Our Favorite Read-Aloud Children’s Christmas Books

Every year, we look forward to bringing out our favorite children’s Christmas books.  It never gets old!  After being tucked away all year with the decorations, the pages still seem to smell like last year’s Christmas.  Such a treat to get hints of peppermint, chocolate, and firewood while reading. 

We’re sharing a list of our families’ favorite books to snuggle up and share together.  Perhaps, your family will find a new favorite Christmas story this year. 

Merry Christmas to all… and to all a good write! 

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Make sure you check out our Amazon Storefront for the complete list of books, including some new additions!

Children’s Christmas Books

Classic Favorites

      

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and Christian Birmingham.  Well known, beloved story of waiting for Santa on Christmas Eve.  Gorgeous illustrations throughout make this a whimsical, festive version to share together.

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.  A classic, well loved choice to add to your Christmas library.  This book is full of beautiful oil paintings.  We love the pictures of snow at night which somehow make you feel the chilly winter air.  Trains are a big hit in our homes and so is this Caldecott Honor recipient.  Hop on board and enjoy this journey to the North Pole.

      

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Robert L. May.  This is the original story of Rudolph, which was created in 1939 for Montgomery Ward Department store to give away to customers.  Many people know the famous reindeer and song, but not many are familiar with the story that started it all. 

   

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.  Original text and artwork tell the story of the Velveteen Rabbit, who was given as a Christmas gift.  At first, the Rabbit finds himself in the nursery waiting for the Boy to notice him.  Once found, the Boy and Rabbit become best friends.  But what happens when the Rabbit becomes worn out and tattered?  This book always leaves us wondering if toys have feelings.

   

I Spy Christmas; A Picture Book of Riddles by photographer Walter Wick and author Jean Marzollo.  A challenging eye-spy game to put you in the Christmas spirit.  We actually own two copies of this book (both received as gifts) which makes for a little friendly competition among our kids throughout the Christmas season.

 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.  The title of this book speaks for itself, just about everyone knows and loves this story.  We are included!  Many versions of the Grinch have been made, however, we prefer the original for its timeless illustrations.

    

The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman, illustrated by Maurice Sendak.  Beautiful unique illustrations by Caldecott Award recipient, Maurice Sendak, are what make this edition unique.  You’ll find a magical world full of brightly colored, detailed artwork.

         

Tomie de Paola – Children’s Christmas Books

We enjoy MANY of Tomie de Paola’s books throughout the year.  He is a “Perhaps This Is…” favorite author and we know we can always count on him for meaningful stories and bright, beautiful artwork.  His books feature a variety of countries to visit, which is especially fun for Christmas.

  

The Legend of the Poinsettia retold by Tomie de Paola.  We’ve all come to know poinsettias around Christmas.  Cat owners know they are of great interest to our furry friends but should be kept away from our pets.  In this book, you travel to Mexico and find out the meaning behind the poinsettia plant and what it symbolizes.  The bright colors make you feel like you are in Mexico.

   

Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie de Paola.  Strega Nona loves Christmas and every year, in Italy, she hosts a huge gathering for the town.  She is so busy preparing, she must send someone else to get the groceries.  Find out if her plan works out or if maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to ask for help.  A good lesson to remind us what Christmas is all about.

    

Jingle the Christmas Clown by Tomie de Paola.  Jingle’s job in the circus is to take care of the baby animals.  One day the circus leaves him behind in a poor Italian town.  Jingle decides he wants to make Christmas Eve special for the town.  He and his animals use their talents to put on their own circus show.  Wonderful book showing you are never too little to help others.

   

Country Angel Christmas by Tomie de Paola.  St. Nick is visiting the Country Angels and everyone is busy making things special.  So busy, that the three littlest angels are left out until St. Nick gives them the biggest job of all.  Another good book for showing even the littlest angels can help.

   

The Friendly Beasts by Tomie de Paola.  The animals in the stable share what they gave of themselves for the Baby Jesus.  The book is based on an English Christmas Carol, which can be found online to listen to with minimal searching.  Very sweet story and paintings.

   

The Christmas Pageant by Tomie de Paola.  See how a group of children put on a play about the Nativity.  Based on the biblical account of the story, yet told in an easy to understand way.

Don’t forget to check out our list of 25 OF THE BEST WINTER READ-ALOUD CHILDREN’S BOOKS!

   

Laura Ingalls Wilder – Children’s Christmas Books

  

We love the Little House series!  Laura Ingalls Wilder (a “Perhaps This Is…” favorite author) has a unique way of storytelling that makes you feel like you are part of the Ingalls family.  Wilder’s ability to share history with her readers is engaging and exciting.  We’ve enjoyed reading the series aloud and have even made snow candy following a winter storm.  Below are books that feature Christmas stories with the Ingalls family.  You are sure to enjoy!

  

Santa Comes to the Little House by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Sisters, Laura and Mary, are concerned Santa won’t be able to find them on the open prairie and there is no sign of snow for Christmas.  To add to that, the river is too high and dangerous for their friend, Mr. Edwards, to cross for a visit with the Ingalls family.  Laura and Mary have accepted that it is likely neither Santa nor Mr. Edwards will visit this year.  Will Christmas still feel the same?  The story is charming and is taken from Little House on the Prairie, the third book in the Little House series.

    

Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Wonderful picture book for younger children about Christmas in simpler times.  The Ingalls family, as always, is warm and inviting in this story taken from Little House in the Big Woods, the first book in the Little House series.

   

A Little House Christmas (Volume 1) by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  A collection of Christmas stories from the Little House series.  A wonderful look at Christmas traditions from Laura’s childhood on the prairie.  Be sure to pre-read Ma’s explanation of Santa (from On the Banks of Plum Creek chapter) before sharing with younger children, as you might not be ready for that yet and may wish to skip it.

   

A Little House Christmas (Volume 2) by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The Ingalls’ Christmas stories continue in this follow-up to volume one.  Included in this collection are stories from Farmer Boy, By the Shores of Silver Lake and These Happy Golden Years.

  

Religious Children’s Christmas Books

   

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown.  A childlike retelling of the Nativity from the author of Goodnight Moon. You’ll join the animals as they meet the Baby Jesus. One thing to be aware of is “another name” for a donkey is used.  Can easily be switched when reading to non-readers.

   

A Savior Is Born: Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas by Patti Rokus.  This book is simple and very creative.  Using rocks, the story of the Nativity is told.  This book seems to do what kids do best in nature- which is to use their imaginations to see and create new things.  Beautiful artwork that will inspire your creative side.

   

The Christmas Story (Little Golden Book) by Jane Werner Watson.  A classic Golden Book version of the Nativity story with warm, beautiful artwork.  There are several challenging words in the text to help grow your child’s vocabulary.

       

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren.  It seems every child at one point wonders, “Is God more important than Santa?”  This is a great book to explain why God is even more important than Santa at Christmas (and always).  Bright colorful pictures with just enough words to tell the story.  Easy for children to understand.

   

How the Hibernators Came to Bethlehem by Norma Farber.  All of the animals are settled in for a winter sleep when a star, so bright, appears and wakes them all up.  The star is so beautiful they leave the warmth of their dens and sleepily follow the star to Bethlehem to find a glorious sight.  Great for animal lovers and a subtle lesson on hibernation during Christmas.

    

Children’s Christmas Board Books

  

The Story of Christmas by Patrica A. Pingry.  Written specifically for young children, this book tells the story of the Nativity with basic, easy to understand words.  We love this author’s simple style and also own  The Story of Thanksgiving.

   

Little Blue Truck’s Christmas by Alice Schertle.  Our favorite, helpful Little Blue Truck is back, just in time for Christmas.  Count along as he delivers Christmas trees to all of his animal friends.  Great for toddlers and preschoolers.

  

Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker and A.G. Ford.  This book is just plain adorable!  After you read this clever story, you will wonder why you never thought that construction trucks celebrate Christmas too.  Easy to read rhymes and wintery pictures make this a cozy choice at bedtime for anyone who loves big trucks.

    

Family Favorite Children’s Christmas Books

   

The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman.  What is the true meaning of Christmas?  It is easy to forget with all the festivities surrounding us.  Slow down together and read this book to remind your family what Christmas is all about.  Hint: Baby Jesus is mentioned too.

   

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story by Gloria Houston.  Set in 1920s North Carolina, this book tells one family’s story of  their turn to pick the Christmas tree for their church.  Why does the tree have to be perfect?  You’ll be surprised to find out.  Great story about the strength and courage of being a family.

   

Jan Brett’s Christmas Treasury by Jan Brett.  The illustrations in each story are beautiful and sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.  Because there are seven great stories in this book, plan on reading them all at once.  Titles included in this book: The Night Before Christmas, Trouble with Trolls, Christmas Trolls, The Mitten, The Hat, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and The Wild Christmas Reindeer.

   

A Christmas Tree in the White House: Gary Hines.  What happens when Theodore Roosevelt, the “conservation president,” refuses to allow a cut Christmas tree in the White House?  His two young sons obviously aren’t happy and have other plans.  Based on actual events, this book includes a history section so you can learn more about President Roosevelt, who helped start the National Parks system we all love.

     

Merry Christmas, Squirrels! by Nancy Rose.   This book is TOO much fun!  Nancy Rose has set-up adorable, tiny, handmade scenes in her backyard to capture photos of squirrels as they stop in and check things out.  So full of imagination and playfulness.  Nancy’s squirrels stole our hearts and our family very much enjoys reading this book together.  It never fails, we always see squirrels hurrying about our own backyard after reading this book and we wonder what they’re up to.  Thankfully, Nancy Rose has several other titles we enjoy throughout the year: The Secret Life of Squirrels,  The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story,  The Secret Life of Squirrels: Back to School.

     

A Pussycat’s Christmas by Margret Wise Brown.  Snuggle up and read about this cat’s version of what Christmas is like.  This book is full of beautiful artwork throughout.  The eyes on each picture of the cat are incredible for conveying the mood, whether its curiosity, mischief or wonder.

    

Cranberry Christmas by Wende Devlin.  No ice-skating is allowed this year because Old Cyrus Grape won’t allow it on “his” pond.  He doesn’t like children either.  Can Mr. Whiskers save the day… just by cleaning his house?  Before reading, don’t forget to bake Maggie’s Favorite Cranberry Cookies to enjoy while you find out.  Recipe is on back of book.  This book is related to Cranberry Thanksgiving which is found on the Five in a Row homeschool curriculum list.    

        

Dream Snow by Eric Carle.  It is Christmas Eve and the farmer is worried Christmas won’t come without snow.  He falls asleep and dreams of a huge snow that covers his animals, named One, Two, Three, Four and Five.  When he awakes he can hardly believe his eyes…it has actually snowed!  He realizes he forget to do something special for his animals and sets off in the snow to get it done before Christmas morning.  Classic Eric Carle style throughout.  

Did you see some of your favorites on our list? Let us know in the comments what are some of your family’s favorite children’s Christmas book.

Merry Christmas!