Whether you are building your Christmas library, or are planning on creating your own book advent calendar, it’s time to start stocking up for the upcoming season. A mix of classics and newer titles, here are over twenty books that you need for your Christmas home library.
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Polar Express
The whole family will love climbing aboard the Polar Express every year. One of the best Christmas books for kids, this heartwarming story follows a young boy as he boards the train heading to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
A slightly dated book (originally written in 1972), this short chapter book tells the tale of the unruly Herdman children who takes over the Christmas Pageant one year. Funny and heartwarming, it’s still an entertaining read today for all ages.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree
There is something about Christmas stories that take place before the internet, before the more modern, commercialized holiday we know now that seem extra special. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree takes place during World War I, in a small Appalachian town, and tells the story of Ruthie, whose father is away at war, searching for the perfect Christmas tree for her town. A story filled with feel-good Christmas spirit.
The Jolly Christmas Postman
Fans of the original Jolly Postman will love this Christmas version. The Jolly Postman is busy at Christmas, and kids will love pulling out the letters and reading them.
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How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Don’t be a mean one by forgetting this classic! It isn’t Christmas without the Grinch, so before you settle down to watch the movie, read the classic Dr. Seuss book. A great introduction to younger kids who might be slightly scared watching any of the films.
A Boy Called Christmas
A newer Christmas story, A Boy Called Christmas is a Christmas adventure that kids will want to read over and over, year after year. They will love following Nikolas (who goes by the name Christmas), as he ventures to the North Pole to find his father—and meets a cast of characters along the way!
The Sweet Smell of Christmas
A great book for younger kids, The Sweet Smell of Christmas will fill their nostrils with just that. From oranges, a Christmas tree, to hot chocolate, the scents are mouth watering and realistic, setting the stage for Christmas cheer.
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A Christmas Carol
This Charles Dickens classic novella is a Victorian Christmas story at its finest. While longer than your typical children’s book, you can easily read it together as a family over a few nights, and follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he visits Christmases past, present and yet to come.
The Greatest Gift
You may not be aware that before it became the iconic film, It’s a Wonderful Life was a short story, The Greatest Gift. Beautifully illustrated, everyone will love the inspiring story in book form.
Paint By Sticker Kids: Christmas
A twist on the traditional paint by number is paint by sticker. This Christmas version has ten sticker paintings to create, all on perforated pages that can be taken out to display! Kids will have a blast matching the number of the sticker to the spot on the page, watching their creations come to life.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A short and sweet Peanuts classic that parents will love passing down to their children, A Charlie Brown Christmas makes for the perfect holiday storytime. After finishing the book, you can cozy up and break out the hot chocolate for a showing of the animated special.
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Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
The perfect Christmas book for fans of the original Little Blue Truck, Little Blue Truck’s Christmas follows Blue as he delivers Christmas trees to some familiar faces.
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever
While Rudolph may get most of the glory at Christmastime, few know the heroic tale of reindeer Dasher. This beautifully illustrated book tells the tale of Dasher escaping the circus and meeting Santa Claus, changing both of their destinies.
The Night Before Christmas
Perhaps the most iconic Christmas story of all time, The Night Before Christmas is the traditional Christmas Eve story for many families to read together. Clement Clark Moore’s poem is gorgeously illustrated by New York Times #1 best selling artist Charles Santore, making the story come to life like never before.
Construction Site on Christmas Night
Fans of Goodnight, Goodnight Constructions Site will love this Christmas version. The rhyming story of the construction vehicles preparing a Christmas surprise will delight toddlers and adults alike.
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Fritz the Farting Reindeer
Let’s face it, no one can resist a giggle when it comes to a good farting book, and a farting book for Christmas is no different. In Fritz the Farting Reindeer, poor Fritz has a bit of a gas problem leading up to the big night, and he hopes it doesn’t jeopardize his chances to be picked to pull Santa’s sleigh.
The Biggest Little Boy: A Christmas Story
Due to be released November 21, 2021, the Biggest Little Boy is sure to become an instant classic. It tells the story of Luca, who is on the quest to find the biggest Christmas tree, while teaching kids an important lesson on loving themselves as they are.
Dream Snow
Favorite children’s author/illustrator Eric Carle brings Christmas joy with this beautiful tale of a farmer wondering how Christmas will arrive with no snow. Toddlers will love lifting the flaps to discover different animals the farmer visits, and parents will love the heartwarming story.
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Apple Tree Christmas
Kids and adults alike will get immersed in this touching story of a simpler Christmas of days gone by in the country. Fantastically illustrated and beautifully told, you’ll love coming back to it year after year.
The Story of Holly and Ivy
From the illustrator of Miss Rumphius, the Story of Holly and Ivy is a delightful, moving tale about an orphan and a doll and their Christmas wishes.
Fisher Price Little People: Christmastime is Here!
Perfect for the youngest members of your family, Fisher Price Little People: Christmastime is Here will help them get excited for the season. With over sixty flaps for little ones to open and discover, they will love interacting and learning what Christmas is all about.
Babies Love Christmas: A Lift-The-Flap Board Book
A simple book to read to babies, whether they have siblings excited for Christmas, or parents, this board book is the perfect simple introduction to the holiday. They will learn about the basics: elves, stockings, candy canes and more.
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Christmas Songs: Interactive Children’s Sound Book
Christmas carols are one of the most important aspects of the season, and this book will help kids learn the favorites. Each page has the lyrics of a song, and shows the corresponding button to press to listen to the song as you read along, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
Bear Stays Up For Christmas
Part of the Bear Books, Bear Stays Up For Christmas is a wonderful tale of friendship and fun at Christmastime. Kids will love looking at the pictures and hearing the story of Bear’s friends preparing for Christmas, all while trying to keep Bear awake!
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