In all the hustle and bustle of the season, be sure to take a few moments to plop down by the fireplace and read a story or two with a child. Here are some of our favorites!
Infant to 3-years-old
- Duck and Goose: It’s Time for Christmas by Tad Hills. Schwartz and Wade, 2010. This board book shows that while Goose is having fun sledding, skating and making snow angels, Duck is left decorating the tree. How will the two friends figure this out?! Sweet book.
- The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jon J. Muth. Scholastic Press, 2009. Unique portrayal of Santa as lone forest magician who calls the reindeer in from the field and they wait for the magic to carry them to the children. The watercolor illustrations will wow your kids, and the story will enchant them.
- On This Special Night by Claire Freedman, illustrated by Simon Mendez. Scholastic Press 2009. This book receives raves for the illustrations. Check it out!
- Merry Christmas, Cheeps! By Julie Stiegemeryer, illustrated by Carole Baicker-McKee. Bloomsbury, 2007. The three dimensional illustrations prove lively and irresistible to the young crowd. Accompanied by fun rhyming text.
- N is for Navidad by Susan Middleton Elya and Merry Banks, illustrated by Joe Cepeda. Chronicle Books, 2007. What a great idea for an alphabet book! The Latino-themed rhymes go perfectly with the colorful pictures.
- Toot and Puddle: Let It Snow by Holly Hobbie. Little, Brown Publishing, 2016. These two beloved pigs delight kids of all ages. In this book, they are debating what the best present is to give a cherished friend. The illustrations in this series are always full of detail and wit.
Ages 4 to 7-years-old
- The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2009. What do you get the person (or dog in this book!) who has everything? Featuring the comic strip characters from “Mutts,” Mooch the cat and Earl the canine contemplate gift giving and the power of friendship. Great for sparking conversation with your kids ahead of this gift-giving season.
- The Reindeer Wish by Lori Evert with photographs by Per Breiehagen. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2015. Anja discovers an abandoned reindeer in the woods. Ages 3-7.
- The True Gift: A Christmas Story by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Brian Floca. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009. I liked this gentle chapter book so well I bought a copy for our Christmas collection. The siblings are so true to life and the plot so heart-warming, you will enjoy taking a few nights to read this one aloud as a family.
- Who Goes There by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Anna Currey. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2013. Lewis Mouse prepares his nest for winter, overcomes fears and finds friendship. 3–5 years old.
- The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2011. This book brings together two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity. Ages 5-9 years.
- The Lost Gift by Kallie George, illustrated by Stephanie Graegin. Schwartz & Wade, 2016. Four animals find a package that Santa lost, then set off on a journey to ensure that it’s delivered. Ages 4-8.
Ages 8 – 10-years-old
The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon, illustrated by Jill Weber. Open Road Media, 2016. The Rockefeller Center’s chief gardener is responsible for selecting the center’s giant Christmas tree, which is not an easy job. Read what happens when he finds what seems to be the perfect tree for next year.- The Joy of a Peanuts Christmas: 50 Years of Holiday Comics by George Schultz. Hallmark Publishing, 2000. These cartoon strips will make you smile, no matter how old you are. Classic humor for the holidays, separated by decades for extra perspective.
- Peiling and the Chicken-Fried Christmas by Pauline Chen. Bloomsbury, 2007. The main character, Peiling, tries to talk her family of Taiwanese immigrants into celebrating Christmas, and she’s surprised by how they respond.
- The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher. Puffin, 2016. This story is about a boy and a dinosaur, the Christmasaurus. They meet on Christmas Eve and have a magical adventure. You’ll love this book about friendship and families.
- Celebrate Christmas With Carols, Presents and Peace by Deborah Heiligman. National Geographic, 2016. This straightforward book captures the facts of how other cultures celebrate Christmas, but the colorful photographs capture the heart behind the family festivities.
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Christmas Unwrapped: A Kid’s Winter Wonderland of Holiday Trivia by Amy Shields, illustrated by Kathy Ross. Sky Pony Press, 2011. Your kids will have fun while they learn about all their favorite holiday traditions in this fun, full-color, fact-filled book. Ages 7-10.
