I love everything about Christmas; the Spirit, time spent with family, the food and I particularly love finding special gifts for my family and friends.
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Today I thought I would share 15 great Christmas books that you might enjoy reading to your kids or grand kids this holiday season. You could even start a new tradition and read one Christmas book for the 25 days of Christmas.
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell.
That cold winter’s night,
beneath the star’s light…
…a Little One came for the world.
One Wintery Night by Ruth Bell Graham.
A classic Christmas picture book, One Wintry Night tells the story of a mountain boy who is injured in a snowstorm and seeks refuge in a cabin. While he waits out the storm, the woman who lives there tells him the Christmas story. In a magnificent blend of a contemporary setting with the history of God’s redeeming love, Ruth Graham created a wonderful and unique version of the Christmas story.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojeciechowski.
Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. The moving, lyrical tale, gloriously illustrated by P.J. Lynch, has been widely hailed as a true Christmas classic.
The Night Before Christmas by Holly Hobbie.
In her fresh imagining of Clement C. Moore’s timeless classic, acclaimed watercolorist Holly Hobbie introduces an entirely new character to capture the magic and heighten the wonder of this exciting, mysterious time. Her inimitable illustrations glow with warmth and feeling and will transport you to a place where anything can happen.
You can also read the original Clement C. Moore book here for free.
Twas the Night Before Christmas Illustrated by Matt Tavares.
Once upon a time, children imagined St. Nicholas as a stern, skinny bishop who was as likely to dole out discipline as Christmas presents. But thanks to the anonymous publication of the poem “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas” in the TROY SENTINAL in 1823, a plumper, merrier St. Nick was born, transformed into the sleigh-riding, chimney-diving, jolly old elf we now call Santa Claus. Complemented by gorgeous monochrome illustrations that are meticulously true to pre-Victorian times, this definitive volume of ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, honoring the poem’s original language, is now available in a compact gift edition.
The Carpenter’s Gift by David Rubel.
Family, friendship, and the spirit of giving are at the heart of this inspiring picture book. Opening in Depression-era New York, The Carpenter’s Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his out-of-work father selling Christmas trees in Manhattan. They give one of their leftover trees to construction workers building Rockefeller Center. That tree becomes the first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the finest Henry has seen when adorned with homemade decorations. Henry wishes on the tree for a nice, warm house to replace his family’s drafty, one-room shack. Through the kindness of new friends and old neighbors, Henry’s wish is granted, and he plants a pinecone to commemorate the event. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating to Rockefeller Center the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as a beautiful Christmas tree, its wood will be used to build a home for a family in need.
Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson
Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world–as he always has — and always will until the end of time.
Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.
A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . .
Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by 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!
Elfie the Elf by Cheryl DeVleeschouwer
Granny has a bedtime story that her grandkids will never forget. When a little girl befriends an Elf in the north pole, the two learn about friendship, standing up for each other, and achieving your dreams. With a cast of characters including reindeer, elves, and Santa himself, Granny’s story seems larger than life. But is it?
The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert.
Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa’s elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa.
In this charming Christmas story, a toy drummer boy embarks–accidentally–on a journey on which he plays his drum and warms the hearts of everyone he encounters, from a rat to a snowman. Set against a snowy landscape by the bestselling Loren Long, this is a perfect read for chilly winter evenings. Long brings this story of an unforgettable little drummer boy to vivid life with his timeless and magical art.
A Savior is Born by Patti Rokus.
By arranging a few rocks together an entire story can be told. A Savior Is Born, Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas, created by Patti Rokus, is an unforgettable picture book that uses majestic rock art and simple yet powerful text to inspire wonder and awe as the miracle of Christmas unfolds across the pages. Readers will be absorbed in the nature-filled artwork that shows the birth of Jesus and the celebration of the very first Christmas in a powerful and unique way.
This enchanting Christmas story by beloved author and preacher Barbara Brown Taylor follows the three wise men on their world-changing journey to Bethlehem. In this beautiful retelling of their adventure, Taylor captures the power of one very special star and gives readers a new perspective on the three wise men and their encounters with King Herod, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Charles Dickens’s beloved tale of the Christmas spirit is beautifully presented in this deluxe new illustrated edition. Contemporary artist and illustrator Yelena Bryksenkova has created enchanting artwork to accompany Dickens’s classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
Do you have any favorite children’s book for Christmas? I would love to know if you or your children have a favorite book for Christmas. I am always looking for books to add to my grandkids collection.
Have a great day!
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Oh thank you for this list Elizabeth. I am creating a Christmas reading corner for the grandchildren this year and just added a few more based on your recommendations. I simply adore beautiful children's books and I know they will love being treated to these special holiday reads. Big hugs!
Some of these I'm familiar with. It's been years since I've read A Christmas Carol.
Hands down the polar express! Thank you for reminding me. I will have to get one for little Summer for Xmas. Those pumpkin cinamin
rolls look amazing. If only I could bake bread. I need baking lessons from you!