At our house, we read A LOT of children's books, and we want to share some of our favorites with you! In this post, we've included our favorite Christmas board books and picture books. Feel free to skim the list and see if any appeal to your family. We hope you enjoy!
Board Books
MOO, BAA, FA LA LA LA LA!
By: Sandra Boynton
Publisher: Boynton Bookworks (2022)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description:
Deck the halls with cows and holly
while the little sheep sing BAA, BAA, BAA!
The cast from the bestselling Moo, Baa, La La La! has returned with a silly holiday twist! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so sing along with caroling sheep, giggling pigs, and dancing cows as they celebrate Christmas with this merry tune.
Why We Love It
Silly story
Begs to be sung!
One of our new holiday favorites!
Little Blue Truck's Christmas
Written By: Alice Schertle
Illustrated By: Jill McElmurry
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2014)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description: It's the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep!
Why We Love It
Charming rhyming text
Beautiful illustrations
Teaches kids to count to five
Light-up Christmas tree provides a "Wow!" factor at the end
I Think My Grandpa Might Be Santa
Written By: Holly Berry-Byrd
Illustrated By: Tim Budgen
Publisher: Cottage Door Press (2017)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Nick has a secret. He thinks his grandpa might be Santa! A workshop full of toys? White whiskers, jingle bells, peppermints, and a red bathrobe...could it be true? Come take a journey with Nick and see if you agree!
Why We Love It
Clever story
Cute illustrations
Great ending message
The Nativity
Written By: Gemma Barder
Illustrated By: Gabi Murphy
Publisher: Igloo Books (2015)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: All, hail! A great new King has been born! Follow Mary and Joseph on their journey over the hills of Galilee to the town of Bethlehem to celebrate the beautiful birth of Jesus.
Why We Love It
Tells the story of Jesus' birth in a simple, kid-friendly way
Teaches kids the true meaning of Christmas
Santa's Big Day
Written By: Holly Berry-Byrd
Illustrated By: Rob Sayegh Jr.
Publisher: Cottage Door Press (2020)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: Ho, ho, ho! It’s Christmas eve in the North Pole, and Santa’s elves are busy making toys to deliver to good little girls and boys. The sled is all packed, and Santa and his reindeer are ready to go! Join Santa as he prepares for his big day!
Why We Love It
Great introduction to Christmas for babies and toddlers
Includes a finger puppet of Santa that pokes through each page and provides a sensory element
Santa's Sleigh
Illustrated By: Ag Jatkowska
Publisher: Priddy Books (2021)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description: Children will love reading about Santa delivering gifts to different animals in the North Pole- from the penguins in their igloo to the polar bears in their cozy cabin- and counting the presents as they go!
Why We Love It
Cute illustrations
Kids get to hunt for presents on each page
Teaches toddlers colors and counting to five
Frosty the Snowman
By: Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson
Publisher: Worthy Kids (2013)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: When 'Frosty the Snowman' was introduced in 1950 in a recording by Gene Autry, it became an instant hit. Since then, its popularity has grown, making Frosty one of the most recognized and beloved characters ever created.
Now, this bouncy, happy tune can be heard simply by pushing the sound button on this sturdy board book. Little ones will find themselves singing along as they watch Frosty come to life with illustrations based on the iconic TV special.
Why We Love It
Classic song and illustrations in a kid-friendly sound book format
The Very Smiley Snowman
By: Jack Tickle
Publisher: Caterpillar Books (2006)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description:
Snowman loves the winter.
He lifts his hat up high
and gives a giant snowman smile
to every passerby!
Celebrate Christmas with this jolly book full of fun and funky festive pop-ups!
Why We Love It
Cute rhymes and illustrations
Neat pop-up characters on every page
Christmas Songs
Illustrated By: Katya Longhi
Publisher: Cottage Door Press (2016)
Recommended Ages: 0+
Book Description: These classic Christmas carols and festive illustrations are sure to fill your home with holiday cheer! The following classic Christmas songs are included: Deck the Halls, Jingle Bells, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Up on the Housetop, Away in a Manger, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Why We Love It
Great introduction to classic Christmas songs for kids of all ages
Who doesn't love singing Christmas carols? 😊
Picture Books
The Great PJ Ride
Written By: Cheryl Gillis
Illustrated By: Anastasiia Kompaniiets
Publisher: Cheryl Gillis Publishing (2020)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Bursting with Christmas magic, The Great PJ Ride invites readers to join a cozy PJ cruise through twinkling lights, dazzling decorations, and an extra-special surprise! The Great PJ Ride is a fun Christmas activity that you can do with your own family to build wonderful holiday memories.
Why We Love It
Charming story and holiday tradition
Beautiful illustrations
Inspired us to start our own Christmas PJ Ride, which we still do every year!
Love supporting high-quality self-published books!
Red & Lulu
By: Matt Tavares
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2017)
Recommended Age: 3+
Book Description: Red and Lulu are a pair of cardinals who make their nest in a particularly beautiful and cozy evergreen tree. But then one day, their tree is taken away, and Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again. Luckily, it's just the season for miracles.
Why We Love It:
Heartfelt story full of touching moments and Christmas cheer
Spectacular illustrations and pacing
Avery has always been fond of cardinals. In fact, "cardinal" was one of her first words. (Amazing, right?!) So, we love reading books about them, and this one is a winner!
The Broken Ornament
By: Tony DiTerlizzi
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books (2018)
Recommended Age: 3+
Book Description: Jack is a young boy who wants it ALL for Christmas: more decorations, a bigger tree, and, of course, more presents! When Jack accidentally breaks his mom’s most cherished ornament, he doesn’t understand why they can’t just get another one to replace it. Then, in a moment of magic, a pixie named Tinsel arrives on the scene and gives Jack everything that he THINKS he needs to make the holiday special: an indoor winter wonderland complete with caroling elves, a herd of reindeer, and lively snowmen. Unfortunately, something is still missing for Jack. However, with Tinsel's help, Jack realizes the true magic of Christmas, and he sets outs to make his mother a priceless Christmas gift to replace her broken ornament.
Why We Love It:
Charming, witty text with expertly-crafted dialogue
Incredibly crisp and detailed illustrations
Full of Christmas magic!
Teaches children that Christmas is about much more than decorations and presents
The Night Before The Night Before Christmas
By: Richard Scarry
Publisher: Golden Books (2000)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: It's Christmas, and Richard Scarry's beloved cast of Busytown characters are gearing up for the holiday! And nobody is more excited than Mr. Frumble. In fact, he's so excited he sets out for the North Pole to become one of Santa Bear's helpers. But when Santa Bear mixes up the dates and starts his deliveries the night before the night before Christmas, it's up to the ever-clumsy Mr. Frumble to save the holiday for his Busytown friends!
Why We Love It:
Classic Richard Scarry book with familiar characters
Clever story with plenty of excitement and silliness to keep little ones engaged
Can be read in a single session or spread out over multiple sessions
Pick a Pine Tree
Written By: Patricia Toht
Illustrated By: Jarvis
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2017)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Illustrator Jarvis evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree — digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.
Why We Love It:
Beautifully written story with equally beautiful illustrations
Full of festive holiday traditions
Part of a wonderful series of holiday books, all of which we highly recommend!
The Night Before Christmas
Written By: Clement C. Moore
Illustrated By: Henry Fisher
Publisher: Parragon Books (2013)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description:
'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.
Why We Love It:
Classic Christmas story
This version is a large, hardcover book that pairs neat, modern illustrations with the classic text (but other versions are great too!)
'Twas the Night Before Christmas on Sesame Street
Written By: Lillian Jaine
Illustrated By: Joe Mathieu
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (2014)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description: It's Christmas Eve, and Cookie Monster is dozing peacefully, until a sleigh and eight tiny reindeer land on Sesame Street! Cookie Monster is delighted to have a surprise visit from Santa Claus, but there's just one problem: he's already eaten all of Santa's cookies! Luckily, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and the rest of their Sesame Street friends are ready to help!
Why We Love It:
This version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is better geared toward babies and toddlers; it's a great introduction to the story and features familiar, kid-friendly characters and illustrations
Merry Christmas, Little Critter!
By: Mercer Mayer
Publisher: HarperFestival (2004)
Recommended Ages: 1+
Book Description: Little Critter has written a letter to Santa, helped his mom bake cookies, decorated the tree, and much more! But will he get to meet Santa before Christmas is over?
Why We Love It:
Full of the signature charm and mischief of the Little Critter series, plus festive holiday traditions and fun
Illustrations are particularly crisp, bright, and colorful
Includes thick, sturdy pages, most of which have flaps to lift
Bear Stays Up For Christmas
Written By: Karma Wilson
Illustrated By: Jane Chapman
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (2004)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: 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!
Why We Love It:
Masterful rhyming text
Gorgeous illustrations
Loveable characters
Great message about friendship and giving!
The Jolly Christmas Postman
By: Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Publisher: LB Kids (1991)
Recommended Ages: 4+
Book Description: 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.
Why We Love It:
Much more than a book...it's an experience!
Includes a boardgame, puzzle, and many more activities for kids to explore
One of my favorite books from childhood (I loved it so much, I created my own version as a kid!) 😊
Dasher
By: Matt Tavares
Publisher: Candlewick Press (2019)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: 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.
Why We Love It:
Beautifully written story with a hopeful message
Style is reminiscent of books by my all-time favorite children's author, Chris Van Allsburg
Inspired me to write my own version of a similar story 😋
The Polar Express
By: Chris Van Allsburg
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (1985)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: 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.
Why We Love It:
Classic story full of mystery and intrigue
Perfect ending
Created by my all-time favorite author and illustrator, Chris Van Allsburg
Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins
Written By: Sue Fliess
Illustrated By: Mark Chambers
Publisher: Two Lions (2018)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: It’s Christmas Eve morning, and Santa Claus is still in bed! He’s feeling stuffy and sneezy and slow as a yeti. Will Christmas have to be canceled? Not this year! Because Mrs. Claus is ready to take the reins in Santa’s place. With a plan in mind, Mrs. Claus assembles the crew, maps out the route, and preps the sleigh. Then, with a snap of the reins, she shoots off into the night. Delivering gifts all over the world without Santa’s magic won’t be easy, but Mrs. Claus proves she has some holiday sparkle of her own…
Why We Love It:
Cute rhyming text and fun, festive illustrations
Features a strong female character taking charge and solving problems! Go, girls, go!
The Little Reindeer
By: Nicola Killen
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (2017)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: When a jingling sound wakes her from her sleep, a little girl’s dreams come true when she meets a lost reindeer in the forest. They set off on a magical adventure and it becomes a Christmas to never forget.
Why We Love It:
Neat black and white illustrations with pops of red throughout and cute peek-through windows on some pages
We like to shake a set of jingle bells as we read the story! 😊
Santa and the Goodnight Train
Written By: June Sobel
Illustrated By: Laura Huliska-Beith
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2019)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: 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 unforgettable holiday ride!
Why We Love It:
We LOVE trains! 😊
Cute rhyming text and adorably festive illustrations
Creative sound effects
Things to look for throughout the illustrations
Part of a great series of books!
The Train Rolls On To The North Pole
Written By: Jodi Adams
Illustrated By: Christina Wald
Publisher: Young At Heart Publishing (2022)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa’s reindeer have spent the day getting pampered at an Arctic spa in preparation for their annual journey around the world. Now, the Animal Express races the clock to return the reindeer to the North Pole before Santa’s departure. Will they arrive in time to guide Santa’s sleigh? The train encounters several wintery obstacles along the way, but…THE TRAIN ROLLS ON!
Why We Love It:
Fun rhyming text (if I do say so myself) 😋
Beautiful illustrations
It signifies an important milestone in my self-publishing journey!
"It's mommy's book!" -My kids 😁
Construction Site on Christmas Night
Written By: Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrated By: AG Ford
Publisher: Chronicle Books (2018)
Recommended Ages: 2+
Book Description: Created for lovers of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, 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.
Why We Love It:
We LOVE construction vehicles...anything with wheels, really! 😃
Impeccable rhyming text and masterful artwork
Perfect vehicle book for the holiday season
Part of a wonderful series of vehicle books, several of which we own and read often!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
By: Dr. Seuss
Publisher: Random House (1957 & 1985)
Recommended Ages: 3+
Book Description: Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. From the Grinch and his dog, Max, to Cindy-Lou and all the residents of Who-ville, this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will warm even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, beloved by readers young and old.
Why We Love It:
Classic story!
Masterful rhyming text
Great message about the true meaning of Christmas
One of my all-time favorite Christmas books!
We read the book, watch the movie, and sing the theme song every Christmas! 😋
We sincerely hope that you enjoy these books as much as we have! To receive monthly book recommendations, sign-up for my newsletter at the bottom of this page. Otherwise, if you have any Christmas book recommendations for us, please type them in the comments below. We are ALWAYS looking for fun new books to read! 😊
Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and happy reading from our family to yours!
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