This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books. Every year they grow stronger, because children love them. These are the books children and adults want to read over and over again. That’s why they’re the best. Please, go to the library, get some of these books and read them aloud to your children. You will be hooked, too.
Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in a mighty evergreen tree. They love their home, their tree. Best of all, they love it when winter arrives and Christmas carolers sing close by. Red leaves to get food, and when he returns, the tree is being cut down and hauled away. He tells Lulu to stay, and he desperately follows the truck as it drives the tree away – but he can’t fly fast enough. The tree becomes the tree at Rockefeller Center, and the story behind finding Lulu and what happens is fascinating. It’s Christmas, nature, love, adventure, and never giving up.
Christmas books are often more meaningful to read to a child after the holiday, once a child has experienced the joy of Christmas. Here is my collection:
I want to share with you my favorite Christmas books. I love books, and I love reading to children. After a gazillion years, these are the ‘tried and true’, stories that children love. Me, too!
Grab tissues, laughter, and wonder, and some history. Some books you will recognize. Others might seem new, but they’re not— they’re just better.
The first time I read The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg was in 1985, when the book was published. I was at a huge family Christmas gathering. Someone put the book in my hand and asked me to read it to the crowd. This was a new book for me, and as I read the words I was on that train ride. The ending was hard to read aloud with my heart in my throat. The movie is good, but the book is superior.
On Christmas Eve, by Peter Collington is a captivating wordless book, in the style of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. It is based in England, with fairies and Santa Claus traditions. It is fascinating to follow the fairies helping Santa!
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry is a delightfully predictable tale of a tree that is too tall. Each time the top is snipped off, it goes to someone else who has the same problem, and so on. The mouse gets the very last tree top. The story is done in rhyme, always a delight to the ears of children.
Morris’s Disappearing Bag, by Rosemary Wells is the story of Morris, the youngest in the family, who is too little to play with his sibling’s gifts. He discovers one last present under the tree, a disappearing bag. I wonder if J.K. Rowling read this book- perhaps it was the inspiration to create Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak.
Carl’s Christmas, by Alexandra Day is one of the Carl book series. It is beautifully done with full color illustrations. Of course Carl is a dog who is often left to look after the baby. That beginning alone is a story grabber. Best of all, it is a wordless book, leaving much to speculate and talk about.
Santa Bruce, by Ryan T. Higgins is the newest book on this list. Bruce is a grumpy old bear, and is again the victim of mistaken identity. He is not the real Santa, yet all the animals are convinced that he is. The book is absolutely hilarious.
If I had to pick only one out of the pile of books, it would be Apple Tree Christmas, by Trinka Hakes Noble. The story takes place in New Hampshire in the 1800’s. A blizzard, a farm, a tree, and a child who loves to draw. It is thrilling from beginning to end… grab the tissues, it’s a true story.
My almost number one book is The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, by Gloria Houston. The story takes place in rural Appalachia, close to my roots. It is a story of rural traditions, WWI, a train, and what a mother does on Christmas Eve. And, it’s a true story. Recommended for kindergarten and above.
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, by Tomie dePaola is a favorite. Everyone loves Strega Nona and Big Anthony. This book incorporates the culture of Italy and Christmas, and the lessons of life.
Night Tree, by Eve Bunting is a modern tale that tells the story of a family and their tree in the woods. Every Christmas Eve the family bundles up and heads from their house to the woods. They find “their tree”, the one they have decorated every year for the animals. It is a well written story, weaving adventure and giving, and family being together.
Dr. Seuss has always been one of the best. He outdid himself with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The message of the true meaning of Christmas shines through in this book. Please skip the movie, it doesn’t hold a candle to the book.
Every adult should read these books. Period. They are that good. Then, spread the joy and learning by reading aloud these books to children, young and old. They will love the stories. You will, too.
Merry Christmas!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
greattttttttt choices, Jennie. and so glad you continue to share them with your class
Thanks, Beth! 😍
Books are the best gifts!!
They are, GP. I wish my parents had read to me. I never went to a library. Now I know. 🙂
This is a wonderful list and there are several I’ve not read. I’ll have to fix that. I believe I’ll start with Apple Tree Christmas.
Yes! You won’t be disappointed, Deborah. Thank you.
A great list – give the gift of imagination!
Yes, the gift of imagination is the best. Thank you, John.
Thank you for this lovely post. You know what children love.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Flower. Thank you!
Great list!
Thank you, Marlene!
Polar Express–that brings back such good memories. Great list, Jennie.
It’s one of my favorites, too. Yes the memories. Shortly after reading the ‘new’ book to the family, I remember driving past a mall that was outlined with small lights. Our son shouted out, “There’s the North Pole!” He remembered and loved the book.
They all sound so great, Jennie. Alas, the only one I read though is The Grinch. Would not go near the ‘movie’.
They are, Don. Thank you. I’m glad to hear you say you would not go near that movie. Nothing beats the book. Once when I read the book to my class, I had a child tell me it wasn’t the real Grinch because it was white, not green. Sigh!
A great list, Jennie. I would hope every child could experience all of these.
I very much hope so, too. Thank you, John.
😊
These books all look for good! Oh, to be a child again!!
They really are, Liz. Thank you. I’m lucky that I can be a child once again every time I read these books aloud. You would love The Year of The Perfect Christmas Tree and Apple Tree Christmas. What great (and true) stories! I hope you can hit the Children’s Room at the library and check these out.
You’re welcome!
A terrific selection of Christmas books. Children who get books for Christmas are lucky indeed.
Yes, they are lucky. Books for Christmas gifts lets the child know they are very special. Thank you, Darlene.
I love your list. When our kids were little, my wife created a Christmas book box and filled it full of kid’s books. It was cool to see them grab a book to read before bed. The box now is pretty heavy. I keep threatening to donate the books to our library, but the box has some of my favorite books of all time: Jan Brett’s The Wild Christmas Reindeer; Peef, the Christmas Bear; Berke Breathed’s A Wish for Wings That Work: An Opus Christmas Story, and, of course, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It brings back so many great memories. Ha, ha.
Do not give away those books. You will want to read them to your future grandchildren, and you can relive the books again and again. I’m glad you liked my list, and I loved your books in the Christmas book box. Best to you, Brian.
That’s a great list, Jennie.
Thank you, Dan.
I remember this post well, Jennie. I’ve already read most of them. I’m glad you emphasized that so-called “children’s books” are not just for children.
I’m so glad you remember! Thank you for applauding my statement that children’s books are not just for children. So true! For you, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree will, well…❤️ This is not a young child’s book. I hope you can find it at the library. Best to you, Pete.
Jennie, what age group are these books targeting?
Wonderful, Jennie. I still love The Snowman.
Thanks for some great suggestions, Jennie! This year, we have a two-year-old, Naya, to buy for (not our child, but the daughter of our neighbors and best friends), and she already LOVES books! Some of these look just perfect! Happy Holidays, dear friend!
Red and Lulu sounds an enchanting story… So many wonderful books to savour and expand the magic within children’s minds ..
Wishing you dear Jennie a wonderful Christmas Holiday and a very Happy Healthy and Peaceful 2025 and beyond…
Much love your way my friend xx ❤
I just read Red and Lulu to my class today. They were enthralled. Yes, there are so many wonderful books, and books are the doorway to open minds. Thank you, Sue. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Much love to you.😍
Fantastic… I wish I had been sat there listening, As I bet you made it extra special 🙂 Lots of Love Jennie xx ❤ Hugs right back xx
Many thanks, Sue. Hugs! 💕
Jenni, I couldn’t agree more with your list! I loved sharing many of these with my classes and now joyfully share with them my granddaughters.
Hi Susan! I’m so glad you enjoyed this list, and I’m not surprised you shared many of these books with your classes and grandchildren. Many thanks!
Marvelous Christmas books for children. My daughter reads few books to her son and brought books which he too can read. He is six years old. Thanks Jennie
That’s wonderful! Thank you, Kamal.
Always welcome dear Jennie
Hi, Jennie. I enjoyed reading your feedback on these iconic stories. Happy solstice. Hugs.
Glad you enjoyed this. Happy Winter Solstice, Teagan.
Good books well shared 👍
Thank you.
👍
I am running late this week, Jennie. Thanks for the list of good books, we did get The Polar Express for out grandson some years back, and he loved it.
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, please don’t worry or apologize since I’m the one who seems to be always running late. 😀 The Polar Express continues to be one of the best. I remember you got it for your grandson. Best to you, my friend.
Hi Jennie, thank you for the wonderful post.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Best to you, Charles.
A super list, Jennie. Enjoy your Christmas break and enjoy some reading! You have lots to choose from. Hugs.
Thank you, Diana. You can’t imagine how much reading and writing I’ll be doing. 🙂Happy holidays to you!
Enjoy!
😀
A wonderful list to delight any child… Merry Christmas Jennie ♥♥
Thank you, Sally! 💕
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is my firm favourite. I tlove this quote:
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
These are the greatest words in the book – and it is such a wonderful book. Have you noticed how the best children’s books aren’t just for kids? Happy New Year, Robbie.
Yes, you are right
😀
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Thank you, Sally!
Some wonderful choices here, Jennie. I do love Strega Nona.
Thank you, Carla. Strega Nona is a favorite!
wonderful post, thank you! I collect illusrated book and I love discovering independent artists publishing theirs. I love fairy tales, mythology and folklore and illustrate them as well. I am very glad for having found such an interesting article 🙂
Good for you on your collecting and your love of picture books, that’s wonderful! Many thanks!
Nice to see Carl in the mix.
Yes!