With the Christmas holidays upon us it’s a great time to get your kids into some holiday reading! And while there will be decorations, Christmas trees, presents and a whole lot of Santa; there’s nothing as warm as a good book to get your little ones into the happy holiday vibes. Read on to see your options.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and we couldn’t agree more! There’s a nip in the air and we’re all looking for ways to curl up with our kids and do cozy things with a cup of hot chocolate. Well, we’re here to give you one more reason to do that. Here’s a curated list of Christmas books that your kids are going to love for the season. They are all Christmassy and give off amazing vibes. So, it’s time to build your library and tick off these Christmas books for kids from your holiday reading list.
Keep reading to know the recommended books!
20 Christmas books for kids to include in your holiday reading list
1. The Snowy Day Board Book by Ezra Jack Keats
Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a little child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day.
Age group: Upto 2 yrs
2. Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
It’s not time to sleep bear! This adorable book is about bear’s friends who are determined to keep him 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!
Age group: 2 to 4 yrs
3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May
Every year at Christmas time, everyone—young and old alike—has one catchy, joy-inspiring song stuck in their heads: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!” Now fans of the most famous reindeer of all-time will fall in love with the original story, written by Robert L. May in 1939.
This book is about Rudolph, a youthful reindeer buck who possesses an unusual luminous red nose, who is teased and excluded by his peers because of this trait. However, on one particularly stormy Christmas Eve, Rudolph manages to prove himself after Santa Claus catches sight of his nose and asks him to lead his sleigh for the evening. Rudolph agrees, saving Christmas, and is finally treated the way he deserves by his fellow reindeer!
Age group: 2 to 5 yrs
4. The Crayons’ Christmas, by Drew Daywalt
This hilarious interactive book which is also a best-seller has letters, games, ornaments, a poster and even a pop-up Christmas tree making it perfect for the festive season! In this unique book, readers join in as Duncan, the Crayons and their families celebrate the festive season.
With real, folded letters to pull from their envelopes and read, games, press-out ornaments, a poster and a pop-up tree, this book is the perfect read and a perfect gift.
Age group: 3 yrs +
5. Here Comes Santa Cat, by Deborah Underwood
Have you been naughty or nice? That’s the question Cat is asking this Christmas in this book! He knows that he may not be on Santa’s nice list but Cat knows what to do – dress up as Santa! What better way to be sure he gets a present?
The tale continues as valuable lessons on being kind and nice, in generosity and the importance of giving are narrated in a simple and engaging way that is sure to get your kids hooked.
Age group: 3 to 5 years
6. ‘Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
’Twas Nochebuena and all through our casa,
every creature was kneading tamale masa…
This Christmas Eve you’re invited to a Nochebuena celebration! This book follows a family as they prepare to host a night filled with laughter, love, and Latino tradition. Read on as they make tasty tamales and hang colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls; gather to sing festive canciones (songs) while sipping champurrado (hot chocolate).
This one will make you savor the magic of Nochebuena with a holiday tale you’ll want to read again and again.
Age group: 3 to 5 yrs
7. Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht
Pick a pine tree from the lot – slim and tall, or short and squat! Long straight limbs or branches bent… Mmm! Just smell that piney scent!
A beautiful, irresistible Christmas gift book that begins with picking a pine tree! It’s a gorgeously rhythmical, read-aloud narrative accompanied by warm, joyful art celebrates which all the familiar rituals of decorating the tree – from digging out jam-packed boxes of trimmings, stringing tinsel, to, at last, turning on those twinkly fairy lights.
Age group: 3 to 5 yrs
8. Tiny Reindeer by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Meet Santa’s smallest helper: Tiny Reindeer! He doesn’t quite fit in, but when a very special letter arrives before Christmas Eve, he embarks on a mission to find his place in the world.
But, being much smaller than the other reindeer, he’s not very good at any of the jobs Santa gives him. But when a letter comes from a little girl with a Christmas wish to help keep the memory of her grandfather alive, Tiny knows exactly what he needs to do.
Age group: 3 to 5 yrs
9. The Jolly Christmas Postman by Allan Ahlberg
It’s Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman is delivering greetings to everyone’s favourite fairy-tale characters. He has a card for Baby Bear, a game for Red Riding Hood, a get-well jigsaw for poor Humpty Dumpty and lots more packages to deliver!
This book will surely peddle its way into your kids’ heart.
Age group: 3 to 5 yrs
10. Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares
Red and Lulu’s life is all around a beautiful evergreen tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will surely take a miracle for them to find each another again. But luckily, it’s just the season for miracles…and the most amazing things happen!
This book by Matt Tavares is a heart-tugging story combining all the cheer of Christmas, all the magic of New York City, and the real meaning of the festive season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.
Age group: 3 to 7 yrs
11. A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition by Charles M Schulz
A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition includes the script of the Emmy Award–winning A Charlie Brown Christmas, more than two hundred full-color pieces of original animation art, Vince Guaraldi’s original score and publication notes for the songs “Christmas Time Is Here” and “Linus and Lucy,” and a look at the making of the feature from producer Lee Mendelson and original animator, the late Bill Melendez.
The gang is ready to make the holidays special! All fans of Charles M. Schulz, the Peanuts gang, and A Charlie Brown Christmas will treasure this beautiful keepsake volume for years to come.
Age group: 3 to 7 yrs
12. The Night before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
The original tale of ‘The Night Before Christmas’ by Clement C. Moore is now accompanied by enchanting illustrations from Antonio Caparo in this festive holiday picture book.
This classic poem is now accompanied by stunning, richly detailed illustrations from Antonio Caparo, illustrator of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Rudolph Shines Again; making this beautiful picture book the perfect Christmas read.
Age group: 4 to 7 yrs
13. Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood
A unique book that is as different as it is unique. The Christmas Quiet Book is easy to carry around and your kids can read it wherever they want to!
It’s a great gift and an even better read and it’s just ideal for this time of the year.
Age group: 4 to 7 yrs
14. The year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic.
It’s a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.
Age group: 4 to 8 yrs
15. The Story of the Three Wise Kings, by Tomie dePaola
This book is a beautiful rendition of the well-known Christmas tale of the three wise men from the East!
Go on their journey as they follow the star symbolizing the birth of a great king all the way to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus.
Age group: 4 to 8 yrs
16. Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson
Christmas is all about the spirit of believing. In this book a little girl’s belief in Santa is restored and with a little help from her family, friends, the community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.
With bold, colorful illustrations that captures the joy of the holidays, this picture book from award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson and illustrator Reggie Brown is not to be missed.
Age group: 4 to 8 yrs
17. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
An absolute Christmas MUST! The holiday is just incomplete without reading the ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas!‘ In this book, Dr. Seuss tells the story of the disgruntled Grinch (the meanest creature of all!) and his fiendish attempts to steal Christmas from the citizens of Who-ville.
With wacky rhymes and zany illustrations from the master himself, it has been a favourite among readers of all ages, no matter how young or old. This book beautifully illustrates the true meaning of Christmas while keeping the readers entertained right from the start.
Age group: 4 to 9 yrs
18. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever by Matt Tavares
Do you think Christmas wishes come true? Well, this story may make you believe more than you think you do!
This magical tale is about Dasher, a little doe with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a travelling 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 remains the same!
Age group: 5 to 9 yrs
19. Nutcracked, Susan Adrian
This dreamy, Christmas take is about Georgie and the moment she’s been waiting for all her life – to dance the part of Clara in The Nutcracker ballet. And when she finally gets the part, it’s like a dream come true, quite literally! As every time she dances with the Nutcracker doll, she leaves the ballet studio and enters a world where everything around her is larger than life.
It’s so magical, but it does come with its dangers. And when things go out of can Georgie save her friend, the Nutcracker, and most of all, herself? This riveting tale will keep your kids flipping the pages for more!
Age group: 8 to 12 yrs
20. Enid Blyton’s Christmas Tales: Contains 25 classic stories by Enid Blyton
Yet another classic. Enid Blyton’s Christmas stories is an ideal read (or a even a gift) gift for anyone who loves this timeless collection. Nobody captures the spirit of Christmas like Enid Blyton and in these stories – which are perfect for reading alone or sharing – she describes the excitement of anticipating gifts, the pleasures of making special food, of singing carols and coming together to share good times with friends and families.
As ever with Blyton, there is mischief and mayhem but good always prevails in the end. What makes this a treasure is that the collection contains the original texts and is unillustrated.
Age group: 12 to 16 yrs
Has this book list excited you? Well, it sure makes us want to drop everything else and curl up with some of our favourites! All you need to do, is get your little ones involved and pick all the Christmas books for kids you want. Buy them now and start the holidays with a great book in hand.
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