16 Best Holiday Books for Kids
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The holidays are again upon us! While this year’s celebrations look quite a bit (okay, a LOT) different, may we still find joy in togetherness. And what better way to experience togetherness than a snuggly family read aloud?!
I’ve chosen 16 holiday books for you to enjoy with the little ones in your life. I selected a range of titles that would appeal to the tiniest babes as well as older kiddos.
Read on to discover Christmas picture books & Hanukkah picture books your kids will love. You can find all these titles right here on right here on Bookshop. Without further ado, here are my holiday book recommendations!
1) I Got the Christmas Spirit
This is an adorable title about a little girl who is full to the brim with Christmas spirit. Frank Morrison’s joy-filled illustrations really make this title shine! One of the best holiday books for kids!
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books Author: Connie Schofield-Morrison Illustrator: Frank Morrison
2) Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light
You can’t help but feel WARM while reading this sweet winter title. In it, Bear confides to his friend Coco that the other animals think he is scary. Together, they go on a mission to share kindness and bring light to the animals, and they learn about what kindness truly is.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Author/Illustrator: Apryl Stott
3) Santa’s Big Day!
Here's one for the littlest little in your family. Get ready for the big day with Santa himself in this playful finger-puppet board book. Lou loves this one!
Publisher: Cottage Door Press Author: Holly Berry-Byrd
4) A Polar Bear in the Snow
Where is Polar Bear going? Follow Polar Bear in this picture book adventure with stand-out art from Shawn Harris.
Publisher: Candlewick Author: Mac Barnett Art: Shawn Harris
5) Step Into The Nutcracker
Love, love, love! This layered board book is a joy to journey through. The illustrations are bold and full of wonder!
Publisher: words & pictures Illustrator: Cynthia Alonso
6) Together
A highlight of 2020 holiday book releases, Together focuses on what makes the holiday season truly special - special moments with family. A little boy shares his wish for family togetherness with Santa. This is a lovely Christmas picture book for the whole family to enjoy.
Publisher: Pennant Press Author: Heather Stricker Illustrator: Martha Ratcliff
7) The Shortest Day
The Shortest Day focuses on the secular holiday of the Winter Solstice, which will occur this year on December 21, 2020. The shortest day of the year often gets a bad rap, but this book makes it feel glorious and full of promise!
Publisher: Candlewick Author: Susan Cooper Illustrator: Carson Ellis
8) Our Favorite Day of the Year
On the first day of school, a teacher shares that it is her favorite day of the year, and she asks her students to do the same throughout the year. In this adorable and inclusive picture book, kids will learn about four different celebrations that children enjoy, including Las Posadas and Eid!
Publisher: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Author: A.E. Ali Illustrator: Rahele Jomepour Bell
9) 12 Days of Christmas
12 Days of Christmas is a charming illustrated depiction of the classic song. Simple and gorgeous Christmas picture book.
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books Illustrator: Lara Hawthorne
10) Yeti Baby!
Here is another adorable board book for little hands! Yeti Baby! is the cutest, and its lift-the-flap feature makes it fun and interactive.
Publisher: Hazy Dell Press Author: Elias Barks Illustrator: Meg Hunt
11) Mouse’s Night Before Christmas
Mouse's Night Before Christmas offers an adorable and heartwarming twist on the classic Night Before Christmas tale. On Christmas Eve, Mouse helps out Santa, and in return, Santa grants mouse’s wish for a friend.
Publisher: Nosy Crow Author: Tracey Corderoy Illustrator: Sarah Massini
12) Christmas Is Awesome!
This board book just screams FUN! Each spread features a different element that makes Christmas awesome! The ugly sweater pages are, without a doubt, my personal fave.
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams Author: Sabrina Moyle Illustrator: Eunice Moyle
13) The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol
The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol is a Hanukkah picture book about a spirit named Nate who can make anything last as long as needed (like making oil last eight days and nights!). This is a tale of giving and kindness, and it blends traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas in a neat way. Hint: Nate teams up with a jolly old guy in a red suit!
Publisher: Candlewick Author: Arthur A. Levine Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
14) Milo’s Christmas Parade
Milo is an opossum who wants, more than anything, to be part of the annual Christmas parade. This year, he is set on making this dream a reality. Milo's Christmas Parade is cheerful and charming! I also learned that a group of opossums is called a passel, so that’s fun!
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams Author: Jennie Palmer
15) Always Together at Christmas
Always Together at Christmas was written with 2020 holiday celebrations in mind. Even if we cannot physically gather this year, we are still together in spirit! This title offers creative, alternative ways to connect.
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers Author: Sara Sargent. Illustrator: Mark Chambers
16) If Winter Comes, Tell It I’m Not Here
After hearing awful things about what winter will bring, one little boy is NOT looking forward to what’s to come. However, once winter rolls around, he realizes it’s not so bad after all. In fact, it’s quite wonderful! If Winter Comes, Tell It I’m Not Here is the best!
Publisher: Candlewick Author/Illustrator: Simona Ciraolo
These holiday read aloud books make great December activities for kids. Which of your favorite titles am I missing? Comment below!
