Christmas is one of our favorites times of the year. Usually by the time we get to mid-November, the house is decorated, holiday music is playing on repeat and the Christmas picture books are back on the bookshelf.
When it comes to Christmas books for kids, we have a ton of great options to choose from every night when I read to my daughters before bed. There are the obvious classics that make the rotation every year, as well as the newer stories we've add in more recent years. And with Christmas being such a popular holiday for children's book authors, there is never any shortage of new books to add to our collection.
Any bookstore this time of year likely will make it pretty easy for you to find holiday themed picture books. To help narrow down your search, we've put together a list of some of our favorite, new Christmas books for kids published in 2020. Whether you're looking for a gift idea or just simply want something new to read to the kids, any of the books below are sure to get you and your family ready for Christmas!
Author: Jimmy Fallon
Illustrator: Rich Deas
Recommended Age: 3 - 7 years old
Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon is back with his latest children's book release, 5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas!
Those familiar with Fallon's previous literary successes (Your Baby's First Word will be DADA, Everything is Mama, This is Baby) will certainly want to add this one to their collection as well. Unlike his previous books, however, 5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas isn't just geared towards toddlers, but rather preschool and elementary age children as well.
The fun, rhyming story is simple but perfectly highlights a child's anticipation and excitement as Christmas Day approaches. The illustrations by Rich Deas are enough of a reason alone to pick this one up thanks to the magnificent detail and bold colors.
5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas is great for children of all ages and is certain to be a fixture in our Christmas reading for years to come.
Illustrator: Kim Smith
Recommended Age: 3 - 10 years old
One of our favorite holiday movies to watch every year is the hilarious and heartwarming Elf. The story of Buddy the Elf and his infectious enthusiasm for Christmas is such a fun tale to take in around the holidays. So needless to say when we saw there was a recent picture book release of the Christmas classic, we were very excited!
The illustrations by Kim Smith are incredible and do a great job of taking the reader through the memorable moments from the film. All of the fun from the movie is packed into just 40 pages and which is great for parents who don't have the luxury of getting energetic kids to sit still long enough to get through a 2 hour movie.
Elf: The Classic Illustrated Storybook is great Christmas book for kids of all ages!
Author: Heiki Conradi
Illustrator: Maja Dusíková
Recommended Age: 3 - 8 years old
The Little Bell that Wouldn't Ring may be one of the lesser-known books on our list, but it's certainly worth picking up.
The story takes place in a bell tower where all of the bells are practicing their rings before Christmas. All except for one little, new bell. In an attempt to encourage him to ring, all of the animals from the tower began searching for kind words to share with the little bell. It's not until they discover the words "peace on earth" that the little bell begins to ring, just in time on Christmas Eve.
This lovely, unique story is a heartwarming read that's perfect for Christmas. The book's illustrations are stunning and feature a number of snow-filled backdrops that really set the tone for the story.
Author: Todd Parr
Illustrator: Todd Parr
Recommended Age: 3 - 6 years old
Anyone who has spent any time on our site knows we love Todd Parr books. They take really important messages and present them in simplified ways that are great for preschool and young elementary age children. The illustrations are incredibly bright and have a unique look that help separate them from other books.
While Parr's latest release, The Joyful Book, isn't specifically designed as a Christmas book, it does pair well with the messages of the holidays. The book's theme is about celebrating different traditions and being joyful whenever you're with family or friends. Singing songs, decorating for the holidays and giving to others are all joyful things highlighted within the book.
The Christmas imagery within the book is also accompanied with pictures of children celebrating other holidays, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, as well. The colorful, kid-friendly illustrations are great for keeping younger audiences engaged.
Author: Lisa Ann Scott
Illustrator: Amberin Huq
Recommended Age: 3 - 6 years old
When it comes to Christmas books for kids that feature a lovable character and a great message, look no further than Narwhal's True Christmas Wish.
Nigel Narwhal's true Christmas wish has always been to be one of Santa's helpers. However, since Santa doesn't go in the water, Nigel knows his wish is likely not going to come true. But when Santa mistakenly loses a present off of his sleigh, Nigel knows it's up to him to make sure someone else doesn't lose their true Christmas wish. Through the cold, dark waters, Nigel carries the gift successfully to shore and delivers it to the child it belongs to. Thanks to his kindness and perseverance, Nigel is able to grant someone's true Christmas wish while also fulfilling his own.
Narhwal's True Christmas Wish is a story with a great message about generosity and believing in yourself. Kids will be rooting for Nigel as he makes his trip across the ocean to deliver Santa's present in this beautifully illustrated picture book.
Author: Emma Dodd
Illustrator: Emma Dodd
Recommended Age: 2 - 5 years old
If you want a new Christmas book with a simple, rhyming story that is great for toddlers and preschoolers, Christmas is Joy is a great pick-up. The story, which takes place through the eyes of a mom and a baby reindeer, is a reminder of why Christmas is so special.
Kids will love Emma Dodd's illustrations which feature snow-filled landscapes, cute animals and shiny highlights within the artwork. The books message of family, peace and love are perfect for the holidays.
And like many of Dodd's other popular books, the story uses a fun, rhyming pattern with simple sentences, making it ideal for kids with shorter attention spans.
Author: Erin Guendelsberger
Illustrator: Elizaveta Tretyakova
Recommended Age: 4 - 10 years old
Little Red Sleigh is a heartwarming Christmas story about overcoming the odds and following a dream.
It was the ultimate wish of the little red sleigh to make it to the North Pole to help Santa with his Christmas deliveries. But the other toys were quick to remind the little sleigh that she was too small, too young and didn't know how to fly. But with determination, perseverance and the help of some friends, the little red sleigh is able to achieve the impossible.
The story of the little red sleigh will certainly keep kids on the edge of their seat as they go along with her on a journey to see Santa. Among the Christmas books for kids published in 2020, this one also is near the top of our list when it comes to illustrations. Each page is full of color, detail and beautiful Christmas imagery that really set the tone for the holidays.
Author: Matthew Paul Turner
Illustrator: Gillian Gamble
Recommended Age: 3 - 8 years old
Of all the Christmas books for kids on our list, none may have gotten me more in the Christmas spirit than All the Colors of Christmas.
In the book, author Matthew Paul Turner describes all of the sensations and feelings that come along with Christmas by using colors. His detailed, rhyming story highlights all of the elements of Christmas, including love of family and celebrating traditions. As he navigates from color to color, kids will undoubtedly feel the magic of the holiday, while parents experience the nostalgia of Christmas memories.
The illustrations within the book are excellent and fit perfectly with the vivid descriptions of Christmas throughout.
Author: Tad Hills
Illustrator: Tad Hills
Recommended Age: 3 - 8 years old
Best-selling author Tad Hill's Mistletoe is a story about friendship and the true meaning of Christmas.
Mistletoe the mouse loves everything about Christmas, especially snow. As Mistletoe is outside on a walk enjoying the beauty of the falling snow, she thinks about her best friend Norwell the elephant and wishes he'd come out with her. The problem is, Norwell is afraid of getting too cold and would rather stay inside by the fire.
With Christmas approaching, Mistletoe gets an idea for a great gift that will surprise her friend and allow him to enjoy the snow too. After working day and night to get it ready, Mistletoe surprises Norwell with the perfect gift on Christmas morning!
This lovely Christmas story is all about acts of kindness and caring for others. Hill's talent as an illustrator is also on full display throughout the book, as seen by the book's bold, beautiful cover.
Author: Barbara Joosse
Illustrator: Renee Graef
Recommended Age: 3 - 7 years old
The last book on our list of Christmas books for kids is Barbara Joosee's Everybody's Tree.
The story starts with a little boy planting a little spruce tree in his yard. As the boy gets older, eventually becoming a father and a grandfather, the tree grows too. Eventually, the tree becomes so old that it needs to be cut down, but gets one last moment to shine as the city's Christmas tree. What was once the tree of a little boy has now become everybody's tree!
Everybody's Tree is a special Christmas story that celebrates togetherness and community. The illustrations by Renee Graef are a standout and one of the best reasons to give this one a look during the holidays.