Here Are Our Favorite Christmas Books For Kids That Will Really Help To Make The Season Extra Bright
Christmas is a magical time for children– quite literally. Even though many of the magical holiday traditions themselves are based on legend, these stories still push children to use their imagination, wonder about the world, and believe in something much bigger than themselves.
And during this time of year, there is no better way to foster that kind of creative thinking than by encouraging little ones to read.
Of course, reading is already great for nurturing strong literary and communication skills all year round, but coupled with the theme of Christmas, children’s books add a whole new layer of excitement, involvement, and joy.
So, while you shop around for nieces, nephews, cousins, or even your own children, you should seriously consider adding at least one Christmas book to the gift mix.
We’ve already done all of the work in finding some of this year’s top holiday-themed children’s books, too– so keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite picks that must end up under the tree this season.
Here at Chip Chick, we pick products we love and think you will enjoy too. Chip Chick has affiliate partnerships, which means we get a piece of the revenue from your purchase.
How Winston Delivered Christmas
This adorable story, written by Alex T. Smith, follows one young mouse named Winston after he finds a lost letter addressed to Santa Claus himself. And, of course, the letter was discovered on Christmas Eve.
So, Winston is forced to race against the clock as he embarks on an unforgettable journey to meet and personally deliver the letter to the big man.
The heartwarming book is adorably illustrated, divided into twenty-four chapters, and teaches children how doing a selfless good deed can really bring joy to others. It is also available in hardcover and paperback options.
How Winston Came Home For Christmas
In yet another heart-touching tale, children who loved How Winston Delivered Christmas can set off on another wonder-filled journey with the little mouse named Winston.
This time, with only five days left until Christmas, Winston has lost a very special person in his life. So, he embarks on a journey to reunite with his special someone while receiving help from a bunch of new friends he meets along the way.
Like its prequel, this book is twenty-four chapters. But, this time, each chapter also comes with a festive holiday activity for readers to complete– including crafts, recipes, holiday decorations, and more– making it the perfect addition to any kiddo’s gift list.
The Christmas Owl
This New York Times bestselling book is actually based on the true story of an owl that was found inside the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
So in this tale, written by Ellen Kalish and Gideon Sterer, readers get to witness a little owl’s home being torn down by people who believe it will make a great Christmas tree. And being an owl, the protagonist has no idea what the word “Christmas” even means or why their home is being sacrificed for it.
Soon after, though, the owl is rescued by a bird-loving woman named Ellen, who decides to care for the lost and confused little friend. Then, in the process of being surrounded by so much holiday care and cheer, the little owl ultimately decides that the idea of Christmas might not be so bad after all.
Ellen Kalish co-wrote this book after discovering the real Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree herself and giving it a home. And with the story, she hopes to inspire friendship and compassion while also teaching children about the true meaning behind the holiday.
You can purchase The Christmas Owl here on Amazon from Gideon Sterer and Ellen Kalish for $15.49.
The Gingerbread Man Loose At Christmas
In this fun tale, readers get to follow along as a sociable young gingerbread man returns back to school to help a classroom full of kiddos create cookies, cards, and songs.
Then, the group– led by the gingerbread man’s teacher– travels throughout the town to give back to community members who work in all kinds of occupations.
So along the way, readers will encounter characters such as police officers, veterinarians, and doctors, who have diverse backgrounds.
Written by Laura Murray, this book features rhyming text, cartoon-like illustrations, and the perfect mix of humor, action, and underlying meaning.
Little Red Sleigh
This precious book is a double whammy: winning accolades as both a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. Written by Erin Guenselsberger, the story follows a little red sleigh that has one seriously big dream– becoming Santa’s big red sleigh.
However, throughout the little sleigh’s entire life, she has been told that she is too small, too young, and cannot fly or meet Santa Claus.
This Christmas, though, the sleigh decides to prove all the naysayers wrong. And with the help of her friends, she works to defy the odds and become everything she dreams of being.
This tale is perfect for children between the ages of four and eight, and the theme works to instill hope, motivation, and a sense of determination in the face of adversity.
You can purchase Little Red Sleigh here on Amazon from Erin Guendelsberger for $11.73.
How To Catch A Reindeer
Forget all of the tales about Rudolph– because this heartwarming story focuses on another beloved reindeer named Comet.
The story begins on Christmas Eve when Santa and his team set out to deliver presents to children all around the world. After Comet decides to explore on her own and strays too far from the pack, though, she gets captured by a group of children who want to prove that Santa is real.
This fun-filled plotline is accompanied by adorable illustrations and silly rhymes and will be the perfect gift for any comedy-loving children between the ages of four and ten.
You can purchase How To Catch A Reindeer here on Amazon from Alice Walstead for $9.89.
The Christmas Wish
In this New York Times bestselling book, readers will meet a brave young girl named Anja who really wants to become one of Santa Claus’ elves.
So, she leaves a note for her family, straps on some skis, and embarks on a snow-filled journey to get to the North Pole. And along the way, she meets and receives help from a plethora of animals– from birds and polar bears to reindeer.
The story is perfect for kids between the ages of three and seven who love adventure and dreaming big. It also features beautiful photographs that really help bring the tale to life.
You can purchase The Christmas Wish here on Amazon from Liri Evert for $13.98.
The Night Before Christmas – Classic Edition
The Night Before Christmas is a staple children’s book. And now, a hardcover classic edition of the tale is available on Amazon for just $11.49.
This book has blessed generations of children with vivid details of the night before Christmas for decades. So, this season, share the wonder with a niece, nephew, or any kiddo who can carry on the holiday reading tradition.
This classic edition of the book features a beautiful cover, a four-page foldout that helps immerse readers in the tale, and the original peon written by Clement Clark Moore.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
How The Grinch Stole Christmas is yet another classic that you cannot go wrong with gifting this season. Written by the literary genius Dr. Seuss, readers can become immersed in the seemingly perfect and Christmas spirit-filled Whoville before being introduced to the grumpy and holiday-hating Grinch.
Throughout the story, though, the residents of Whoville will slowly win the grump over– teaching him what the holiday is really all about and helping his heart grow three times in size.
This classic from 1957 will never go out of style, and reading it with children you love can be a great precursor to having a movie marathon with the film renditions.
You can purchase How The Grinch Stole Christmas here on Amazon from Dr. Seuss for $7.70.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas
This sweet story follows the journey of a Christmas tree after it arrives at a man named Mr. Willowby’s house. The only problem, though, is that the tree is way too tall to fit in his parlor!
So, Mr. Willowby is forced to cut the top of the tree off. Afterward, though, the tree’s journey is far from over– because it ends up being passed along again and again to all kinds of creatures in the forest.
The story hints at the importance of conservation and recycling while also showing children that home is where the heart– and holiday spirit– is.
You can purchase Mr. Willowby’s Christmas here on Amazon from Robert Barry for $10.19.
Polar Express – 30th Anniversary Edition
This classic book encourages children to use their imagination as they embark on a magical train ride to the North Pole.
Traveling through dark forests, across an ice desert, and over sky-high mountains, children aboard the Polar Express enjoy a mysterious and inspiring journey to a massive Christmas city that stands on top of the world.
And once there, readers get to watch as a young boy finally gets to make his true Christmas wish.
This thirtieth-anniversary edition of the beloved children’s book features the same classic illustrations and delivers the exact wonder-filled feelings as when it was originally released back in 1985.
If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:Shopping