Children's books for Christmas 🎄
Can we read? Special edition on Christmas: 2024
I’ll be honest: I like to decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving so that when we arrive home after visiting family for turkey day 500 miles away, in theory, there’s nothing left to do. (HAHAHAHA — I will be in Boston the first week of December for work, so this is also maybe a veiled working mom survival mechanism.)
I know this approach isn’t for everyone, I know some people are even outright annoyed by starting Christmas before Thanksgiving, and I accept that, but: I am here in your inbox today because it takes time to get your hands on books — and if a large part of my aim here is to do the work for you (and it absolutely is), then that also entails showing up early and helping you prepare.
Either way: whether you’re already ringing out ye bells or you’re decidedly waiting until 12:01am on the day after Thanksgiving (or whenever you begin your season), I hope you find some titles here that bring you all the delight, joy, and peace — I wish you enormous amounts of real peace, whatever that means to you — this time of year can hold, if we let it.
Merry Christmas, Zoo by Lola M Schaefer and Lisa Eickholdt, illustrated by Laura Watkins (2024)
“It’s the night before Christmas, and all through the zoo, we’re’ working nonstop — there’s so much to do!” Inspired by real events, this fun adaptation of The Night Before Christmas takes readers on a trip behind the scenes at the zoo as Santa as his zookeeper helpers prepare to surprise all the animals with presents tailored just for them.
If you doubt there’s much charm in a wreath spelling “HO HO HO” made from kale for the giraffes to munch or boxes full of nuts for the parrots to crunch or giant ice cubes for the penguins to play on, let Watkins’ charming digital illustrations convince your inner Scrooge: this is a truly winning addition to children’s Christmas books. Highly recommended.
Christmas for 10 by Cathryn Falwell (1998)
This sweet book is our #1 Christmas title of all time, the one we’d keep if we had to get rid of all others. Like its predecessor, the equally wonderful Feast for 10 (and the very first book I ever recommended here), it’s a counting book that tells the story of one family’s preparations for Christmas — topping the Christmas tree with a star, playing instruments together, listening to Grandma’s stories, wrapping presents with Grandpa, stringing popcorn chains.
Falwell’s “for 10” titles are about as simple as it gets and yet they’re absolute catnip for the littlest littles — I really cannot tell you how much they appeal to babies and toddlers. The multi-generational family life depicted is so warm and inviting, the affection and togetherness and joy so apparent, it’s not hard to understand why.
This is a Christmas book that spreads a feast of love, pure and simple. And that’s an uncommon gift, indeed.
Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano, illustrated by Marjorie Priceman (2015)
Set in a lively neighborhood, this heartwarming story follows the Rivera family as they prepare for Christmas, contending with an oven that’s too small, disgruntled neighbors upset for all sorts of reasons, and snow. It’s enough to make anyone give up on the Christmas spirit.
Except when things start to work out, in a chain reaction, proving that sometimes, changed circumstances can change minds — and hearts.
Along with Priceman’s signature bold, dynamic gouache and ink illustrations, the pleasure of this book lies in its celebration of community, family, and the spirit of togetherness. Manzano’s tale is told well, capturing not only the essence of a close-knit urban neighborhood, but the feeling of belonging and joy that we can all access, if we allow ourselves to open up to the celebration of the season.
Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith (2024)
The premise of this book, which might be my new seasonal favorite, is very sweet — long ago, Santa didn’t have Christmas. On Christmas Eve, he’d do his tremendous amount of work but simply come home to his own bed, sleep a half hour later the next morning, and then get right back to work making toys.
But since it’s Mac Barnett, who can do no wrong in my book (puns forever), and Smith, whose bright illustrations are a joy to look at, this problem is solved, of course, in the best, most refreshingly straightforward, but somehow also deeply loving way: the elves take care of Santa, and create for him his own very first Christmas.
This one will likely appeal to a wide range of ages, from toddlers all the way up to anyone who still believes in the magic of Christmas and the magic of love 🖐️ Highly recommended.
Coyote Christmas: A Lakota Story by S.D. Nelson (2007)
“Coyote did not know it was Christmas Eve. He only cared that his empty stomach was growling and that the shivering cold of night was settling upon the land.” So begins this humorous and heartwarming tale in which Nelson deftly blends Native folklore with the spirit of Christmas, as the classic trickster, Coyote, disguises himself as Santa Claus to con a Lakota family out of a holiday meal.
Things don’t go as planned, of course — do they ever? — and Coyote’s antics take multiple unexpected turns that are delightful for young readers. (Everyone loves a good comeuppance, especially children, but there is much more to this story than that simple satisfaction, and you may find yourself fielding questions: Why do some people do bad things? Does everyone get what they deserve?)
Along with Nelson’s striking acrylic illustrations, which perfectly capture Coyote's mischievousness (along with his just deserts) and his enthralling storytelling, there are some deep messages here about kindness and the true spirit of giving that anyone can use.
The Box of Delights by John Masefield, illustrated by Judith Masefield (1935)
If you have children ages 7-14 and are unfamiliar with The NYRB Children’s Collection, now is the time to remedy that. Don’t let any of the old pub dates fool you — like this Christmas suspense fantasy filled with adventure and magic, their titles are, almost without exception, enchanting.
This story follows young Kay Harker, who comes into possession of a mysterious box with the power to shrink its owner and transport him through both space and time. As he faces villains (of course) and embarks on thrilling quests (with help from various undaunted sidekicks), the box becomes the key to saving Christmas.
Masefield’s imaginative narrative is, as it says on the back of the book, “a thriller, a romp, and a spellbinding fantasy,” all of which is true. If you need a tale rich with wonder this season, this is it.
Under the Christmas Tree by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Kadir Nelson (2001)
Each of Grimes’ 23 poems in this title is a beyond-lovely paean to all that is most beautiful, tender, and dear about Christmas: decorated shop windows, ice skating, scouring the closets of the house for one’s presents, the awe of looking up at your glowing tree when the rest of the lights are off (a feeling I still experience in its totality, even as an alleged grownup, every single year).
There are a few Christian references here (one poem titled “Baby Jesus” asks a hilarious yet utterly reasonable question for a child: did he grow up to be Santa?) but mostly the content addresses less profound wonderings, which, along with Nelson’s rich oil paint illustrations, somehow manages to be marvelous.
This book does what poetry does best — fills your soul — and I don’t think there’s a better way to prepare for, anticipate, and truly savor the season of Christmas.
🧑🎄 Want more?
I’ve got you covered with my seasonal reading guide, Can we read? Children’s Picture Books for Christmas.
In one instant download, you get 32 pages’ worth of reviews — covering 35 picture books for ages 0-10, published over a span of 55 years — which feature my most recommended titles, from board books to poetry to picks for older readers.
This huge list of outstanding books is a great way to prep for a picture book Advent calendar or Christmas countdown (it’s not too late — let me help you pull it off!) or to find some fresh titles to add to your old, beloved reads.
I also have a Bookshop.org list, Books for Christmas, in case you’d like to visually browse and/or support this newsletter in another way — I get a tiny commission if you use this link to make a purchase. (Thank you!)
Merry Christmas to you and your people 💚
Sarah
Ordering the Box of Delights…for myself…🎄
This is perfect timing, just working on our Christmas wishlists and library requests!