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Top Ten Christmas Books for Kids

  • November 16, 2021
  • By Luanna
  • 2 Comments

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more?!

Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

From the very young to the young-at-heart, there is no greater joy than nibbling on sugar cookies and reading a good Christmas story. In this blog, we’re sharing 10 of our most treasured Christmas tales, along with a simple activity to make a special holiday moment with each book. Let’s read and be merry!


Top 10 Christmas Books for Kids

Our Top 10 Christmas Books for Kids

  1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
    Along with Scooge, the Grinch is one of the world’s most beloved holiday humbugs. While this Dr. Seuss classic also brought us a few Christmas movie favorites, there’s something extra special about reading it rhyme-by-rhyme right off the page. See how a little love and Yuletide joy can warm ever the coldest, cynical of hearts.

    Read this book . . . .
    With the whole family gathered ’round stringing popcorn garland, and sharing in the true spirit of Christmas (including your faithful furry companies like Oliver, Lucky, Gunnar, Sarge, Max . . . . )

  2. The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore and Charles Santore
    Clement Moore’s classic book, The Night Before Christmas is a must-have for every family. It was published just in time for a snowy Christmas Eve back in December 1823. Since then, many versions have been published, but this edition, illustrated by Charles Santore, has a nostalgic feel that will make the perfect family holiday heirloom for years to come.

    Read this book . . .
    Every Christmas Eve right before bed. (Be sure to leave some cookies and milk for Old St. Nick before you start dreaming of sugar plums.)

  3. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
    The Polar Express is one of those children’s books that is loved by kids and adults alike. Hop aboard the Polar Express and take the trip of a lifetime to the magical North Pole. Just remember: the journey is the destination.

    Like The Night Before Christmas, The Polar Express isn’t just a great book to read in December; it is a keepsake to be cherished by loved ones until they’re old enough to read it to their children or grandchildren.

    Read this book . . .
    With a cozy blanket and a warm mug of hot chocolate, of course!

  4. Merry Christmas, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
    What’s Christmastime like in Calabria? Busy, busy, busy! Join Strega Nona as she rushes around to clean, prep, and make her gigantic annual feast for her tiny Italian town. Will she get it all done in time for Christmas Day? Maybe, with the help of a special kind of magic . . .

    Read this book . . . .
    With a hearty slice of Panettone and a cup of spiced warm cider (or mulled wine for the grown-ups.)

  5. The Little Fir Tree, original story by Hans Christian Andersen, told by Christopher Corr
    The Little Fir is a modern retelling of Has Christian Andersen’s festive tale. In this edition, Christopher Corr’s beautiful illustrations bring this old fable to life with a colorful folky style.

    Sneak into the forest to find a beautiful fir tree who craved what many of us crave – a bit of adventure. When he is taken into the town for Christmas, he feels like all his dreams come true. Well, at least for a moment. What the Little Fir Tree has to learn is that the world isn’t always what you expect it to be.

    Read this book . . .
    Then ask your little ones what they are grateful for. See if everyone can list at least three things.

  6. A Boy Called Christmas, a Three-Book Collection by Matt Haig
    This warm and witty tale is sure to be a new family favorite. There was once a boy named Nikolas who everyone called “Christmas.” His favorite toy was also his only toy: a doll carved out of a turnip, given to him by his loving parents. When his father goes missing, Nikolas embarks on an epic journey to the North Pole and meets some friends, foes and challenges along the way.

    Read this book . . .
    Then grab the popcorn and pfeffernusse and watch the new movie coming out this year on Netflix.

  7. The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
    Have you ever wondered who the first person was to ever get a Christmas gift? In this whimsical story by the same author of A Boy Called Christmas, you can find out! Learn how Amelia’s generous spirit gave Santa the magic he needed to make his trip around the world. But what happens when Ameilia’s spirit and Santa’s magic drop too low? Find out in this modern, charming Chrsitmas read-along.

    Read this book . . .
    Then crack out the Christmas cards for everyone to spread notes of cheer, gratitude, and love to your family and friends.

  8. The Toys’ Christmas by Claire Clement and Genevieve Godbout
    How does Santa really know what you want for Christmas? With help from your trusty toys! In this imaginative book by Claire Clement, you’ll step into the world of toys and learn just how much they love their owners and how they’ll go to any lengths to make sure they’re happy on Christmas Day.

    Illustrated beautifully by Genevieve Godbout, this book pairs perfectly with her book on gratitude, Apple Cake.

    Read this book . . .
    With your favorite toy in hand. Then write your Christmas wish lists! You might be surprised at what you really want this year.

  9. Mr. Men Christmas Collection, a 14-Book Set by Roger Hargreaves
    The Mr. Men books are perfect for young readers and will get anyone into a goofy Christmas spirit. These books are quick, easy to read, and a joy for even the youngest kids. This box set contains titles like Mr. Noisy and the Silent Night, Mr. Men Winter Sports, and Little Miss Christmas.

    Read these books . . .
    One per night leading up to Christmas as a bookish advent treat! And if you have a big Mr. Men fan in your house, find their perfect stocking stuffer here.

  10. Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
    What are snowmen up to when we’re tucked tight in our beds at night? In this whimsical book, you’ll find out how snowmen celebrate their favorite time of year, all under the glow of moonlight. Be sure to grab Snowmen at Night and Snowmen All Year for a triple feature storytelling experience!

    Read this book . . .
    Then grab your scissors and glue to make some sneaky snowman crafts!

top ten christmas books for kids

Read These Books and Bring the North Pole Right to You

Whether you pick an old Christmas classic or a new yuletide adventure, these books will help you enjoy more family time and may even start a new tradition!

Reading is one of the best ways to bring family together and reminds children that the real spirit of Christmas is time spent together, not money spent in the shops.

But the reading doesn’t have to stop after these ten. What are your favorite Christmas books? Share them in the comments!

By Luanna, November 16, 2021
  • 2
2 Comments
  • Susan DiGiovanni
    November 16, 2021

    Excellent… love all the books! You certainly put me in the Christmas spirit!

  • Stacy Kopper
    November 16, 2021

    Thanks for reminding me to re-read the books! We always put together a holiday movie viewing list and should combine them with the stories.

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