It’s no surprise that this book-loving mama owns an extensive collection of children’s Christmas books. Some are fantastic and some are just, well, meh. The books that made it onto this list are ones my children request year after year or are true Christmas classics. I hope you find a few that are new to you!
Here are Twelve Children’s Christmas Books Your Family is Going to Love!
I’ve listed the books in order from simplest to the most complex in hopes it might help you pick which ones will work best for your kiddos.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle
We were gifted this book several years ago and it remains one of my son’s favorite Christmas books. So much so that he requested we pull it out in October. It’s been in his room since then and he frequently chooses it as one of his bedtime picks. This is a simple story that incorporates counting but the highlight is definitely the blinking Christmas lights at the end. So fun!
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
It’s hard not to adore any book about this big, loveable bear. I love how the author makes these characters come to life and invites the reader to imagine just what it would be like to be a woodland animal at Christmastime.
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
This book launched last year and we quickly scooped it up for our own collection. My children are big fans of the Construction Site books and love the idea of seeing how they celebrate Christmas.
Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Have you met Bruce the Bear yet? If not, you’re in for a treat! Bruce is, to put it mildly, a grump. But in the BEST way possible. His personality makes for a silly story because everyone around him totally ignores his grumpiness and expects the best out of him. If you enjoy this tale be sure to check out the others by this author. We’ve read them all and adore them.
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
This is a Christmas story near and dear to my heart. In it, a family makes ‘treats’ out of popcorn garland, fruit slices, and birdseed treats for the neighborhood woodland animals. It’s their tradition to bring these treats to the animals, place them on a single pine tree in the woods, and sit close while singing Christmas songs. I love this book for the quiet, gentle way the author tells the story and also because it is a fun tradition to try to mimic with my own children and students.
Christmas in the Country by Cynthia Rylant
I love how the author uses simple, descriptive text to paint the scene for what Christmas is like in the country. There’s nothing particularly flashy about this book and, to me, that’s what I like best. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by how commercial the holiday is becoming and I welcome gentle tales about Christmas to our home library.
Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’ve always thought it would be so fun to have a Christmas tree farm. When I first read this book it was like my dreams were coming true, then I realized how much work and time it would take for these trees to grow! If your family enjoys a fresh-cut tree at Christmas this is a great eye-opener into all the work it takes to grow that special tree gracing your living room.
Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares
In an aim to be fully transparent: I haven’t read this book yet. In fact, I stumbled upon it while writing this blog post and quickly added it to my library hold list. In the story, a pair of cardinals get separated when the evergreen tree they live in gets cut down. Any guesses where the tree is headed? It looks just delightful and I can’t wait until it comes in!
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry
Mr. Willowby has brought a huge tree home but there’s one problem: it’s too big! What’s a guy to do? Your kiddos will love to follow the tree through the book and watch how everyone makes the tree parts work in their own homes. This one sure made me giggle when I first read it!
A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe
Woodland creatures, beautiful pictures, and a lovely story. It’s no surprise that this book made it to my list of Christmas favorites! In this book, a large pine tree is sad because he never gets picked as a Christmas tree. His friends work hard to show him how special he is and thank him for all he does for them.
The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden
This story has the potential to break your heart in the best way possible. The premise is a little girl, a doll, and a childless couple who all have different Christmas wishes. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but it’s safe to say you’ll probably need a tissue when reading this one out loud!
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
Now, I’ll be totally honest, I have a bias for this story a mile long. My mom read this classic to me every Christmas Eve and I’ve tried my best to carry on that tradition with my children. You know what though? Although I remembered the cozy, warm feeling of being read to, what I didn’t remember was how LONG this book is! Especially when trying to read it with really little ones. My recommendation is to wait until your kiddos are a little bit older to try this tale.
I’d love to know what your favorite children’s Christmas books are. Comment below and let us know!
Looking for book suggestions and recommendations for you? Check out our But The Book Was Better Book Club!
And, don’t miss these other great book lists!
- My 10 Favorite Books to Read Aloud with My Kids this Winter
- Books to Read Aloud to Your Elementary School-Aged Children
- Books about Racism to Educate People of All Ages
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Guest Writer: Jessica Wagner
Jessica is a wife and mother of two. She and her family live on a few acres in rural Ohio. They can be found playing in the backyard, hiking at local parks, or taking care of their assorted pack of animals. Jessica taught preschoolers before her oldest child was born and now is dipping her toes back into the workforce at her local park district by working as a seasonal naturalist. Her favorite things are hearing sleepy morning greetings from her kids, drinking a hot cup of coffee on a foggy morning, livening up boring chores with a good podcast, and date nights with her husband at Mexican restaurants.
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