35 Christmas Books for Kids
35 Christmas Books for Kids
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Encouraging kids to read books is one of the most valuable gifts parents and educators can give them. Reading not only enhances vocabulary and language skills but also fosters creativity, imagination, and empathy. It opens the door to a world of endless possibilities, allowing children to explore different cultures, historical periods, and fantastical realms. Moreover, reading helps in developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential skills that are beneficial in all aspects of life. Introducing kids to books at an early age sets the foundation for a lifelong love of reading, empowering them to become lifelong learners and thinkers.
Christmas-themed books hold a special place in the hearts of readers young and old. There is a unique charm in these stories that capture the spirit of the holiday season. Whether it's tales of friendship and kindness, magical adventures with Santa Claus and his elves, or heartwarming family narratives set against the backdrop of snow-covered landscapes, Christmas books have a way of evoking a sense of wonder and joy. They often impart valuable lessons about the importance of giving, gratitude, and spending quality time with loved ones, reinforcing the true meaning of the season.
For both children and adults, Christmas books offer a delightful way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Snuggling up with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, children can immerse themselves in these festive stories, feeling the excitement and magic of Christmas come alive through the pages. The enchanting illustrations and imaginative narratives create a sense of anticipation and capture the essence of the holiday spirit, making reading these books a cherished tradition for many families.
Furthermore, Christmas books make fantastic gifts for kids. Giving a child a beautifully illustrated Christmas story not only provides them with a captivating reading experience but also a lasting memory of the holiday season. These books can be passed down through generations, becoming treasured keepsakes that bring back fond memories each year when they are taken off the shelf. The act of gifting a Christmas book also encourages a love for reading and learning, instilling a sense of wonder and curiosity that will benefit the child throughout their life. In essence, Christmas books are not just stories; they are magical gifts that inspire, entertain, and create lasting connections between generations.
Today, I am sharing a round-up of Christmas books to help put the kids and everyone in the family in the holiday spirit. For more Christmas Books for Kids, check out my post on Christmas Stories with Animals and if you’re more in the mood for Christmas movies, check out my post on holiday movies on Netflix.
I am Not Santa Claus
A hilariously clever picture book about a man with a white beard and a red hat who, despite all evidence to the contrary, insists that he is NOT Santa Claus. Perfect for fans of How to Catch Santa Claus, How to Catch a Reindeer, and How to Catch an Elf!
"A genuinely jolly Christmas choice." -- Kirkus reviews
Everyone, look! It's Santa Claus!
He says he’s just a regular old man! But he has a fluffy white beard and a red coat and hat, and even says "Ho ho ho"! He must be Santa Claus! Right?
Step inside and find out for yourself! Is this the real Santa Claus?
From T. L. McBeth comes a silly and clever picture book that is the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for Christmas!
There's a Little Snowman in Your Book
Monster and Elf have built a little snowman in YOUR book! Tap, slide, and jiggle the pages to see him come to life in this interactive board book from the creator of There's a Monster in Your Book.
OH LOOK—it's snowing in your book!
Monster and Elf have built a snowman.
But this isn't an ordinary snowman....
Just in time for some Christmas magic, toddlers will love pushing, pulling, and sliding tabs to dress Snowman, join in a snowball fight, and help Snowman and his friends on their journey to Santa's workshop!
With shiny foil on the cover, fun elements that encourage curiosity and exploration, and a gentle narrative, this is the perfect read-aloud to share with little ones this holiday season.
Bluey: Jingle Bells
Sing "Jingle Bells" with Bluey and Bingo in this sturdy board book! Based on the wildly successful animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+
Jingle Bells,
Bandit smells,
Chickenrat laid an egg!
Sing along with Bluey and Bingo to celebrate Chirstmas in this adorable board book!
I Am the Grinch: Based on Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Meet the Grinch, in this board book narrated by the mean green Christmas icon himself. This sturdy board book is ideal for introducing Dr. Seuss's beloved holiday character to babies and toddlers! It's a perfect stocking stuffer, too!
Join the Grinch in this simple, sturdy board book as he shares some of the silly things he DOESN'T like—including games, showers, flowers, and canned Who-Hash—before revealing the ONE thing he likes very much: spending time with a friend and growing his heart! Written in rhymed verse, it's the perfect choice for babies and toddlers. Now everyone in the family can get to know (and love) the Grinch!
One Wild Christmas
Best friends the bear, the moose and the beaver have been so busy getting ready for Christmas, they have forgotten the most important decoration of all — the Christmas tree! Rushing through the snowy forest, they reject one tree after another. And then they spot it. A pine tree that is just the right size, with soft needles and a wonderful scent — it’s perfect! But just as the beaver is about to chop it down, the bear stops him. He can’t allow this tree to be harmed, it is simply too beautiful! But the moose and the beaver disagree. Is there a way they can have a perfect Christmas — without chopping down the perfect tree?
Part of the popular Life in the Wild picture book series from author-illustrator Nicholas Oldland, this funny romp is, at its heart, a contemporary fable championing the importance of family, friends and traditions while promoting the joys of nature, specifically, the wilder parts of the outdoors. Oldland’s distinctive, simple and playful illustrations tell much of the tale on their own, with lots of visual humor in the lovable characters’ facial expressions and their numerous asides throughout. The hilarious text and artwork make this book a terrific read-aloud. It would also work to launch a discussion about celebrations and traditions, or about problem-solving and compromising.
Dog's First Christmas
In this follow-up to the beloved board book Dog’s First Baby, Dog and Baby explore the delightful and puzzling ways their family prepares for Christmas.
See these branches? They’re not for tugging.
See this ball? It’s not for fetching.
It’s the holiday season, and Dog smells a change in the air. With his new friend Baby by his side, Dog investigates the many strange occurrences in their home—like a tree in the living room, fragile balls that are not for fetching, and friends new and old—as he gets into the Christmas spirit with his family.
Humans and canines alike will love celebrating the season with this latest book in a beloved series!
Nisha's Just-Right Christmas Tree
When Nisha and her father set out to pick out a Christmas tree, she wants a big tree, but her Baba wants a small one. Nisha tries to persuade Baba they need a big tree to fit the new ornaments from India. She'll even help pull the wagon! But Baba still insists on a small tree. So when Baba and Nisha surprisingly agree on the same tree, she suddenly isn't sure about it. Is the tree they both like big or small? In the end, the tree is the perfect size--for the ornaments, for their apartment, and for sharing Christmas cookies and silvery burfi.
Nisha's Just-Right Christmas Tree captures a familiar Christmas tradition through charming text and illustrations. Based on a true story from author Jaya Mehta's childhood, the book beautifully demonstrates a blend of cultures between Nisha's father, who is Hindu, and her mother, who is Christian, as they celebrate Christmas together in their Brooklyn Heights apartment. Backmatter shares more about blending cultures, including examples from both authors' lives.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—for driving a sleigh! ’Tis also the season—for driving a sleigh! Oh, and joy to the—driving a sleigh! The Pigeon has made a list and checked it once. Can his holiday dream come true? Or will The Pigeon be left out in the cold?
You’ll share some HO-HO-HOs and HA-HA-HAs finding out in three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems’ ninth Pigeon book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
Goodnight Santa: A Bedtime Christmas Book for Kids
Follow Santa Claus's journey from his workshop in the North Pole to his magical sleigh and flying reindeer as he brings gifts of every shape and size! In this Christmas picture book, come celebrate the most wonderful time of year as children settle into bed and say "night night" to those sugar plums in their head, perfect for fans of Polar Express! Kids will love saying good night to Santa, his reindeer, and the elves for many holiday nights in what is sure to become a bedtime tradition for families to share.
Bluey: 12 Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas, Veranda Santa gave to me...a fruit bat in a mango tree!
Countdown the twelve days of Christmas with Bluey and Bingo! in this adorable gift book!
Santa Claus Must Do His Chores!
It’s Christmas time and Santa needs to help around the house before jetting off around the world to deliver gifts!
Santa Claus Must Do His Chores! follows Santa on his journey of pre-Christmas preparations - from washing dishes to feeding his pets...even taking a much-needed bath! Santa has chores, just like you! Don't forget to find the Christmas items too!
From award-winning and bestselling children's author, Andy Wortlock and illustrator, Nahum Ziersch, comes this funny picture book for 3-7 year olds that is perfect for sharing with little readers during the festive season. It will inspire laughter, spark imagination, and remind us all that Santa Claus has responsibilities to fulfil before he can make his way down the chimney.
A hilarious rhyming story that will surely become a cherished part of your Christmas reading for years to come!
Who knew even Santa has chores to do!
How to Catch Santa Claus
Do you have what it takes to catch jolly old St. Nicholas himself? Santa Claus is getting ready to deliver presents to children around the world, but the wily How to Catch Kids have set traps galore! With the help of his trusty Reindeer and Elf, Santa will have to use all his festive magic to avoid being caught.
Poised to become a new holiday tradition, this merry picture book is filled with silly rhymes and illustrations sure to delight young readers and educators alike with STEAM concepts and classic hilarity and chaos. The perfect Christmas gift or holiday stocking stuffer for children ages 4-10!
It's Christmas Eve! I am almost there! I know you've hatched a plan.
So when you hear my HO-HO-HO, try to catch me if YOU can!
Christmas with Penguin Pippin
Discover the enchanting story of Pippin, a lovable clumsy penguin with a special secret. When Christmas Eve arrives with thick fog that challenges Santa's journey, Pippin's unique gift takes center stage, guiding Santa's sleigh through the mist.
In this heartwarming tale of unity, friendship, and the magic of being yourself, children of all ages will laugh, learn, and fall in love with Pippin's joyful spirit. 🌟
Are you ready for a Christmas adventure like no other?
Join Pippin on his snowy escapade, and let the spirit of the season warm your heart.
Little Red Sleigh
The Little Red Sleigh has one big dream―to one day become Santa's big red sleigh! But all her life, she's been told she's too small, she's too young, she can't fly, and she certainly can't meet Santa. Well, this Christmas, with the help of some friends, she's determined to do the impossible. Little Red Sleigh is a heartwarming children's Christmas book you'll want to read again and again. Full of winter joy and holiday magic, this charming Christmas story will remind readers of all ages that no dream is out of reach if you believe.
The Nutcracker
This beautifully illustrated retelling of the Christmas classic will be a family favorite for generations. The Nutcracker Prince saves young Clara from danger and takes her to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The story is just right for young listeners and older readers. Perfect for a Christmas Countdown activity or quiet time before bed. Going to see the ballet? Get ready by reading the book first! Adventure and Christmas joy for girls and boys of all ages!
The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving
Join Brother and Sister Bear at the Christmas Eve pageant as they witness the very first Christmas, and make an important discovery about giving and receiving, a valuable lesson at Christmas and year around. Young readers will learn the true meaning of Christmas in this addition to The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series.
The Berenstain Bears explore the value of generosity and gratitude in The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving. Children will discover ways to implement traditional values and share God’s goodness in Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series of books with over 13 million copies sold.
The Littlest Reindeer
Is the littlest reindeer just too little to help Santa and the other reindeers? Find out in this adorable Christmas-themed story in the bestselling Littlest series!
Dot may be the littlest reindeer in the North Pole, but she has a big desire to help Santa pull his sleigh! But Dot just can't seem to fly the right way, no matter how hard she runs, leaps, and kicks. Will Dot learn to fly, or is the littlest reindeer just too little?
A sweet holiday companion to the bestselling Littlest series!
The Christmas Owl
When Little Owl’s home is cut down by people saying it will make a beautiful Christmas tree, she’s not sure she wants anything to do with Christmas, whatever that means. But then she is saved by a woman named Ellen, whose house is merrily decorated for the holiday, and filled with birds who need someone to care for them. Surrounded by kindness and helpful new friends, Little Owl begins to wonder if Christmas might not be such a bad thing after all….
Co-written by Ellen Kalish, caretaker of the real owl found inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Christmas Owl is a charming story of friendship, compassion, and the true meaning of this special time of year.
The Giving Snowman
On a snowy night, Snowman lends a helping hand to Bird, Rabbit, Farmer, and Traveler when they are in need. The next day when the sun comes out and melts Snowman, Bird, Rabbit, Farmer, and Traveler work together as a team to rebuild Snowman.
The Giving Snowman is a book about kindness and gratitude. Children can learn through the story that giving to others is a virtue that connects all of us and makes our lives more beautiful.
My Butt is SO CHRISTMASSY
Celebrate Christmas with everyone's favorite character from the bestselling Butt book series! This delightful rhyming story follows our inventive young hero as he dreams about dressing up his plain backside in something festive "with layers and layers of green, with baubles that glow, bows in a row, and a star where it's easily seen!" Will he get his wish? Kids will find out as they giggle all the way through this sweet holiday story.
Polar Express
A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole . . .
Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a barren desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the huge city standing alone at the top of the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.
For millions of readers around the world, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved Christmas classic. In this thirtieth-anniversary edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is showcased with a bold new jacket design and expanded interior layout.
The Polar Express is a Caldecott Medal winner, and reading the story together is a beloved holiday tradition held by generations of families. It has also become a favorite holiday movie and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season.
Green Is for Christmas
When Green Crayon claims that green is the only color for Christmas, other crayons let him know that there would be no Christmas without them either. No candy canes or Santa without Red, no snow without White, no bells or stars without Silver, and no cookies or reindeer without Tan! The crayons agree that they all need to come together to make Christmas special.
This humorous, small hardcover Christmas story is the perfect stocking stuffer and a great gift for fans of The Day The Crayons Quit—and all kids who like to color.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Celebrate the holidays with Bear and his friends in this sweet picture book from bestselling author Karma Wilson!
Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!
The Candy Cane Fiasco
What parent hasn't struggled with a sticky child? Parents will laugh along with the kids in this over-the-top adventure loosely inspired by real-life experiences with a sticky kid. .
My Gram gives me a candy cane, and that’s when things get tricky.
Now from my toes up to my nose, I am a wee bit sticky.
Who would have thought a candy cane, and bath for our dear kitty…
would be the reason we end up so high above the city?
Construction Site on Christmas Night
Created for lovers of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, as well as fans of Sherri Duskey Rinker's storytelling and AG Ford's art, this beautiful holiday picture book shows Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer building a new home for fire engines. As they finish their big, important job, they get their own Christmas surprises. Your kids will have fun discovering the special surprise awaiting each vehicle as much as they will love rhyming along with the story. This cute book is sure to be a classic!
The Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
Carry on a family tradition or start one of your own with this new version of the classic Christmas book for children and families. Initially published anonymously as A Visit from Saint Nicholas, and credited as a work by Clement Clark Moore, this timeless tale has been lovingly preserved in this classic edition. Bring the family together for a read-aloud as children prepare for Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas, Mouse!
This board book with sturdy pages is perfect for toddlers, who will enjoy this simple introduction to numbers. Mouse adds ornaments to his tree, one by one. A great opportunity for the littlest ones to practice counting along with the ever-popular Mouse.
Fans of the If You Give... series won't want to miss this special Christmas board book.
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
Christmas is coming, and one little girl wants nothing more than a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy. But will Santa Claus and her parents make her Christmas wish come true?
Based on the popular Christmas song by John Rox, this edition also includes the sheet music and lyrics to “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas.” With catchy refrains, classic artwork, and a heartwarming story, this timeless Christmas tale has been a favorite since 1953.
Sounding Joy
Does it sound like falling snow, or a kiss on your cheek? Award-winning recording artist Ellie Holcomb explores this question through a delightful collection of Christmastime scenes, leading up to the discovery that joy sounds like the angels singing that Jesus had been born.
Ellie will be releasing children’s music as a companion to this board book. Her sweet and lovely celebration of Christmas encourages each reader, young and old, to lift up their voice and repeat sounding joy!
Biscuit's Christmas Eve
Help Biscuit get ready for Santa in this lift-the-flap holiday adventure, featuring flaps that open to reveal exciting surprises!
Biscuit gets ready for Santa's arrival in his newest gatefold book, with surprises under every flap!
Santa's Story
Santa is ready to leave on Christmas Eve, but he can’t find the reindeer anywhere. Dasher is busy dashing, Donner is dozing, and Cupid is crooning. It isn’t until Santa remembers their annual tradition―reading a Christmas story together―that the reindeer are ready.
Reindeer merriment abounds in this charming yuletide tale about honoring the celebration of holiday customs with those you love.
The Jolly Christmas Postman
The Jolly Postman rides again with more real letters, and presents, too, in his Christmas postbag.
This gorgeously illustrated, full-color classic celebrates a time before email with an interactive picture book full of real letters to read aloud. The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King's men. Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what favorite characters would write to each other--and reimagine best-loved tales together.
If I Were Saint Nick
After receiving a letter from Santa Claus, the Cat in the Hat contemplates how HE would run Christmas differently if put in charge of the "Whole North Pole Show." Among the things he'd change: dressing his "elves"—Thing One and Thing Two—in Toy Making Sweaters with real "tricks up their sleeves;" wrapping presents in singing gift wrap; using Cane Cranes to lift giant candy canes up into four-story tall stockings; and designing a new expandable Santa Suit to store all the cookies and snacks people leave him!
A perfect cheerful choice for seasonal read-alouds and holiday gift-giving, this rhymed easy-reader will delight Dr. Seuss fans and Cat fanciers young and old!
Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever
Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life — one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh — a man named Santa. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same.
Santa's Cookie Is Missing!
The mystery of Santa’s missing cookie unfolds in this sweet Christmas board book with bright artwork and decorative die-cut circles patterned with foil and glitter.
In this Christmastime mystery, we follow the trail of Santa’s missing cookie. Where did it go? Did someone take it? In the end, readers will find out what happened to Santa’s cookie. Hint: it just might involve the family dog . . . and cat.
Mary Engelbreit's a Merry Little Christmas Board Book
Celebrate the Christmas season from A to Z with this delightful board book edition of Mary Engelbreit’s New York Times bestseller A Merry Little Christmas.
With angels atop trees, bows tied around presents, and cookies from grandma, Gregory Mouse’s cheery family celebrates the holidays by sleigh-riding through the ABCs.
This festive exploration of the alphabet offers children a miniature world filled with wonderful details—a treat that could only come from Mary Engelbreit.
Little Reindeer Saves Christmas
Meet our hero, the little reindeer, who's bitten off more than he can chew—or so he thinks. When Santa unexpectedly picks him for the most vital job—pulling the sleigh—his world turns topsy-turvy. Filled with questions, he wonders: Can his tiny hooves lift off the ground? Will his nose beam bright enough to light the path? His earnest attempts and innocent fears make him an instantly relatable character for children and adults alike.
But what truly sets this story apart is its timeless message: the transformative power of believing in oneself. And in Little Reindeer's case, it's not a journey he embarks on alone. Guided by sage advice from the eldest reindeer, bolstered by Mrs. Claus's unwavering support, and fueled by his own relentless determination, our little hero discovers that he's capable of wonders beyond his wildest dreams.
