12 Favorite Christmas Books for Kids (and kids at heart)

I love everything about Christmas. All the traditions…all the food…all the music…movies, decorations, lights, parties…All. Of. It. And of course–all the books! Like the smell of Christmas trees or sugar cookies, Christmas books have an amazing way of whisking us back to childhood–the vivid pictures and words bring it all rushing back. And of course THE true Christmas story is one all our hearts beg to hear…So we pass down the great stories (along with the Greatest Story–the birth of Jesus) and relive the magic with our own children. Here are 12 of my Favorite Christmas Books for Kids (and kids at heart)!

In no particular order…(I mean how does one compare Rudolph and the Nutcracker?)

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

I never tire of this Dr. Seuss classic…And it’s actually really fun to read aloud!

Oh and this…this line gets me every time…

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!”

Plus–my kids love comparing books to movies…And we watch an exorbitant amount of The Grinch in December!

2. The Family Read Aloud Christmas Treasury

This beautiful collection (from Alice Low) of 54 Christmas stories, poems, and carols just might be my favorite on this list…I’m a huge fan of Marc Brown’s illustrations–so this book just feel like one big happy memory.

**It also includes a Christmas scene with one of my most beloved childhood characters…Beverly Cleary’s Romona…It’s taken from the classic, Romona and Her Father.

Unfortunately–The Family Read Aloud Christmas Treasury is out of print. BUT you can still easily snag a good used copy!

3. Jan Brett’s Christmas Treasury

This gorgeous collection is from another one of my favorite author/illustrators–Jan Brett. It includes 7 of her Christmas stories (So it’s a great way to expand your Christmas book collection and also save money!)

If you’re not familiar with Jan’s work–she’s an expert at sharing folktales from around the world!

4. The Night Before Christmas

I think everyone needs a copy of Clement Clarke Moore’s quintessential Christmas poem, The Night Before Christmas. I happen to own a stunning version, illustrated by Jan Brett. (It’s also included in the Christmas Treasury I mentioned above!)

**The newest edition includes a bonus DVD of the story–featuring original music from the Boston Pops Orchestra, Jan’s illustrations, and read aloud by Jim Dale.

5. The Christmas Story

I ran across this book last year and had to have it. I immediately remembered it from my own childhood! Originally published in 1952, it’s a sweet Little Golden Book by Jane Werner Watson and illustrated by Eloise Wilkin…The illustrations just ooze nostalgia.

But my favorite thing about this Christmas Book…it’s such a lovely, gentle way to introduce the Christmas Story to young children.

I also created a very special Christmas book to share the story with my own little ones–The Story of Christmas.

It’s intended to be read with young kids–they get to “read” pictures that are substituting words.

Coloring pages, a memory game, and story order cards are also included! Grab yours here!

6. The Legend of the Poinsettia

Tomie dePaola uses his amazing gift for storytelling to bring us The Legend of Poinsettia…He is truly one of the most talented authors and illustrators of children’s literature…One of my all-time favorites. I have learned so much of other cultures and customs through his beautiful work.

His stories always make me feel…more at peace and more connected to others.

I love understanding the stories and meanings behind Christmas symbols and customs around the world–so this was perfect for my Christmas Collection!

7. The Nutcracker: Based on the Classic Story by E.T.A. Hoffman

Author, Julie Paschikis, shares the enchanting story of The Nutcracker–and she stays very close to the original story by E.T.A. Hoffman. This is probably my own kids’ favorite Christmas book–they love the magical tale, and this version includes more background so that the story feels more complete.

Not only do I love her classic presentation–her whimsical illustrations are so detailed! And I love that each “chapter,” is a very appealing length. Even my young kids get just enough of the story without becoming overwhelmed in each section.

It’s definitely not your typical ballet version—and my kids love the ballet. But I think they felt like they understood the story in a new way after we read it…Plus it comes with a CD of selections from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker by the London Symphony Orchestra!

The Nutcracker is truly a tradition at our house!

8. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree

Well this book is just precious.

It’s cute and fun–no wonder that generations continue to pass it along! Originally published in 1963, this Christmas Classic by Robert Barry continues to make us giggle and embrace the giving-spirit of the season!

I did not discover this book as a child–so I especially treasure discovering it as an adult with with my own kids!

9. The Polar Express

My kids love the movie–but my heart belongs to the book. Author, Chris Van Allsburg created an instant Christmas classic with his 1986 Caldecott award winning tale, The Polar Express.

It’s a beautiful book–inside and out! And I leave it setting out as part of our Christmas decor! Truly a must-have for Christmas book collectors!

10. Santa Mouse

Santa Mouse, by Michael Brown and illustrated by Elfrieda De Witt–is especially close to my heart.

Not only is it a quick and easy read (perfect when you want something short and sweet at bedtime)…The pictures are filled with nostalgic cheer! There is just something about its 1966 vibes that makes me long for Christmas past!

It feels especially sentimental because my grandmother collected mice. And at Christmas–her house was filled with sweet little mice dressed as Santa. Every time I read it, I’m reminded of her.

11. Gingerbread Baby

Now, I know this classical twist is not technically a Christmas story–but we do a lot of gingerbread at our house in December!

This book (another winner by Jan Brett) will take you through the entire season and can serve as a great jumping point for many homeschool lessons!

Funny and charming–this book gives us the happy ending we miss in the original tale!

*Looking for more gingerbread books and activities? You’ll love my Gingerbread Boy Read-With-Me Book and Activity Set!!

12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Watching Rudolph is a yearly family tradition–and my littles were so so excited when I grabbed this Little Golden Book re-telling of their favorite Christmas show!

The beloved movie images and familiar storyline make this book a must-have for any Christmas Book Collection!