We have a special stash of Christmas books we pull out each year. I’m constantly looking for new ones to add to our collection. After just reading Krista’s post on Christmas books for children, I was reminded of my own similar post last year. I’ve revisited this list and added a few new titles to it. Here’s a few of the titles we’re currently enjoying. What are yours?
Peter Spier’s Christmas
One of my favorite children’s book illustrators, this is truly a picture book. No words. But lots of detailed illustrations which narrate in their own way one family’s Christmas season.
The Foxwood Surprise by Cynthia & Brian Paterson
The illustrations are the best part of this book. Three little animals look for ways to earn money to buy gifts and have a little adventure along the way.
The Christmas Cat by Efner Tudor Holmes
Picked this up at a library book sale since it’s illustrated by Tasha Tudor. A sweet book about a little cat that finds a new home at Christmas. Gingerbread recipe and icing in the back.
Jacob’s Gift by Max Lucado
A young carpenter in Bethlehem gives a gift to the newly born Christ-child.
Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
A simple little poem about Christ’s birth. Whimsical and romantic, it’s still a book we enjoy.
The Day Before Christmas by Eve Bunting
A sweet book about a little girl who goes to the Nutcracker for the first time with her grandfather.
Who Was Born this Special Day? by Eve Bunting
A simple story for young children about Jesus’ birth.
The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden
I love this story about a little girl searching for a home and a doll who wants a child to be her own. Just read it to the boys for the first time this year and they loved it. Illustrated by another of my favorite illustrators, Barbara Cooney.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
A tear jerker about a little girl named Ruthie who is waiting for her father to come home from war and must donate the “perfect Christmas tree” to her town’s Christmas play.
The Little Spider by Sigmund Brouwer
A story about Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus’ flight to Egypt, told through the story of the animals who accompany them. Came with an audio version of the story too. The boys are always intrigued by the pictures and the spider.
Stable in Bethlehem by Joy N. Hulme
A simple counting book with beautiful illustrations.
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown
A Christmas classic about a lonely fir tree who finds itself at the center of a little boy’s Christmas celebration.
These are a few of our favorite Christmas books for children. Share yours!
krista
Yay! Loved reading through your list and intend to do some looking online for next year’s additions. Would you say that the majority of these are still appropriate for Natalia for a few more years? (Can you believe my girlie is turning 6?!?!?!)
Danielle
Most of them. Especially “The Story of Holly and Ivy” (pretty long story, took us several days) and “The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree.”
briana
We listen to “THe Best Christmas Pageant Ever” every year. LOVE it. Your kids may be too young for it yet, though.
Danielle
Can you believe I’ve never read/seen The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!?! Not sure how that happened!
amy
ooh, thanks for this list – I’ve never seen most of these!
we’ve been checking several Christmas books out from the library…currently E is completely obsessed with “Bear Noel.” it’s OK. not one I’d buy 🙂
Jessica Contreras
My absolute favorite Christmas book is “The Tale of Three Trees”. I can hardly read it without tearing up. It is not just a Christmas book. It is actually a great read at multiple times if the year. Also, for the past 8 years, I have gone to Hallmark and purchased the Hallmark exclusive snowman books. You buy 3 cards and get the hardback book for $4. I have bought both myself and my nephew one each year since he was born. They are well written and beautifully illustrated. Happy reading!
Jessica B
I cannot believe Mr. Willowby’s Christmas tree isn’t on the list! It’s secular, but sweet and fun. It was a favorite as a child, and we received it when we were pregnant with our first. Now we read it to all three kids every year. 🙂
Danielle
That book is on hold for us at the library, actually. A friend recommended it. I’d never heard of it!
Tiffany
I really enjoy the book “silent snowy night” by norma weeks illustrated by Tammy Hunt. My kids love me to read not just at christmas time.
Christmas Books 2013 » Danielle Ayers Jones
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