Some of my favorite holiday memories are reading a different Christmas book to my kids each night before bed! Although we had many children’s books out all year long, the Christmas books were stored in a special book basket and I only brought them out each year during the month of December … which made them even more special!
Even though my youngest is now fifteen, I am still a children’s book collector and love adding to my book collection. The holiday season is in full swing, but there’s still time to add new books into the rotation. I’ve never been a mom who did a fantastic job planning way ahead, so don’t beat yourself up, mama, if you’re just now thinking about reading your child a Christmas story. And at least in my neck of the woods, there are still some fantastic options available for curbside pick-up at our local library. Here are some great books to get you started!
The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman
Nancy Tillman writes books that are so sentimental that, to be honest, I often choke back tears reading them aloud. Her books are intended to leave a child feeling loved and valued. While celebrating the spirit of Christmas, this book ends with the affirmation that the best part of Christmas is … YOU. Did I mention her books make the perfect gifts?
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I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison and illustrated by Frank Morrison
If you’re struggling to get into the Christmas Spirit, then this book might just do the trick! With really fun illustrations and a short, engaging storyline (perfect for those nights you really need a shorter bedtime read) this book is about an adorable young girl who shows how she’s interacting with the world around her during the most wonderful time of year. This book would also make a fantastic class read-aloud! I’m a big fan of onomatopoeias, which you will find on nearly every page.
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A World of Cookies for Santa by M. E. Furman and illustrated by Susan Gal
One of our traditions has been to put out milk and cookies on Christmas Eve for Santa. I even have a special plate and mug just for this purpose. This is my most recent Christmas book purchase, and I just love it so much! This book follows Santa’s trip around the globe, showing what treats children from each culture leave for him. As someone who loves to travel and learn about other cultures, I find this book so informative and fun!
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A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit
Raise your hand if you are a Mary Engelbreit fan! This adorable book captures the joy and amusement of the nativity story told through the lens of an elementary school Christmas pageant. The illustrations truly add so much depth to the story. This book would make a fantastic gift book, especially with the glitter and foil cover accents. It is also available in a board book version for little readers.
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Good News! It’s Christmas by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Lizzie Walkley
Part of the Good News! series, this board book is a perfect way to introduce little readers to the Christmas story. With a rhyming text, this book is a lively and fun read that will quickly become a favorite repeat read.
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The Little Drummer Boy by Ezra Jack Keats
This classic book by Ezra Jack Keats is an illustrated retelling of one of my favorite Christmas songs, The Little Drummer Boy! Even non-readers can participate with a “pa-rum-pum-pum-pum” echoing each line. Another great feature is the inclusion of the actual music to the song at the end of the story. With only the basic melody, the music is perfect for any beginning pianist. This book also could inspire a fun, impromptu drum session, because just about any pot, pan, mixing bowl, or container in your kitchen can be transformed into a simple drum.
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Corduroy’s Christmas based on the character by Don Freeman, written by B. G. Hennessy and illustrated by Lisa McCue
I love the classic Corduroy books and my kids loved lift-the-flap, so this was a perfect combination for some fun reading. With fun surprises on every page, this book follows Corduroy’s adventures as he trims the tree, bakes cookies, wraps presents, and so much more!
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Over in a Stable by Suzanne Nelson and illustrated by Aleksandar Zolotić
This lovely new picture book is a narrative counting book! With each turn of the page, the rhyming text keeps this story moving along and the illustrations are vibrant and engaging. I also love the extra touches on the cover, like the gold foil title and glittery accents.
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The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg and illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
The Legend of the Candy Cane has been a favorite of mine for years, and I have to admit, I love my version of the book written by Lori Walburg and illustrated by James Bernardin. I was so sad to learn the book is out of print and nearly impossible to find, but Zonderkidz released a newly illustrated version in 2012, with the same author. Although I loved the original illustrations by Bernardin, the story remains exactly the same. A new store is coming to town and there is much anticipation as to what it might be. To the excitement of all the children, a candy store is opening and the owner has brought with him a new candy. The owner uses the candy cane to retell the Christmas story … and along the way brings with him hope to this sleepy little town.
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The Christmas Star by Marcus Pfister
With the same holographic foil-stamping found in his famous The Rainbow Fish book, The Christmas Star is the journey of the wise men as they follow the star that leads to the Holy Child. Although some may take issue with the fact that the star leads them to a stable, I still love the storyline and artistry of this book. Plus, I always used those opportunities to develop critical thinking skills in my kids. They learned from a very early age that you have to be able to think about the text to make comparisons to the Biblical account.
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A Very Fiona Christmas by Richard Cowdrey
This adorable light-up Christmas story is about a real-life hippo you can meet at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden! In this story, Fiona is excited to celebrate her first Christmas at the zoo and is learning what Christmas is all about. When a new animal, who is scared and lonely, arrives just before Christmas, Fiona learns that the true meaning of Christmas includes helping and showing love to others.
If you’re not familiar with Fiona’s story, she was born premature and wasn’t expected to live. However, full of spunk and determination, she defied the odds and her story spread around the globe. A Very Fiona Christmas is just the latest in a series of adorable books, including the original Fiona the Hippo.
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‘Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Elena Selivanova
Written in the lyrical style of the beloved ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Dr. Clement C. Moore, this book is a lovely retelling of the night Jesus was born. Although the wise men did not come visit the night of Jesus’ birth in the Biblical account, the inclusion in this book flows with the story and, as I mentioned when discussing The Christmas Star, just provides another opportunity for discussion and critical thinking. Beautifully written and illustrated, this is a great addition to any Christmas bookshelf.
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The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado and illustrated by Liz Bonham
Joshua wants to run and jump like the other lambs, but he has a leg that does not work right. In this lovely story, we see how God has a plan to use Josh in a very special way in the Christmas story. With a theme of acceptance and hope, this has quickly become a beloved holiday story for many. Although a touching storyline, the text is quite lengthy and better-suited for elementary-age kids who can sit through a longer story.
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Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell and illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
On a cold winter’s night one-by-one, animals come to take refuge in a the old stable with the kind Ox. As each enter, he welcomes them with the phrase, “There’s always room for a little one here.” The last to arrive was a tired donkey and a young couple, ready to welcome a baby. This touching story of acceptance is beautifully illustrated. Cockcroft’s use of “light” provides a magical feel. With only a few lines per page, this lovely story is also available as a board book.
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Can You See What I See? The Night Before Christmas by Walter Wick
This “picture puzzles to search and solve” book might not be at the top of your Christmas book wish list, but it might end up being your child’s favorite. My kids LOVED search and find books … and this one was no exception. With twelve two-page spreads, that are all tied to lines from the classic poem, this is a book that your kids will enjoy year after year.
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All reviews are completely my own and I only recommend books I truly believe are worthy of sharing with others. (Believe me, I read many books I do not recommend, which means you won’t see me writing about them!)
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