very cold winter night his animal friends require more of him than just food. One by one they appear, shivering on his doorstep, asking for shelter. Soon there is no room in the bed for Percy.

Shhh!

It’s Christmas Eve – Santa’s favourite time of year. He sings and laughs noisily, as he delivers his presents. Will his high spirits wake the children before Christmas morning?