10 Best Christmas Books for Kids

Marsha Takeda-Morrison
·4 min read

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Put on your Christmas sweater, pour a cup of cocoa and enjoy these Christmas stories with your child.

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

We all love the holidays, but sometimes all of the shopping and holiday school bake sales can have you feeling more weary than full of wonderment. Some quiet time with a book could be the perfect way to chill out and have some down time with your kids during these hectic times. These Christmas picture books, from the classics to some modern takes on the festive season, will keep you in the holiday spirit and let you recharge for that next batch of cupcakes you’ll have to bake.

The Night Before Christmas

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

It’s not officially the holidays until you hear the words,“'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,” and the reading of this classic poem penned by Clement Clarke Moore in 1822. This New York Times bestseller version features rich illustrations and a four-page foldout that will engage your child and add another visual dimension to your storytelling.

To buy: The Night Before Christmas $11.49; Amazon.com

Yoon and the Christmas Mitten

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of  six-year-old Yoon, who is determined to convince her traditional Korean parents that they can celebrate Christmas in America while still respecting and honoring their beloved traditions.

To buy: Yoon and the Christmas Mitten $25; amazon.com

Olivia Helps with Christmas

Everyone’s favorite, adorable piglet is here to take us through all of her Christmas preparations, from wrapping presents to decorating the tree. Along the way, she of course treats us to her own special blend of high-energy and theatrics. An adorable piglet showing us how to live it up this Christmas – what’s not to love?

To buy: Olivia Helps with Christmas $11.99; Amazon.com

The Nutcracker in Harlem

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon


Set in New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, this retelling of The Nutcracker has at its center a young girl named Marie, who longs to follow her dreams of being a musician. Aided by some special friends who appear in the night—including her nutcracker, of course—she finally finds her voice.

To buy: The Nutcracker in Harlem $16.39; Amazon.com

Tree of Cranes

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

A gentle story about a young boy in Japan whose mother lovingly prepares for his first Chrstimas by folding paper cranes to decorate their tree, a small pine that was planted on the day he was born. It’s a tranquil snapshot of everyday life in Japan, as well as a loving portrait of a mother’s love for her child.

To buy: Tree of Cranes $7.99; Amazon.com

The Snowy Day

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

Bundle up and get cozy for this sweet, enduring classic that tells the story of a young boy, Peter, who ventures out exploring after the season’s first snowfall. Published in 1962, The Snowy Day was groundbreaking, becoming the first picture book featuring an African American main character to win a major children’s book award.

To buy: The Snowy Day $14.99; Amazon.com

A World of Cookies for Santa

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

This celebration of multiculturalism takes us around the world to see all of the treats left out for Santa on Christmas Eve. From Malawi for a sweet potato cookie, to Puerto Rico for mantecadito, to Brazil for brigadeiro—there are 33 stops in all, and some recipes are included so your kids can bake Santa’s treats at home.

To buy: A World of Cookies for Santa $13.19; Amazon.com

I Got the Christmas Spirit

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

This lively story follows a little girl as she looks to celebrate all of the sights, smells, and sounds of the Christmas season. Along the way, she spreads her good cheer, especially to those less fortunate. This jubilant book will infuse your little ones with the joy of spreading love and the spirit of giving.

To buy: I Got the Christmas Spirit $13.99; Amazon.com

Dasher

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

We’re hip to all the stories about Santa and his sleigh, but what about the hard-working reindeer who pulled that sleigh through the night? Here’s the story of Dasher, an ambitious reindeer who leaves the traveling circus she toils in and happens to meet a jolly man in a red suit—and the rest, as we know, is history.

To buy: Dasher $15.79; Amazon.com

Miracle on 133rd Street

<p>Amazon</p>

Amazon

This story from Sonia Manzano—who played “Maria” on Sesame Street —tells the story of Jose and Papa who set out on Christmas Eve in search of an oven big enough to cook Mami’s traditional roast. It’s a tale of community and neighborly love, and of how a simple meal—when seasoned with love—can turn into a holiday miracle.

To buy: Miracle on 133rd Street $14.99; Amazon.com

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