Christmas is a magical time of year, especially for kids. One of the best ways to get them excited about the holiday season is by reading them Christmas books. There are countless options available, from classic tales to modern stories, making it challenging to choose the right one for your child.
When it comes to selecting the best Christmas books for kids, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the age of your child is crucial. You want to choose a book that is appropriate for their reading level and will capture their attention. Secondly, the storyline and illustrations should be engaging and entertaining. The last thing you want is for your child to lose interest halfway through the book.
Another critical factor to consider is the message of the book. Christmas is a time for joy, love, and giving, and the book you choose should reflect those values. Whether it’s a story about Santa Claus, a tale of friendship, or a lesson in gratitude, the book should leave a positive impression on your child.
We have spent hours researching and testing various Christmas books for kids to identify the ones that are worth your time and money. In the following sections, we will share our top picks for the best Christmas books for kids of all ages.
Top 3 Best Christmas Books for Kids
1. Little Red Sleigh: A Heartwarming Christmas Book For Children
3. Bear Stays Up for Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, we know how important it is to find the perfect gift for the little ones in your life. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best Christmas books for kids that will surely bring joy and excitement to their holiday season. From classic tales to new releases, our selection features books that are perfect for children of all ages. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best Christmas books for kids.
Little Red Sleigh: A Heartwarming Christmas Book For Children (Little Heroes, Big Hearts)
If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas story for your little ones, we highly recommend Little Red Sleigh.
Pros
- .The illustrations are beautiful and captivating, making it easy for young children to stay engaged with the story.
- The story is heartwarming and teaches important lessons about perseverance and the power of believing in oneself.
- The book is a great size for reading with a child and the hardcover format makes it durable enough to withstand many readings.
Cons
- The story may be a bit too long for very young children with shorter attention spans.
- Some parents may find the story to be a bit predictable.
- The book is a bit on the expensive side compared to other children’s books.
From the beautiful illustrations to the heartwarming story, Little Red Sleigh is a must-have for any family’s Christmas book collection. It tells the story of a small red sleigh who dreams of becoming part of Santa’s team and delivering presents to children. Despite being laughed at by the other big sleighs, Little Red Sleigh perseveres and proves that even the smallest can achieve great things.
The story is perfect for teaching young children about the importance of believing in themselves and never giving up on their dreams. The illustrations perfectly capture the magic of Christmas and will keep children engaged throughout the entire story.
Overall, we highly recommend Little Red Sleigh for any family looking for a heartwarming Christmas story to read with their children.
Sneezy the Snowman
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging Christmas book for kids, Sneezy the Snowman is a great choice.
Pros
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- The story is entertaining and easy to follow for young children.
- The rhyming text is engaging and helps children develop phonemic awareness.
- The colorful illustrations are appealing and help bring the story to life.
Cons
- The book is relatively short, with only 34 pages.
- The story is not particularly deep or complex.
- Some readers may find the story a bit predictable.
We recently read Sneezy the Snowman with our young children and they loved it. The story follows a snowman who keeps melting and needs help from some children to stay cold. The rhyming text is fun to read aloud and our kids enjoyed trying to guess what would happen next. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and they help keep the kids engaged in the story.
While the story is not particularly complex, it is still enjoyable for young children. The book is relatively short, which is perfect for shorter attention spans. However, some readers may find the story a bit predictable. Overall, we would definitely recommend Sneezy the Snowman for anyone looking for a fun and engaging Christmas book for kids.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas (The Bear Books)
If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas story for your little ones, then Bear Stays Up for Christmas is a great choice.
Pros
- .The beautiful illustrations will capture your child’s attention.
- The story is engaging and teaches the value of friendship and togetherness.
- The book is sturdy and can withstand rough handling by little hands.
Cons
- The book is relatively short, with only 40 pages.
- The rhyming text may be a bit difficult for younger children to understand.
- Some readers may find it too similar to other books in the Bear series.
We recently read Bear Stays Up for Christmas to our preschoolers, and they loved it! The story is about Bear who is determined to stay awake for Christmas, with the help of his animal friends. The illustrations are colorful and lively, and the rhyming text adds a fun element to the story.
The book is well-made and can withstand rough handling by little ones. However, it is relatively short, with only 40 pages, so it may not hold your child’s attention for very long. Additionally, the rhyming text may be a bit difficult for younger children to understand, but it does add to the charm of the book.
Overall, we highly recommend Bear Stays Up for Christmas as a great addition to your child’s Christmas book collection. It teaches the value of friendship and togetherness in a fun and engaging way.
The Christmas Owl: Based on the True Story of a Little Owl Named Rockefeller
If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas story to share with your little ones, The Christmas Owl: Based on the True Story of a Little Owl Named Rockefeller is a great choice.
Pros
- .The story is based on a true story about a little owl named Rockefeller, which makes it even more special.
- The illustrations are colorful and engaging, which will keep children interested in the story.
- The book is suitable for children from preschool to third grade, making it a versatile choice for families with children of different ages.
Cons
- The book is only 40 pages long, which may be shorter than some parents would prefer.
- The reading level is listed as 4-8 years, which may be too advanced for some preschoolers.
- The book is only available in hardcover, which may be more expensive than some parents would like.
This book tells the story of a little owl who becomes trapped in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and is rescued by a kind-hearted worker. The story is heartwarming and will teach children the value of kindness and compassion.
The illustrations in the book are beautiful and will capture children’s attention. The book is suitable for children from preschool to third grade, which makes it a great choice for families with children of different ages.
One potential downside of the book is that it is only 40 pages long, which may be shorter than some parents would prefer. Additionally, the reading level is listed as 4-8 years, which may be too advanced for some preschoolers.
Overall, The Christmas Owl: Based on the True Story of a Little Owl Named Rockefeller is a great choice for families looking for a heartwarming Christmas story to share with their children.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
We highly recommend purchasing Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree for your little ones this holiday season. This heartwarming tale of generosity and sharing is sure to become a family favorite.
Pros
- .Beautifully illustrated with colorful and engaging pictures that capture the spirit of Christmas.
- A charming story that teaches the importance of sharing and caring for others.
- Perfect for children aged 3-7 years, with a reading level of preschool to second grade.
Cons
- The story is longer than some other children’s books, so it may not hold the attention of very young children.
- The book mentions Santa in passing, which may be an issue for families who do not celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus.
- The book may not be suitable for older children who are looking for more complex stories.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree tells the story of a large Christmas tree that is too big for Mr. Willowby’s parlor. His butler trims the top of the tree, and the piece that is cut off is passed on to various families and animals, each of whom trims it down to fit their own home. The story is told in rhyme, which makes it fun and engaging for young readers.
The illustrations in the book are beautiful and colorful, and they perfectly capture the spirit of Christmas. The story teaches the importance of sharing and caring for others, making it a perfect choice for families who want to instill these values in their children.
While the story is longer than some other children’s books, it is still easy to follow and engaging for young readers. However, families with very young children may find that it is too long to hold their attention.
Overall, we highly recommend Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree for families who are looking for a heartwarming holiday tale that teaches important values. It is a beautiful book that is sure to become a treasured part of your family’s holiday traditions.
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever
We highly recommend purchasing Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever for your little ones this holiday season.
Pros
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- Beautiful illustrations that capture the magic of Christmas.
- Engaging story that teaches valuable life lessons of determination and perseverance.
- Perfect for children in the age range of 3-6 years.
Cons
- The opening of the story may be upsetting to some children as it portrays captive animals in a traveling circus.
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever is a heartwarming tale that explains how Santa got his reindeer for his sleigh. The story revolves around a group of reindeer living and traveling with a circus. Despite a desire to escape, Dasher’s family is afraid of the unknown. However, Dasher has big dreams and is not afraid to take a chance. She embarks on a brave journey to find a better life, which ultimately helps Santa expand his gift-giving across the world.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful and captivating. The engaging story teaches valuable life lessons of determination and perseverance that are perfect for children in the age range of 3-6 years. However, the opening of the story may be upsetting to some children as it portrays captive animals in a traveling circus.
Overall, Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever is a must-have for any family with young children during the holiday season.
Santa’s Story
If you’re looking for a heartwarming Christmas story for your little ones, Santa’s Story might just be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- .
- Beautiful illustrations that will keep your child engaged.
- A heartwarming story that teaches the importance of stories and traditions.
- A perfect gift for preschoolers and kids up to 7 years old.
Cons
- Some parents might find the storyline a bit too simple.
- The book is only 32 pages long, which might not be enough for some kids.
- The vocabulary might be a bit challenging for younger readers.
In Santa’s Story, author Will Hillenbrand tells the tale of Santa Claus, who is getting ready to leave on Christmas Eve when he discovers that his reindeer are missing. Santa goes on a journey to find each of his reindeer, who are all doing something related to their name. Along the way, Santa teaches the importance of stories and traditions, making this book a perfect addition to your family’s holiday traditions.
The illustrations in Santa’s Story are simply stunning, and they will keep your child engaged throughout the entire book. The story itself is heartwarming and teaches an important lesson about the value of family traditions. While some parents might find the storyline a bit too simple, it’s perfect for preschoolers and kids up to 7 years old.
One potential downside of Santa’s Story is that it’s only 32 pages long, which might not be enough for some kids. Additionally, the vocabulary might be a bit challenging for younger readers, which could make it difficult for them to fully engage with the story.
Overall, we highly recommend Santa’s Story to anyone looking for a heartwarming Christmas story for their little ones. The beautiful illustrations and important message make this book a must-have for any family’s holiday traditions.
Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
If you’re looking for a classic Christmas book for kids, the Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition is a great choice.
Pros
- .The beautiful illustrations truly capture the magic of Christmas and transport readers to a different world.
- The story is heartwarming and perfect for the holiday season, with a message of believing in the magic of Christmas.
- The book comes with a downloadable audiobook and an ornament, making it a great gift for kids.
Cons
- The book is on the shorter side, with only 32 pages, so it may not provide enough reading material for some kids.
- The reading level is geared towards younger children, so older kids may find it too simple.
- The book is a bit pricey compared to other Christmas books for kids.
Overall, we highly recommend the Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition as a must-have Christmas book for kids. The beautiful illustrations and heartwarming story make it a classic that kids will want to read year after year. Plus, the added bonus of the downloadable audiobook and ornament make it a great value for the price.
Buying Guide
As we look for the best Christmas books for kids, it’s important to keep in mind certain factors that can help us choose the right product. Here are some features to consider when selecting a book for your child:
Age Appropriateness
The first thing to consider is the age of your child. Some books may be too advanced or too simple for your child’s reading level. Make sure to choose a book that is appropriate for your child’s age and reading ability.
Content
The content of the book is also important. Look for books with themes that your child will enjoy. Some children prefer books with Christmas stories, while others may prefer books with activities or games. Make sure to choose a book that matches your child’s interests.
Illustrations
Illustrations can also play a big role in your child’s enjoyment of the book. Look for books with colorful and engaging illustrations that will capture your child’s attention.
Quality
The quality of the book is also important. Look for books that are well-made and durable, so they can be enjoyed for years to come.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the book. While it’s important to choose a quality book, it’s also important to stay within your budget. Look for books that offer good value for the price.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best Christmas book for your child and ensure that they have a fun and enjoyable holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top Christmas picture books for young readers?
There are many wonderful Christmas picture books available for young readers. Some of the most popular titles include “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” by Dr. Seuss, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Charles M. Schulz, and “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore.
Which Christmas books are considered classics for babies and toddlers?
For babies and toddlers, classic Christmas books include “The Littlest Christmas Tree” by Janie Jasin, “The Christmas Baby” by Marion Dane Bauer, “The Animals’ Christmas Eve” by Gale Wiersum, and “The Christmas Story” by Jane Werner Watson.
How can I choose engaging Christmas stories for preschoolers?
When choosing Christmas stories for preschoolers, look for books with colorful illustrations and simple, easy-to-understand text. Some great options include “The Gingerbread Man” by Jim Aylesworth, “The Christmas Wish” by Lori Evert, “The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving” by Jan and Mike Berenstain, and “The Nutcracker” by E.T.A. Hoffmann.
What are some recommended Christmas-themed books for 7-year-old children?
For 7-year-old children, recommended Christmas-themed books include “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson, “The Christmasaurus” by Tom Fletcher, “The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey” by Susan Wojciechowski, and “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.
Can you suggest Christmas books that are suitable for teenagers?
For teenagers, Christmas books that are suitable include “Let It Snow” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle, “My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories” edited by Stephanie Perkins, “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, and “The Afterlife of Holly Chase” by Cynthia Hand.
What elements make a Christmas book appealing to kids and young adults?
Some elements that make a Christmas book appealing to kids and young adults include heartwarming stories, relatable characters, beautiful illustrations, and a sense of holiday magic. Additionally, books that incorporate themes of family, friendship, and generosity tend to be especially popular during the holiday season.
