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From the whimsical adventures of elves to the heartwarming tales of giving and sharing, these books will definitely help instill the love of reading in young minds. They also serve as wonderful tools for teaching valuable life lessons wrapped in the festive spirit of Christmas. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a lover of children’s literature, these books are sure to create memorable reading experiences for the little ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And if you’re looking for more festive reading options, don’t forget to check out my other post on Christmas stories for kids<\/a>. It’s packed with more heartwarming tales that are perfect for the holiday season!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is our collection of the best Christmas picture books for kids<\/p>\n\n\n\n In “How to Catch an Elf,” Adam Wallace presents a whimsical Christmas adventure that has quickly become a holiday favorite. On Christmas Eve, a crafty elf causes a ruckus in the house, leading to a series of imaginative and zany traps. This story, brimming with vibrant illustrations and engaging STEAM concepts, captures the essence of holiday excitement. It’s a delightful read for children, parents, and educators, perfect for ages 4-8, and a wonderful addition to any Christmas book collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brandi Dougherty’s “The Littlest Elf” tells the story of Oliver, the smallest elf at the North Pole, on a quest to find his special role in Santa’s workshop. Despite a series of mishaps in different parts of the workshop, Oliver’s journey is a heartwarming tale of perseverance and self-discovery. This story, filled with Christmas cheer, is a reminder that size doesn’t define one’s ability to make a significant impact, especially in the magic of Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: 14 of the Best Children\u2019s Easter Books<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dawn McMillan’s “My Butt is SO CHRISTMASSY!” is a hilarious and light-hearted addition to the beloved Butt book series. This rhyming story follows a young character’s imaginative and humorous quest to decorate his backside for the festive season. It’s a tale that will have children giggling all the way through, as they join in the fun and excitement of dressing up for Christmas in the most unusual way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jan and Mike Berenstain’s “The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving” explores the important themes of generosity and gratitude. Part of the Zonderkidz The Berenstain Bears Living Lights\u2122 series, this book teaches children the value of giving and sharing God\u2019s goodness. With over 13 million copies sold, this story continues to be a cherished resource for parents and educators in imparting traditional values during the holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Julia Zheng’s “The Giving Snowman” is a heartwarming tale of kindness and gratitude. On a snowy night, a compassionate snowman extends help to various characters in need. This story beautifully illustrates the virtue of giving and the interconnectedness it brings to our lives. Zheng’s experience as an English teacher and her passion for writing shine through in this enchanting bedtime story that encourages children to appreciate the joy of helping others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Pete the Cat: Snow Daze” by James Dean and Kimberly Dean captures the excitement and eventual monotony of consecutive snow days. Pete the Cat revels in the fun of snowball fights and hot chocolate, but soon realizes that there can be too much of a good thing. This story is a delightful exploration of finding balance and joy in everyday life, making it a perfect read for young readers navigating their own snow days and holiday breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rick Bunsen’s “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is a timeless Christmas classic that tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer who is initially ostracized for being different. His shiny red nose, which makes him the subject of ridicule, eventually becomes his greatest asset, helping to save Christmas during a massive snowstorm. This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing our uniqueness and how our differences can be our strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In “How to Catch a Reindeer,” Alice Walstead crafts a festive and playful tale where Santa’s trusted reindeer, Comet, goes on an unexpected adventure. This story invites young readers to join the How to Catch Kids in their quest to prove Santa’s existence by catching Comet. Filled with silly rhymes, vibrant illustrations, and engaging STEAM concepts, this book is set to become a cherished holiday tradition, perfect for children aged 4-10 and a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sherri Duskey Rinker’s “Construction Site on Christmas Night” is a heartwarming addition to the beloved Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series. This holiday picture book brings back Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck, and Cement Mixer as they work together to build a new home for fire engines. As they complete their important job, each vehicle receives a special Christmas surprise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chris Van Allsburg’s “Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition” revitalizes the beloved Christmas classic with a bold new jacket design and expanded interior layout. This enchanting tale takes readers on a mysterious journey to the North Pole aboard the Polar Express, capturing the essence of childhood wonder and the magic of Christmas. A Caldecott Medal winner, this story has become a fundamental part of many families’ holiday traditions and has been adapted into a popular movie and stage productions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: Best Nonfiction Thanksgiving Books for Young Readers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Adam Wallace’s “How to Catch a Gingerbread Man” is a whimsical and engaging story where the famous Gingerbread Man leaps from storybook pages, leading kids and characters like Robin Hood and Sherlock Holmes on a merry chase through a bookstore. This book is filled with creative STEAM traps and a fun, silly narrative, making it an ideal read-aloud for children aged 4-10. It’s a delightful addition to the holiday book collection, offering both entertainment and educational value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Night Before Christmas – Hardcover Christmas Book” by Sequoia Children’s Publishing is a beautifully crafted keepsake edition of Clement C. Moore’s classic holiday story. Tom Newsom’s timeless art brings this beloved tale to life, creating a perfect book for families to share and cherish every Christmas season. The option to personalize the book adds an extra special touch, making it a treasured gift for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: Full Color Jacketed Edition” brings a new vibrancy to the classic tale. Originally published with just two colors, this edition features full-color illustrations, likely how Dr. Seuss would have envisioned it if published today. The contrast between the Grinch’s drab life and the vibrant world of the Whos is now more striking than ever. This edition is a cheerful addition to the Dr. Seuss canon, appealing to fans of all ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tom Fletcher’s “The Christmasaurus” is a unique and magical Christmas tale. It begins long ago with a dinosaur egg that ends up frozen in the ocean, only to be discovered by Santa and his elves. The story takes an exciting turn when Santa accidentally gifts a real dinosaur, the Christmasaurus, to a young boy named William Trundle, fulfilling his Christmas wish in the most extraordinary way. This imaginative story blends the magic of Christmas with the wonder of dinosaurs, creating a festive adventure like no other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Pick a Pine Tree” by Patricia Toht is a heartwarming portrayal of a cherished Christmas tradition \u2013 selecting and decorating the Christmas tree. Toht, with her debut book, alongside Jarvis’s illustrations, captures the essence of this festive ritual. The story beautifully unfolds the process, from picking out the perfect tree to digging out ornaments and lighting it up, enveloping readers in the joy and warmth of the season. This book is a delightful celebration of family, friends, and the timeless customs that make the holiday season merry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anna Dewdney’s “Llama Llama Jingle Bells” is a charming board book that introduces the youngest readers to the delightful world of Llama Llama. In this short and sweet rhyming story, little Llama and his friends engage in classic holiday activities \u2013 giving gifts, singing songs, and decorating cookies. It’s a perfect introduction to the holiday season for toddlers, combining the joy of Christmas with the simplicity and appeal of the Llama Llama series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Ian Falconer’s “Olivia Helps with Christmas” is a delightful addition to the beloved Olivia series. This story captures the excitement and chaos of preparing for Christmas through the eyes of everyone’s favorite pig, Olivia. As she eagerly helps with the holiday preparations, her unique charm and energy bring a humorous and heartwarming perspective to the festive season. Falconer’s signature style makes this book a holiday treat for both children and adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The Jolly Christmas Postman” by Allan Ahlberg is a wonderfully interactive picture book that brings back the charm of handwritten letters. This full-color classic invites readers to join the Jolly Postman as he delivers Christmas letters to various fairy-tale characters. The book includes real letters that can be taken out and read, offering a unique and engaging reading experience. It’s a delightful journey through beloved stories, reimagined in a festive, postal adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tomie dePaola’s “The Legend of the Poinsettia” is a beautifully illustrated book that brings to life a traditional Mexican legend about the origins of the poinsettia, known as the flower of the Holy Night. The story, centered around a little girl’s unselfish gift to the Christ Child, is a touching portrayal of the true spirit of giving. DePaola’s vibrant paintings not only capture the brilliant colors of Mexico but also the excitement of Christmas and the poignant hope of the young girl, Lucida.<\/p>\n\n\n\nChristmas Picture Books for Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. How to Catch an Elf<\/a>, by Adam Wallace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n2. The Littlest Elf<\/a>, by Brandi Dougherty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n3. My Butt is SO CHRISTMASSY!<\/a>, by Dawn McMillan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n4. The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving<\/a>, by Jan Berenstain and Mike Berenstain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n5. The Giving Snowman<\/a>, by Julia Zheng<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n6. Pete the Cat: Snow Daze<\/a>, by James Dean and Kimberly Dean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer<\/a>, by Rick Bunsen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n8. How to Catch a Reindeer<\/a>, by Alice Walstead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n9. Construction Site on Christmas Night<\/a>, by Sherri Duskey Rinker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n10. Polar Express<\/a>, by Chris Van Allsburg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n11. How to Catch a Gingerbread Man<\/a>, by Adam Wallace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n12. The Night Before Christmas,<\/a> by Edited by Sequoia Children’s Publishing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n13. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!<\/a> Full Color Jacketed Edition, by Dr. Seuss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n14. The Christmasaurus<\/a>, by Tom Fletcher<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n15. Pick a Pine Tree<\/a>, by Patricia Toht<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n16. Llama Llama Jingle Bells<\/a>, by Anna Dewdney<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n17. Olivia Helps with Christmas<\/a>, by Ian Falconer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n18. The Jolly Christmas Postman<\/a>, by Allan Ahlberg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n19. The Legend of the Poinsettia<\/a>, by Tomie dePaola<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\n20. Cooking with the Grinch (Dr. Seuss)<\/a>, by Tish Rabe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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