New holiday-themed books for kids are a fun way to usher in and celebrate the season. Consider wrapping some and opening one each day of the month.
Merry Christmas, Red Truck, a board book by Kersten Hamilton; illustrated by Valeria Petrone. Red truck, wrapped in festive lights, must get through flurries, slippery roads and piles of snow before Christmas Day. A wonderful addition to the beloved Red Truck and Friends series.
The Magical Snowflake by Bernette Ford and Erin K. Robinson is an enchanting story about Ori and her friends, who yearn to play in the winter snow. Ori makes a heartfelt wish, and soon, a special snowflake brings joy to the entire town.
Our Italian Christmas Eve is a festive tribute to food and family that gets readers into the holiday spirit—Italian style! Written by sibling-duo Danielle & Francesco Sedita; illustrated by Luciano Lozano. Includes the Sedita family cheesecake recipe in the back.
Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena, Written by Karla Arenas Valenti; illustrated by Elisa Chavarri. On the eve of Nochebuena, magic lights up Lita’s Pastelería and Esperanza Caramelo (a sugar ornament on top of the holiday cake) opens her eyes. While throwing a fiesta with the other ornaments, disaster strikes. Can the cake be saved in time for Christmas?
The Friendly Animals: A Christmas Story, illustrated by James Newman Gray, is a sweet retelling of the first Christmas through the eyes of the barn animals, featuring words from a centuries-old folk hymn.
This version of The Night Before Christmas by author-illustrator Ben Kirchner is a fun re-imagining of the famous poem by Clement C. Moore, but featuring Polar Bear Santa and a family of penguins.
This collectible special edition of The Night Before Christmas features a foil-stamped cover, and words to six famous Christmas carols following the beloved classic poem by Clement C. Moore. Illustrated by Toom Browning.
Holy Night and Little Star: A Story for Christmas is an enchanting retelling of the Christmas story, featuring Little Star and Maker on Holy Night. Written by National Book Award Nominee Mitali Perkins; Beautifully illustrated by Khoa Le.
What child doesn’t love a search-and-find book? And with the release of the new “Wonka” movie in December, there will be a whole new generation of Willy Wonka enthusiasts! Consider gifting Roald Dahl: Where’s Wonka? A search-and-find book to the children in your circle. By Hannah Sheldon-Dean; illustrated by Wren McDonald.
Jayylen’s Christmas Wish by Lavaille Lavette. Jayylen is extra excited for Christmas this year as he anticipates the arrival of his brother Manuel, who serves in the Army, and hasn’t been home in three years.
MOOMIN and the Winter Snow by Tove Jansson
$15.99; BoxerBooks.com
Snufkin is traveling south for the winter season and travels through the village to say good-bye to his friends. Moomintroll is sad about his friend’s departure. Can anyone make him feel better?
Don’t let the Pidgeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems
$18.99; Unionsquareandco.com
It's the most wonderful time of the year—for driving a sleigh! 'Tis also the season—for driving a sleigh! Oh, and joy to the—driving a sleigh! The Pigeon has made a list and checked it once. Can his holiday dream come true? Or will The Pigeon be left out in the cold?
Elves Are the Worst! by Alex Willan
$18.99; SimonandSchuster.com
Everyone knows that elves have a reputation of being the hardest workers around—especially when it comes to the holiday season—but as far as Gilbert the Goblin is concerned that’s nothing but ho-ho-hogwash. A goblin’s to-do list is just as long as any elf’s; they just don’t feel the need to sing songs about it. To prove he can outperform any reindeer-watching, wrapper-paper-wielding, toy-tinkering elf, Gilbert puts on his merriest disguise to infiltrate Santa’s workshop. But can one lone goblin do the work of a whole team of elves?
Updated: Dec. 2023
