65 Christmas Books for Children
Christmastime is here and we have the perfect book for your little reader! Whether you want to celebrate the holidays with your favorite literary friend, revisit a timeless classic, celebrate treasured traditions, enjoy the holidays through the eyes of a cuddly creature—or all of these, but in sturdy board book format—we’ve got you covered!
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Christmas with Your Favorite Characters
Books about Christmas Traditions
Christmas with Your Favorite Characters
Baby Shark: Merry Christmas, Baby Shark! by Pinkfong
It’s Christmas Eve, but Baby Shark can’t sleep — he is too excited! But little does he know, in his dreams awaits a winter wonderland where Baby Shark will meet Santa and his magical elves. This storybook includes gift wrap, stickers, and a letter to Santa.
Christmas Cheer for The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Christmas means joy for all.
Snowflakes glisten white,
Stars shine bright . . .
. . . time to have a ball.
Bah, humbug!
. . . says the Grouchy Ladybug.
Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete and his friends are rockin’ and groovin’ while counting down the days to Christmas! Who needs five golden rings, when you can have five onion rings?
Join Pete and the gang for one-of-a-kind holiday cheer. He adds a cool-cat spin on a well-known Christmas carol, bringing a hip and energetic spirit to the season.
Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser
This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?
Disney Junior Fancy Nancy: Nancy and the Nice List by Krista Tucker, illustrated by Disney Storybook Art Team
Nancy wants a bike for Christmas. But not just any bike…she wants one that’s fuchsia. That’s fancy for pink and purple. Nancy needs to get on Santa’s nice list, so she spends her holiday trying to be nice. But eventually, she learns the true meaning of Christmas. This deluxe storybook includes one sheet of stickers and two letters to Santa!
Paddington and the Christmas Surprise by Michael Bond, illustrated by R.W. Alley
Christmas is coming, and Paddington has saved just enough money to take the Brown family to Barkridges store to visit Santa’s Winter Wonderland. But trouble has a way of finding the lovable bear, so when Paddington decides to lend a helping hand, the whole store is suddenly in chaos. Luckily Mrs. Bird knows just what to do and — with a little help from Santa Claus himself — might even make Paddington’s special Christmas wish come true!
Biscuit’s Christmas Storybook Collection by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, pictures by Pat Schories
Featuring nine complete stories, Biscuit’s Christmas Storybook Collection is perfect for fans of the heartwarming little yellow puppy. In this holly-decked paper-over-board, join Biscuit as he plays in the snow, gets ready for Santa, finds the perfect gift, and more!
Harold at the North Pole by Crockett Johnson
Harold at the North Pole finds Harold in need of a Christmas tree and Santa in need of Harold’s help. It’s up to Harold to draw a pack of jolly reindeer to transport Santa, along with his big bag of toys, through the night and save Christmas!
The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas by Mike Berenstain
Ho, ho, ho! It’s Christmas Eve, and Mama wants to teach the Bears that there’s more to the holidays than just television specials. The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas, a heartwarming retelling of Clement Clark Moore’s classic Christmas tale, is an enchanting addition to this New York Times bestselling series.
The Berenstain Bears Old-Fashioned Christmas by Jane & Mike Berenstain
Christmastime is here! The Bear family is visiting Grizzly Gramps and Gran for the special holiday. This year they’re going to celebrate the old-fashioned way! With no TV to watch or video games to play, the cubs enjoy learning all about Gran’s Christmas figurines, listening to Gramps’s player piano, and even cutting down their own tree. Join the Berenstain Bears for a Christmas to remember.
Clark the Shark Loves Christmas by Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis
Clark the Shark loves Christmas more than anyone! When Clark’s class organizes a Secret Santa exchange, Clark decides to find out who will be giving him a present . . . and forgets to get a present for his Secret Santa! What will happen on the day of the gift exchange? Will Clark learn about Christmas giving?
Merry Christmas, Little Critter! by Mercer Mayer
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? This 8x8 storybook is complete with gatefold flaps that readers can pull back to reveal holiday surprises.
Danny and the Dinosaur: A Very Dino Christmas by Syd Hoff
Danny’s friend the dinosaur has never experienced Christmas before, so he and Danny decide to celebrate — dino-style! But what will happen when the museum director isn’t so happy with the new museum decorations? Find out in this Danny and the Dinosaur 8x8 adventure, complete with 8 holiday cards, a poster, and stickers.
Merry Christmas, Splat by Rob Scotton
It’s the night before Christmas, and Splat wonders if this year he’s going to get the really big present he wants. Has Splat been good enough or will Christmas wind up ruined?
Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Christmas has come to the Big Woods of Wisconsin! Laura and her family are excited to celebrate. When Laura’s cousins, aunt, and uncle arrive, they spend their time together eating sweets, playing in the snow, and reading. Their holiday celebrations are full of simple joys.
A Very Marley Christmas by John Grogan, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
With all the excitement of Christmas approaching, it’s no surprise that Marley, the lovable pup with a nose for trouble, wants to join in. Anticipating his very first snowfall and Santa’s arrival, Marley jumps in to help his family in every way he can. But while Marley may have good intentions, it’s not long before he tears down the twinkle lights, attacks a paper chain of snowflakes, and mistakes the Christmas tree for . . . well . . . his very own indoor bathroom. Will Marley’s rowdiness ruin Christmas, or will he find a way to share some holiday magic with his family?
Timeless Christmas Classics
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Mary Engelbreit
’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house…
This resplendent edition of Clement C. Moore’s classic poem invites readers young and old into the enchanting world of Mary Engelbreit. It’s the most magical evening of the year, in a house so cozy, colorful, and bursting with Christmas magic, that only this beloved illustrator could have created it. Behold an unforgettable wonderland full of fascinating detail, rich color, and lively characters.
Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Jeffers
In a joyous rendition of the classic song, Susan Jeffers’s artwork sparkles with the excitement of a magical journey, revels in the fun of the twelve preposterous gifts, and brings us home in time for a joyful Christmas morning.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Brett Helquist
In this luminous picture book adaptation of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge leaps off the page to warm the soul of one and all. Be swept away in an unforgettable Christmas Eve, from Scrooge’s first “Bah, humbug!” to the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Past; from the courage of Tiny Tim to the glory of Christmas morning. Brett Helquist’s art bursts with spirit, humor, and an irresistible attention to detail. Here is a treasure for the whole family to share, year after year. A merry Christmas, everyone!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, illustrated by Tudor Humphries
Now younger children can share the magical experience, entering into a world of enchantment that will forever lure them back. Four adventurous siblings step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter — but never Christmas — cursed by the power of the White Witch. Only Aslan, the Great Lion, can reverse her wicked spell.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson, illustrated by Laura Cornell
Meet the Herdmans — they lie, cheat, and love to give clonks on the head. They are, without a doubt, the worst kids in the history of the world. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.
Adapted from the beloved novel of the same name, this sparkling picture-book version is perfect for younger children.
The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers
Join Marie, Fritz, and the intriguing Nutcracker himself on a magical Christmas Eve adventure. Behold the frightful Mouse King, the elegant Sugar Plum fairies, and the entire Land of Sweets in this dazzling, gorgeously illustrated holiday classic. And for Susan Jeffers fans looking for extra content, an author’s note is included at the end of the book, in which she explains what inspired her to turn this holiday tradition into a show-stopping picture book.
The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow, illustrated by James Ransome
In this original retelling, set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, one little girl finds her voice as a musician thanks to her enchanting adventures with a magical toy.
This quintessential holiday tale is brought to vivid life by debut picture book author T. E. McMorrow and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator James Ransome.
Mary Engelbreit’s Nutcracker by Mary Engelbreit
Marie, the Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy will enchant readers in this freshly imagined holiday classic by New York Times bestseller Mary Engelbreit, now in paper-over-board format for the first time. On Christmas Eve, Marie receives a wooden nutcracker from her beloved uncle. Then something magical happens . . . her toy nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince and whisks Marie off to the fantastical Toyland on a winter adventure she’ll never forget.
Yes, Virginia (There Is a Santa Claus) by Chris Plehal, illustrate by James Bernardin
In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote the New York Sun to ask a simple question: Is there a Santa Claus? The editor’s response was a stirring defense of hope, generosity, and the spirit of childhood. His essay has been reprinted countless times since, and the phrase “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” has become part of American Christmas lore. Based on these real-life events, Yes, Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.
White Christmas by Irving Berlin, illustrated by Michael Hague
One of the most well known holiday songs of all time, Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” depicts the dream of a perfect Christmas — one filled with snow. And in the hands of fantasy artist Michael Hague, it’s also filled with snow fairies, reindeer, woodland creatures, sleigh rides, Santa Claus, and more.
Jingle Bells by Susan Jeffers
Ride along with a girl, a boy, their pony, and a mischievous dog as they travel to Grandma’s house. With playful animals in their path, their journey gets a bit sidetracked. But soon enough they arrive at Grandma’s — where an unexpected visitor fills them with holiday cheer!
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by John Rox, illustrated by Bruce Whatley
Christmas is coming, and one little girl wants nothing more than a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy. But will Santa Claus and her parents make her Christmas wish come true?
Books about Christmas Traditions
Ho Ho Homework by Mylisa Larsen, illustrated by Taiai Morley
It’s almost Christmas, and Jack’s classroom has a new substitute teacher. There’s something funny about Mr. Clausen — he seems awfully familiar.…Is it his long, white beard? Is it the way his laugh sounds a lot like “Ho, ho, ho”? Or maybe it’s his snack of milk and cookies — reindeer-shaped cookies!
Jack’s classmates are convinced they know who Mr. Clausen really is, but Jack’s not so sure…
This jacketed picture book comes with instructions for how to make your own Snowflake Wish!
Christmas Cookies: Bite-Sized Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jane Dyer
From making the same kind of cookies at the same time each year (tradition) to decorating them with lots of sprinkles (celebrate), emergent readers will gobble up gentle holiday lessons in this charming book.
Wintercake by Lynne Rae Perkins
When Thomas misplaces the basket of dried fruit he needs to make his seasonal wintercake, friends old and new come together to save the day. Newbery Medalist and acclaimed picture book creator Lynne Rae Perkins weaves a delightful holiday tale full of surprises and gentle humor.
Cobweb Christmas: The Tradition of Tinsel by Shirley Climo, illustrated by Jane Manning
Everybody loves Christmas at Tante’s. The old lady decorates a wonderful tree and makes certain to have something for all who come to visit, be it the nearby village children or the shy animals of the pine forest.
The only creatures Tante overlooks are the spiders she has swept out of her cottage while cleaning. But the curious spiders want to come inside and see Tante’s tree, too. When a midnight visitor lets them into the old lady’s home, they unknowingly spin Tante the very gift she has longed for… one that will start a tradition that has lasted for centuries.
The Christmas Tree Who Loved Train by Annie Silvestro, illustrated by Paola Zakimi
A pine tree grew in the farthest corner of the tree farm on a small patch of land that bordered the train track. The tree loved trains. She loved to watch them ZOOM by on the tracks beside the tree farm. Her branches would ripple in the wind as the trains roared past. But one morning, when a little boy picks her to be his Christmas tree, she is uprooted and brought to a home far from the ZOOMING trains she loves…
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck, illustrated by Mark Buehner
Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year — something that shows how much he really loves him. But it’s Christmas Eve, and he doesn’t have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? But then Rob thinks of the best gift of all…
River Rose and the Magical Christmas by Kelly Clarkson, illustrated by Lucy Fleming
It’s Christmas Eve, and River Rose wants to stay up all night to hand-deliver a letter to Santa. She can’t wait to finally meet the man in red until . . . Oh no! River Rose and her dog, Joplin, have fallen asleep and been swept off on another magical adventure. This time, they’re off to the North Pole to let Santa know what River Rose really wants for Christmas.
The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Brett Helquist
This is a story about a lump of coal who can think, talk, and move itself around. Is there a more charming holiday tale to behold? Probably, but Lemony Snicket has not written one.
A Christmas Goodnight by Nola Buck, illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright
On a quiet but wondrous Christmas Eve, the nativity story comes to life, and families everywhere celebrate the miracle of Christmas.
When Santa Lost His Ho! Ho! Ho! by Laura Rader
It’s almost Christmas, and everyone — from Mrs. Claus right down to the littlest elf — is getting ready for the big day. But there’s something wrong at the North Pole. It’s just a bit too . . . quiet. Oh no! Santa has lost his laugh! Where could it be? And how can there be Christmas without Santa’s Ho! Ho! Ho!
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Jim LaMarche
All alone in an empty field grew a little fir tree. It dreamed of being part of a forest-or part of anything at all. Then one winter day, a man takes the little fir tree away and it finds itself at the center of a little boy’s very special celebration.
The Littlest Evergreen by Henry Cole
The littlest evergreen lived a quiet life on a peaceful hillside. Then one December evening, everything changed. . . .
Christmas Tree! by Wendell and Florence Minor
Voyaging from cities to plains and in renderings of things miniature to grand, Wendell and Florence Minor lead young readers on an imaginative journey across America in tribute to one of our most beloved symbols — the Christmas tree.
Christmas Around the World by Mary D. Lankford, illustrated by Karen Dugan, Irene Norman
From Ethiopian fringed umbrellas and star-shaped Filipino parol lanterns to candlelit Swedish St. Lucia crowns, Christmas Around the World brings together Christmas traditions from twelve different lands, like decorations on a splendid tree.
Going Home by Eve Bunting, illustrated by David Diaz
Christmas is coming, and Carlos and his family are going home — driving south across the border to Mexico. But Mexico doesn’t seem like home to Carlos, even though he and his sisters were born there. Can home be a place you don’t really remember?
Cuddly Christmas Critters
Sammy Claws: The Christmas Cat by Lucy Rowland & Paula Bowles
Santa’s cuddly pet cat, Sammy Claws, will sleep anywhere! Snoozing in a box on Christmas Eve, Sammy finds himself wrapped up as a Christmas gift and bundled onto the sleigh with the other presents.
How will Sammy escape? And can he save the presents from two robbers with plans to steal them all away?
The Bear and the Star by Lola M. Schafer, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen
On a cold winter morning, Bear welcomes a new star to the sky and searches for the perfect tree — a majestic evergreen — under which to host a celebration for everyone to enjoy. Almost as if by magic, guests start to arrive. They are feathered, furry, scaled — on the wing, on four paws, on two feet. They are young and old. They bring gifts. They bring love. They bring hope for peace.
Christmas Mouse by Anne Mortimer
There’s much to do before Christmas comes! The tree needs decorating, lights need hanging, and carols must be sung. There are presents to leave for animal friends, treats to nibble on, and stockings to hang by the fire. But will Mouse’s own Christmas wish come true?
Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by Ree DRummond, illustrated by Diana deGroat
In this follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book Charlie the Ranch Dog, Ree Drummond — the Pioneer Woman herself — delivers a story about getting into the holiday spirit and finding the good in all. Even though Charlie may not have put a kitty on his Christmas list, he learns that if you keep an open heart, new friends can come in unexpected packages.
Bear’s Merry Book of Hidden Things by Gergely Dudás
Bear loves the holidays, and this year he’s throwing a party for all his animal friends. But there’s so much to do to get ready — and he is only one very little bear! Can you help Bear find all the secret treasures he needs for his party?
Fletcher and the Snowflake Christmas by Julia Rawlinson, illustrations by Tiphanie Beeke
It’s Christmas Eve, and the rabbits have moved to a new burrow. Fletcher is excited about celebrating the holiday with them, until he realizes Santa Claus won’t know where to deliver their presents! But after a cozy night of caroling and blackberry pie, Fletcher wakes to a snowy Christmas morning full of wonderful surprises.
Gingerbread Mouse by Katy Braun
On a snowy winter’s night, Mouse is snug in her bed. Then…crack! A tree branch falls and destroys her house! It’s up to Mouse to find a new place to live in time for her to enjoy the season. With determination, resourcefulness, and a good amount of Christmas wonder, Mouse finds not only another house but also a place she can truly call home.
Santa Claus and the Three Bears by Maria Modugno, illustrated by Jane and Brooke Dyer
Papa Bear, Mama Bear, and Baby Bear weren’t expecting any company when they went for a walk on Christmas Eve, but that’s exactly what they got! Debut author Maria Modugno teams up with award-winning artists Jane and Brooke Dyer to deliver a festive twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, with Santa Claus stepping in as the cheerful intruder.
A Pussycat’s Christmas by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Anne Mortimer
Experience all the mystery and beauty of Christmas through the eyes of a cat in this simple, rhythmic story by Margaret Wise Brown, beloved author of Goodnight Moon. With stunning illustrations by Anne Mortimer, this is a perfect gift for cat lovers and Christmas revelers of all ages.
Prissy & Pop Deck the Halls by Melissa Nicholson
It’s Christmastime, and Prissy and Pop are preparing for Santa’s arrival. They’re trimming the tree, baking cookies, and singing carols. But wait — they forgot to send Santa directions to their house! Will they have a merry piggie Christmas after all?
Russell’s Christmas Magic by Rob Scotton
When Santa and his broken sleigh are stranded in Firefly Wood, Santa is sure that Christmas will have to be canceled. That is, until Russell the Sheep comes to the rescue! With a clatter and a bang, Russell shows that hard work and a little imagination can make a magic that is all his own.
Board Books for Little Hands
My Baby Loves Christmas by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Tara Nicole Whitaker
Celebrate all the lovely things that Baby discovers about Christmas. This board book, the perfect gift for a new baby, features rhythmic poetry from Jabari Asim and adorable art from Tara Nicole Whitaker.
Sheila Rae’s Peppermint Stick by Kevin Henkes
One peppermint stick. Two sisters. See sibling rivalry turn to sweet solidarity.
Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas! by Victoria Kann
This year Pinkalicious has decided she wants a bright pink artificial Christmas tree. But Mommy and Daddy immediately say no — the Pinkertons always get real trees for the holidays. Despite Pinkalicious’s begging and pleading, each family member has a different objection: real trees smell better; it’s tradition; and there is definitely no room to store a big pink tree in the house after Christmas! Pinkalicious is disappointed, but she tries to put on her best cheerful face. Then, the day before Christmas, Mommy and Daddy surprise Pinkalicious by coming home with a gorgeously pink artificial tree and Pinkalicious is delighted! It’s pinkatastic!
Mog’s Christmas by Judith Kerr
It’s Christmas, and Mog’s house is full of strange noises and peculiar smells. Everyone is busy hanging holly and blowing up balloons, and where is that tree going…?
Merry Christmas, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond
Join Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he decorates his Christmas tree in a holiday counting adventure.
Christmas in the Manger by Nora Buck, illustrated by Felicia Bond
The gentle beauty of the story of the first Christmas is now available as a board book. With a simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is perfect for the youngest child to be a part of the wonder of the Nativity.
Also available in padded board book!
Biscuit Gives a Gift by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories
Christmas is a wonderful time for sharing. Biscuit finds the perfect gifts for everyone he loves.
Five Little Elves illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
Celebrate the season with Santa’s little helpers as they pack his big red sleigh full of brightly wrapped presents. Toddlers will be eager to chant along with this fun holiday take on a classic rhyme. With Dan Yaccarino’s vibrant and bold illustrations, this sturdy board book is sure to captivate young readers with its Christmas cheer.
A Merry Little Christmas: Celebrate from A to Z by Mary Engelbreit
With angels atop trees, bows tied around presents, and cookies from grandma, Gregory Mouse’s cheery family celebrates the holidays by sleigh-riding through the ABCs.
This festive exploration of the alphabet offers children a miniature world filled with wonderful details — a treat that could only come from Mary Engelbreit.
Splat the Cat: Christmas Countdown by Rob Scotton
Splat the Cat is so excited for Christmas! Join him and his family as they decorate their tree, wrap presents, and find out what makes a holiday extra warm and fuzzy in this special touch-and-feel book from New York Times bestselling author-artist Rob Scotton.
Biscuit’s Pet & Play Christmas: A Touch & Feel Book by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories
The touch and feel elements include Biscuit’s sweater, a horse’s mane…and even Santa’s beard! The sturdy board book pages and simple text are just right for babies and toddlers.
