Here are some of our favorite books that capture the magic of the holiday season. These are great books to gift or to read curled up by a cozy fire with hot chocolate.
The Classics
Some of the old favorites that delight year after year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
The story of the Grinch and his realization that Christmas is about more than just gifts.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Filled with beautiful illustrations, this magical tale is about a boy and his journey aboard a train to the North Pole.
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell
This is a story of kindness and inclusiveness featuring life-like illustrations of cute animals.
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moor
‘Twas the night before Christmas... begins this familiar favorite. The classic Christmas poem comes alive for children in this book.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
An artistic book about the wonders of a snow day and how it transforms.
The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker by Katy Flint (adapted)
This sound book is a retelling of the Nutcracker ballet featuring music from Tchaikovsky.
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
A story about becoming real and the power of love.
Newer Favorites
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
By the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this board book with lift-the-flaps is about spreading holiday cheer.
Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck and Felicia Bond
The story of Christmas for little children with simple wording and cute illustrations.
Frosty the Snowman by Diane Muldrow
This cheerful little tale is based on the classic tv special and is a good choice for kids ages two to five.
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
This book is about Christmas traditions and a celebration of family and friends, with bright illustrations.
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
From the author of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, all the machines explore the joy of giving along with the value of hard work.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Shertle
Featuring the favorite little blue truck, with lights at the end to dazzle!
Usborne Very First Christmas Carols
One to sing! This small book is great to pack for travel so you can belt out these familiar Christmas tunes in the car.
Baking Day at Grandma’s by Anika Denise
This rhyming book is about fun with grandparents.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
The beautiful poem illustrated explores the frosty delights of winter.
Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford
Give kids the opportunity to learn how people around the world celebrate the holiday season.
Winter Celebrations
Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel
An introduction to the customs and traditions of Hanukkah for young children.
The Story of Hanukkah by David Adler
Easy for kids to understand with simple words and short sentences, it even has a latke recipe at the end.
Binny’s Diwali, Thrity Umrigar
This book is about the Hindu festival of lights. It is informative and has captivating illustrations.
Together for Kwanzaa, Juwanda G. Ford
A great way to introduce Kwanzaa, this story celebrates unity within the family and includes pronunciation guides in the text.
Start a Holiday Reading Tradition!
For a fun new reading tradition: take several holiday books (either new, or ones that you already have) and wrap them in wrapping paper. Then, each night your kids can pick one to open and read as you count down the days to Christmas. This is a great way to promote literacy and celebrate the season!
Which holiday books are your favorites?
