There’s something extra special about reading bedtime stories at Christmas time… maybe it’s just the twinkle of Christmas lights, but it feels like there’s magic in the air. Discover new holiday reads for kids of all ages—all of which you can borrow from your local library for free!
Board Books (Ages 0–3)
1. The ABC’s of Christmas by Jill Howarth
What a fun way to teach your little ones about Christmas and practice their alphabet with this fun and festive board book! With cute illustrations and creative word play, this is sure to be one your child will love to pick up!
2. All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner
Celebrate the Christmas season and all the colors associated with this time in this fun rhyming book. This book is a great reminder of what Christmas is all about and celebrating it with the ones you love.
3. Are You There Little Elf? by Sam Taplin
This book is a great interactive read for your kids! They will enjoy reading this as they peek through the holes in the book to see if they spot the little elf hiding within the pages.
Picture Books (Ages 4–7)
4. Santa’s Gotta Go! by Derrick Barnes
Who would not want Santa Claus as a houseguest? Or so one thinks. When Santa’s sleigh breaks down in Monte and Mabel’s yard, they are delighted to get their Christmas wish of hanging out with Santa Claus. But as Santa starts to overstay his welcome, the only wish they have now is Santa’s gotta go! This one is a hilarious read that the whole family will enjoy.
5. A Simple Christmas on the Farm by Phyllis Alsdurf
Teach your kid about the spirit of community and generosity in this Christmas read! Our main character’s parents decide to have a “simple” Christmas on their farm. This looks like making cookies and inviting everyone to join them for Christmas. Filled with cozy illustrations and sweet text, this book serves as a great reminder to look out for those who are in need this Christmas season.
6. Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson
A couple of weeks before Christmas, Deja worries if Santa will make it to her since she lives in the city in an apartment and does not have a chimney! It is questions like these and more that Deja wonders. But through these questions and the help of the adults around her, Deja learns that having the Christmas spirit is all she needs and learns that no matter where you live—chimney or not—Santa will find his way to you.
7. Holy Night & Little Star: A Story for Christmas by Mitali Perkins
Up in the galaxy, Little Star loves her place in the sky over Bethlehem. But one night the Maker gathers everyone to say a child has been born, and a Holy night is coming. As the Maker gives out jobs, little star is too shy to speak up. But when the Maker asks her to shine – she rises to the occasion to welcome the child. A sweet retelling of the Christmas story that families can appreciate and shows that we all have gifts that can be used.
8. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett
The duo of Mac Barnett & Jon Klassen is back in this funny story of all the unusual ways Santa could go down the chimney. Kids with big imaginations will love the silly methods this duo produces for how Santa delivers his presents every Christmas.
9. The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong
A unique take on the Nativity, follow along as the birds all come to bring a gift to the new baby, Jesus, born in Bethlehem. Raven wakes up all the birds to tell them a child has been born and to bring gifts. Robin thinks she has nothing to give but maybe even a small bird has something to bring to the new Prince of Peace. A sweet tale of giving and celebrating this joyous season.
Early Reader Books, Chapter Books & Graphic Novels (Ages 8–12)
10. The Christmas Carrolls by Mel Taylor-Bessent
For older children, this chapter book is such a festive treat! Holly Carroll and her family celebrate Christmas all year round, and that is the way she prefers it. But when she starts a new school year ready to bring Christmas cheer (during a hot September), Holly gets a rude awakening that not everyone has the Christmas spirit or may even have a chance to have a Christmas. But Holly rises to the occasion to bring the Christmas spirit of joy and giving to her community, whether they want it or not.
11. Pizza & Taco 8: Best Christmas Ever by Stephen Shaskan
The funny duo of Pizza & Taco is back in this early graphic novel series. Although Christmas is not for a few more months, Pizza & Taco have decided to go ahead and prep as well as make sure they are on Santa’s nice list. For Taco being nice is a breeze, but Pizza not so much… This is a funny story for emerging and reluctant readers to help them with their reading confidence or those ready to take the next step in their reading journey.
12. Jack and Santa by Mac Barnett & Greg Pizzoli
For fans of the Jack book series, they will enjoy following Jack in this Christmas adventure! When Jack finds himself on the naughty list, he is determined to prove to Santa he is good, so he does not get a bag of coal this Christmas. This book serves as another great early reader for kids who are reluctant readers or ready to start reading chapter books.
Nonfiction (All Ages)
13. The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia by Alda P. Dobbs
Ever wondered where the Poinsettia came from? Well find out in this story about the history of the Poinsettia and its origins in ancient Nahuas that inspired the Mexico’s famous Christmas legend. From there, it has taken on many colors and names once catching the eye of Mexico’s first U.S. ambassador. With beautiful illustrations and storytelling, this will surely be a story enjoyed by all! There is also a great detailed timeline at the back of the book.
14. Christmas by Annette Whipple
This book does a great job of explaining the Christmas story for kids told through the perspective of kids. Follow Charlie and his siblings as they celebrate their own Christmas while also learning how other cultures celebrate Christmas around the world. While reading this story, you will learn about the history of the advent, fun recipes, and crafts you can make yourself this Christmas season.
15. An Anthology of Christmas by Auriol Bishop
If your child has ever wondered about why certain foods, animals, plants, etc. are big around Christmas time, then this is the book for you! With gorgeous photos and descriptions, this book is great to read together or for your child to explore on their own.
