It’s that time of year again — to share a list of the best Christmas books for kids! I have a list of 24 fantastic Christmas books to share with you today.
With a combination of some new releases and some old favourites, I’m certain you’ll find some great new books on this list. They’ll be perfect for family reading, bedtime stories or even classroom read-alongs.
I also shared a list of 24 Christmas picture books for kids last year. Between these two lists, you’ll have lots of amazing Christmas books for kids to choose from!
Christmas Books for Kids
5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas by Jimmy Fallon, illustrated by Rich Deas
Host of NBC’s The Tonight Show and three-time #1 New York Times-bestselling author Jimmy Fallon returns with this sweet and spirited Christmas picture book.
Just 5 more sleeps ’til Christmas!
Can you believe it’s here?
I know that Santa’s coming soon
’cause I’ve been good all year.
Everyone who grew up celebrating Christmas remembers the excitement that built up to the most magical day of the year. But why not make the last week until Christmas more fun by counting how many sleeps until the arrival of Santa and his reindeer?
Accompanied by the beautiful and energetic artwork of Rich Deas, enjoy the humor of Jimmy Fallon as he prepares readers for the most exciting week of the year in this new holiday tradition for your family — 5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas.
12 Days of Christmas by Lara Hawthorne
“On the first day of Christmas
my true love gave to me
a partridge in a pear tree.”
Celebrate the magic of Christmas time with this well-loved traditional poem, The Twelve Days of Christmas, beautifully illustrated by Laura Hawthorne.
Take a walk through each beautiful scene brimming with details that will remind you of the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Perfect to read with your true love.
A Dolly for Christmas by Kimberly Schlapman, illustrated by Morgan Huff
From the founding member of Grammy Award-winning country music band Little Big Town, discover the heartwarming true story of a family’s Christmas miracle. Cover includes sparkly Christmas glitter!
All Daisy wants for Christmas is a little brother or sister. Her parents have tried everything to make her dream come true, but nothing is working. So Daisy takes matters into her own hands, praying every day and writing a letter to Santa Claus about her one and only wish.
Daisy’s parents are touched by her strong belief and grateful for her help, but as they explain, sometimes you have to wait. God will give you the perfect gift when the time is right.
In this heartwarming holiday tale, Kimberly Schlapman shares the true story of the Christmas when her family became whole.
Always Together at Christmas by Sara Sargent, illustrated by Mark Chambers
Help children discover the joy of Christmas 2020 with this timely picture book that affirms the special magic of the holidays even if we’re physically separated from our loved ones!
Christmas will always mean love.
Even if love looks a little different this year.
As families and communities come together — and stay apart — in creative ways this holiday season, bring comfort and joy to children with this story about a Christmas like no other.
Always Together at Christmas highlights different family traditions and the ways they’re changing in 2020: from Santa’s elves practicing social distancing to opening presents via Zoom on Christmas morning. And it even includes ideas for new quarantine-appropriate Christmas traditions!
The sweet and cozy illustrations add classic touches, making this book the perfect gift to share with family and friends from across the miles.
Elf by David Berenbaum, adapted and illustrated by Kim Smith
Rediscover the laughter and cheer of Buddy the Elf in this adorable picture book for readers of all ages!
Buddy the Elf has more Christmas spirit than anyone, but he’s never quite fit in with the other elves at the North Pole. Then Buddy learns that he’s really a human — and his father is on the Naughty List! Determined to bring his dad some holiday cheer, he sets out for New York City. But when Santa encounters disaster on Christmas Eve, can Buddy count on his new family to help him save the day?
Kim Smith’s adorable illustrations give a nostalgic feel to this modern holiday tale. Featuring all the iconic moments and laugh-out-loud lines from the film, this story of infectious joy in the face of cynicism is a must-have for all ages.
Finding Christmas by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
For the first time ever, Canada’s best loved author and illustrator team creates a festive story to ring in the holiday season — with all of the zaniness fans have come to expect, of course!
Every year Julie finds the Christmas presents her parents hid: in the basement, under the bed, in the garage. But this year it’s Christmas Eve and she has found nothing. NOTHING! She’s worried — will be there no presents at all?
Her investigation takes her to a mysterious box on the rooftop, which — lo and behold — houses all of the gifts! But, in classic Munsch mayhem, she becomes trapped inside, creating the biggest surprise of all for her family on Christmas morning.
Grandma’s Sugar Cookie by Rose Rossner, illustrated by Kathryn Selbert
Make your holiday extra sweet this year with Grandma’s Sugar Cookie!
Celebrate the special bond between a Grandma and her grandchild with this sugary sweet rhyming story about a grandma’s love! This board book makes the perfect Christmas treat, and includes a bonus cookie recipe in the back!
You are Grandma’s Chocolate Chip,
my special little treat.
I love to laugh and play with you
and bake you something sweet!
Perfect for grandmas to give to their grandchild (or grandchildren!) or for anyone looking for a special gift for grandma. Treasure these special bonds and create new memories!
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York by John Huges, adapted and illustrated by Kim Smith
YIKES! Kevin did it again! The beloved sequel to Home Alone is now an adorable picture book for the whole family.
It’s the holidays and Kevin doesn’t want to go on his family vacation to Florida. Amid the chaos and confusion of the airport, he accidentally boards the wrong plane and ends up alone (again!) in New York City. Kevin goes sightseeing, checks into a hotel, and enjoys limo rides, all courtesy of his dad’s credit card. But then he makes a shocking discovery: the burglars who tried to rob his house last year are back, and this time they plan to rob a toy store on Christmas Eve! Can Kevin stop them and save Christmas with the help of some new friends? Charmingly illustrated by Kim Smith, this sweet and funny adaptation will delight fans of the Home Alone franchise, young and old alike.
How to Catch Santa Claus by Alice Walstead, illustrated by Joel and Ashley Selby
Catch the magic of an-all new How to Catch story for a younger audience!
It’s Christmas Eve, one of the most magical nights of the year! As Santa starts visiting all the good boys and girls, one child has a wish: to catch Santa! Leaving simple lures throughout the house, the child plans to catch the beloved winter legend and give him a tight hug.
My First How to Catch Santa Claus is a holiday treat sure to delight the youngest little ones with its warmhearted, extra sweet story
I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison
In the same feel-good style of I Got the Rhythm, this exuberant picture book explores the joys of the holiday season, once again illustrated by award-winning artist Frank Morrison.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and a mother and daughter are enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The little girl hears sleigh bells ringing and carolers singing. She smells chestnuts roasting–CRUNCH! CRUNCH! CRUNCH! — and sees the flashing lights of the department store windows — BLING! BLING! BLING! She spreads the spirit of giving wherever she goes. And when she reaches Santa, she tells him her Christmas wish — for peace and love everywhere, all the days of the year.
It’s a Wonderful Life by Paul Ruditis, illustrated by Sarah Conradsen
Relive the beloved holiday classic with this lavishly illustrated storybook the entire family can share!
It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most beloved films in cinema history. The heartwarming story of George Bailey and the guardian angel (second class) who shows George that his acts of compassion and kindness have changed his town of Bedford Falls for the better has become a Christmastime favorite enjoyed by generations of families.
This engaging illustrated storybook retells the tale of the 1946 classic film through charming original artwork and allows readers to return to the town of Bedford Falls to watch George dream big, fall in love, and learn the important lesson that “no man is a failure who has friends.” Just like the film, this picture book can be enjoyed by the whole family and is the perfect gift for the holidays.
It’s Christmas, David by David Shannon
The bestselling star of NO, DAVID! turns Christmas traditions upside down with laugh-aloud humor.
Readers of all ages will vividly remember trying to peek at hidden gift packages; writing scrolls of wish lists to Santa; and struggling to behave at formal Christmas dinner parties. Always in the background, we know Santa Claus is watching, soon to decide if David deserves a shiny new fire truck or a lump of coal under the tree. From playing with delicate ornaments to standing in an endlessly long line for Santa, here are common Christmas activities — but with David’s naughty trimmings. A surefire hit that is destined to be an annual classic.
Separation and miles cannot keep a determined cardinal from his loved one in an ode to serendipity and belief that is destined to be a new Christmas classic.
Red and Lulu make their nest in a particularly beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing a special song: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. But one day, something unthinkable happens, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each another again. Luckily, it’s just the season for miracles …
From Matt Tavares comes a heart-tugging story combining the cheer of Christmas, the magic of New York City, and the real meaning of the holiday season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.
Santa and the Goodnight Train by June Sobel, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
Ho-ho-hold on to your teddy bear! The Goodnight Train follows Santa’s sleigh on a magical ride through a winter wonderland in this Christmas sequel to The Goodnight Train and The Goodnight Train Rolls On!.
Fa La La! Fa La La!
Chooo! Chooo!
Next stop, the North Pole! It’s Christmas Eve, and the Goodnight Train is on a roll, racing mischievous Santa through a winter wonderland. Hear the jingle bells, taste some candy canes, and spy a flying hoof or two on a merry ride to Dreamland — with one magical detour — in this Christmas companion to The Goodnight Train and The Goodnight Train Rolls On! Ho-ho-hold on tight for this unforgettable holiday ride!
Cordelia is celebrating her favorite winter holiday with her Cretaceous buddies. Will Santa Rex bring her everything she asked for? The Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator of “Flora and the Flamingo” comes an ideal stocking stuffer for young fans.
Tallulah’s Nutcracker by Marilyn Singer, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
It’s Christmastime, and Tallulah finally gets what she’s been wishing for — a part in a real ballet, a professional production of The Nutcracker. She’s only a mouse, but she works as hard as if she had been cast as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
On the night of the show, everything is perfect. But then disaster strikes! Does Tallulah have what it takes to become a real ballerina?
A well-told story, gorgeous illustrations, and a beloved character conspire to make a positively magical Christmas book.
The Christmas Eve Tree by Delia Huddy, illustrated by Emily Sutton
When the ugly little fir tree is taken to the city, no one wants to buy him; they prefer the big tall trees. But a homeless boy asks the shopkeeper if he can take the tree, and down by the river in a cardboard box, decorated with a few candles, the tree finds itself at the centre of a magical Christmas Eve it will never forget.
A Christmas tale with a classic feel but a modern theme at its heart.
The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
A brand-new Crayons book from the #1 New York Times best-selling duo Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, just in time for the holidays. This special book has letters, games, ornaments, a poster, and even a pop-up Christmas tree!
‘Tis the season for all of us to write our holiday wishlists. But everyone — even the crayons — know the best presents are the ones that you give. In this unique book, readers get to see how Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate the holidays. With real, folded letters from the Crayons that you can pull from their envelopes and read, games, punch-out ornaments, a poster, and a pop-up tree, this book is the perfect gift for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home.
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Cale Atkinson
Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn’t think he’s real. He WANTS to believe in Harold — after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas.
Getting Harold’s letters, eating the cookies he leaves out, feeding his carrots to the reindeer … what would Christmas be without that? But Santa’s just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold’s not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different.
Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists … with hilarious consequences.
The Great Santa Stakeout by Betsy Bird, illustrated by Dan Santat
A delightfully devious Christmas story from beloved librarian Betsy Bird and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat.
Freddy Melcher is Santa’s #1 Fan. He has Santa posters, Santa action figures, and even Santa underwear. But there is one prize Freddy desperately wants: A photograph taken with Santa, fresh out of the chimney.
Oh, is it risky! It’s awfully hard to sneak anything by someone who can see you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake. That’s why Freddy has been extra good this year … at hiding his plans.
Will Freddy get away with his delightfully devious scheme to outwit Santa Claus himself and capture the ultimate selfie?
The Littlest Reindeer by Brandi Dougherty, illustrated by Michelle Lisa Todd
From the New York Times bestselling author that brought us The Littlest Pilgrim comes a sweet new holiday companion filled with Christmas cheer and one adorable reindeer!
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?
The Tree That’s Meant to Be by Yuval Zommer
A heartfelt, gorgeous Christmas picture book that’s destined to become a holiday classic — about a crooked little fir tree and a powerful message about love and embracing what makes you different.
A small fir is left all alone after the other trees near it in the forest are chosen by families as Christmas trees. But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, it finds the warmth of the holidays in the heart of a cold, snowy forest.
This is a charming and classic-feeling holiday story with a heartfelt message about celebrating our differences and sticking by our friends. Families will love reading it together and talking about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell by Lucille Colandro, illustrated by Jared Lee
A wacky new Christmas version of the classic “There Was an Old Lady” song!
This time, the hungry old lady swallows a bell, bows, gifts, a sack, a sleigh, and some reindeer! She’s about to swallow a candy cane for dessert, when she hears a jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho!” Santa Claus is waiting for a ride! Watch what happens when she whistles, with amazing results!
With rhyming text and funny illustrations, this lively version of a classic song will appeal to young readers with every turn of the page — a fun story for Christmastime!
This is a wonderful companion to Colandro and Lee’s other Old Lady books!
There’s an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Greg Abbott
Ho, ho, ho! There’s an elf in this Christmas picture book by bestselling children’s author, YouTube star, and musician Tom Fletcher!
Do you have what it takes to make Santa’s Nice List? An elf is here to test you in Tom Fletcher’s newest participatory read-aloud. Don’t let the elf trick you into being naughty! Just follow his instructions to sing a Christmas carol, clap, burp … Hey, wait a second! Children will be delighted to participate in this satisfying holiday tale.
Tom Fletcher has again paired up with illustrator Greg Abbott to create a creature that readers will want to keep playing with! He’s one of Britain’s bestselling children’s authors and the creator of the successful West End theatrical show The Christmasaurus, and his videos have been viewed tens of millions of times all over the world.
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[…] case you missed it, I shared a list of 24 Christmas books for kids yesterday and I’ll be sharing an adult themed Christmas book list […]