25 Christmas Picture Books To Read
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It is always hard to believe just how quickly the holidays sneak up on me each and every year. One of our favorite traditions is our book advent. Each day leading up to Christmas we unwrap a picture book and read it together under the twinkling lights of the tree. Want more info on starting this tradition at your house? Check out this post. Need books to fill up your library holds list or shopping cart? You have come to the right place!
Here are 25 picture books that we love and I think you will too:
by Linda Bailey & Genevieve Godbout
Easily one of our all time faves. Like all parents, Santa’s parents are obsessed with their baby. Even the way he loves to stand in the refrigerator, loves to give away all his birthday presents, and his signature “Ho, ho, ho” laugh.
by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
A CLASSIC! This sweet book features interactive mail delivery pages as you follow the postman along his route of fairytale favorites.
By Jashar Awan
Brand new this year, Strum & Drum tells the story of two musicians following the rising star on their journey through the forest. Beware the beast with green eyes! You are sure to love the twist ending of this one!
By Matt Tavares
Dasher is a young reindeer with her family in a traveling circus. One day the opportunity to follow the north star and escape presents itself and Dasher takes it. Her journey leads her to a man named Santa. Discover how Santa’s reindeer came to be in this beautiful picture book.
by Alice Schertle and Kill McElmurry
Little Blue Truck is spreading Christmas cheer by delivering trees to all his friends in this darling board book. Don’t miss the light display at the end of the book!
Carla and the Christmas Cornbread
by Carla Hall
Carla loves Christmas. Especially the traditions at her grandparent’s house. When she steals a bite of Santa’s cookies she thinks she has ruined Christmas, but has she?
By Loren Long
A toy drummer boy arrives on the doorstep of a little boy and the song he plays warms his heart. Soon the drummer boy finds himself on a perilous journey, but he continues to play his song. This is a story of sharing your gift with others even when things are hard.
By David Rubel and Jim LaMarche
I can’t read this book without crying. It tells the story of the Rockefeller Chritsmas Tree and its connection to Habitat for Humanity. It impossible not to feel the Christmas spirit while reading it.
Together
By Heather Stricker and Martha Ratcliff
This book is currently out of print but if you spot a copy, grab it! It has a wonderful message about being with the ones you love during the holiday season.
By Sherri Duskey Rinker and Jake Parker
Santa’s sleigh is in desperate need of an upgrade. The elves each come up with a plan for his new vehicle, which one will Santa choose? If you have a truck/car lover, this book is a MUST have!
by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Tiny Reindeer is too small to help with anything. Will he find a way to prove himself this year? This story is such a sweet one.
by Tiffany D. Jackson and Reggie Brown
Deja has her doubts about Santa, I mean, living in a big city… how is he supposed to come visit at her apartment? They don’t have a chimney and parking is impossible! Will she find the evidence she needs to keep the Christmas magic alive?
by Jeffrey Burton and Don Clark
Super simple when it comes to text, this giant board book is SO fun for babies at Christmas time. Its bright illustrations with foil detail will captivate everyone’s attention!
By Tony DiTerlizzi
Jack wants this Christmas to be perfect. More of everything. When he breaks a very special ornament he realizes that not every thing needs to be new and better. Some things are too special to replace. Can he save his mom’s Christmas?
by Lara Hawthorne
The lyrics to the classic song paired with Lara Hawthorne’s gorgeous illustrations. This book is a beautiful way to remember the birth of Jesus Christ.
by Yuval Zommer
Yes, it’s a story about a lonely Christmas tree. But it’s also a story about what it means to be loved and a message of self acceptance. Plus, it has great illustrations.
Santa Claus: The World’s Number one Toy Expert
By Marla Frazee
If I had to choose a favorite Santa book… this would be it! Santa takes his job as toy expert very seriously. He will find the perfect toy for each kid every single time, well ALMOST every single time. You will love the tiny details in this one!
by Matthew Paul Turner and Gillian Gamble
A Christmas book that focuses on all the colors of the season. Each one adding its own special gift to the traditions and feelings we love so much.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore and Mr. Boddington
There are so many options when it comes to this classic poem, but this one is just one of the prettiest! I love the colors.
By Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers
It’s like The Jolly Postman and The Day The Crayons Quit had a book baby! Interactive envelopes and all teh wit you have come to know and love from that amazing box of crayons.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
by Susan Wajciechowski and P.J. Lynch
This book is heavy on text but worth every word. It tells the a story of love and loss and healing hearts. And one of a very special nativity set that needs to be just right.
by Emily Kilgore and Kitty Moss
Based on a real Icelandic tradition this books is all about the anticipation of Christmas by gifting books to one another and come Christmas eve, curling up by the fire to read. Perfection.
Last Stop On The Reindeer Express
by Maudie Powell- Tuck and Karl James Mountford
This book is extra special if you live away from family. It is about a magical mailbox and sending thoughts to loved ones who are far away during the holidays. It has cut outs and doors that add a little extra magic as you read.
by Matt Tavares
Red and Lulu have built their nest in the most beautiful evergreen tree. But the unthinkable happens and they find themselves separated. It will take a miracle for them to be reunited, luckily its just the right season for those.
By Nicola Killen
A Little girl is awoken from her sleep by a jingling of sound and soon she finds a lost reindeer. Together they will embark on a magical Christmas adventure. This book is full of foil details and die cut pages.
Phew, 25 wonderful books and guess what… there are many more! Click here for even more favorites on my Amazon storefront. Tag me if you share what you are reading, I would love to see your traditions!
