Whether you’re looking for an awesome gift idea, or just want something new to add to your bookshelf, Christmas picture books are a great way to go. Dozens of Christmas books for kids hit the shelves every year, ranging from funny to heartwarming. And with so many different choices, we want to help you with some of our favorite recommendations this holiday season.
Best Funny Christmas Books for Kids
If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted this year, we recommend checking out Santa’s Underwear by Marty Figley. One look at the cover and it’s easy to see how this amusing book is sure to get a few laughs this Christmas. Figley’s story has been incredibly popular this season, as seen by it’s placement atop Amazon’s best-seller list this December.
In the book, we see Santa getting prepared for his big night, only to find out that his favorite underwear are missing. Although he tries many others from his collection, nothing is as good as his “long, red woolly undies.” Just when it seems Christmas is in trouble, Santa’s trusty reindeer save the day with a Christmas surprise.
If Santa’s Underwear is a little silly for your taste, consider Adam Wallace‘s How to Catch an Elf instead. Following the theme of Wallace’s other “How to Catch…” books, this Christmas version tells us all about Santa’s helper and how he avoids the children’s attempts to capture him.
The book is highlighted by vivid illustrations and a fun, rhyming pattern that’s perfect for ages three to eight. You’re sure to get a chuckle as you watch the elf escape mazes, electrified Christmas ornaments and the Eggnog River!
And when it comes to funny kids Christmas books, make sure to also check out Wallace’s How to Catch a Snowman as well!
Best Christmas Books for Toddlers and Infants
Books geared towards ages three and under are typically represented by very colorful illustrations and simple themes. And for the youngest audience out there, you’ll find not shortage in Christmas-themed books that fit that description.
Anna Dewdney‘s Llama Llama books have been a favorite of families all over the world. Several of these popular books have a holiday theme, and Llama Llama Jingle Bells is one of the best for infants and toddlers.
This Christmas board book features the popular title character enjoying a variety of fun, Christmas activities. This short, rhyming story is great for getting your youngest excited for the holidays!
For a more educational Christmas board book, we recommend picking up The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas 1-2-3. This book features Eric Carle‘s popular character introducing numbers using a fun, holiday theme. The very colorful pictures and familiar “Hungry Caterpillar” character allow this one to stand out from other options. As a result, this is a great choice for keeping very young audiences interested during Christmas story time.
Best Christmas Books for Preschool Kids
Some of the best books for preschool children feature detailed illustrations, likable characters and inspirational themes. There are so many great holiday books that meet this criteria. Here are a couple of our favorites.
One of the most popular Christmas books for kids over the last couple of years is Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker. The popular book debuted last Fall and immediately became an Amazon holiday book best seller.
In the book, we see how each of the construction vehicles are trying to complete their work before Christmas arrives. As each member of the team finishes their work, they’re given a Christmas gift in return. By the end of the book, we see that the construction crew has been building a new fire house for the town!
If you have fans of trucks and construction vehicles, or just like books with fun, rhyming stories, Construction Site on Christmas Night is a must own.
Among the newer options in book stores this December is Drew Daywalt’s The Crayon’s Christmas. Following his best-sellers The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, Daywalt brings back his popular characters in this holiday-themed activity book.
The books just debuted this past month and contains a number of interactive features including punch-out ornaments, pop-ups and a poster. In the book, we see the crayons building snowmen, decorating and making hot cocoa…complete with their usual humor and wit.
The Crayon’s Christmas is a creative follow-up to the other books in the series. Additionally, check out this preview video of the book’s release here.
Best Classic Christmas Books for Kids
When it comes to classic Christmas books, we all have one that holds a special place this time of year. They’re the kind of stories that signal the start of Christmas season, and are usually the first off the bookshelf. You can’t go wrong with any of the classics, but here are a couple of our favorites.
Robert Barry’s Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree has been one of the most popular Christmas books since it’s debut in 1963. Even today, it continues to rank among Amazon’s top holiday books, nearly sixty years after its release. As an example of it’s popularity, the book was remade into a television special in 1996.
The heartwarming story starts with Mr. Willowby putting up his Christmas tree in his parlor, only to discover it’s much too big. Mr. Willowby cuts off the top of the tree to make it fit, and we see it passed along to all of the animals in the forest, bringing holiday cheer along with it.
Mr. Willowby‘s subtle theme of conservation and warm story are the perfect way to start the Christmas season.
There may not be a more iconic Christmas book than Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Arguably his most popular work, Suess’ creation has been a trademark of the Christmas season since 1957. Since it’s release, the book has been re-made into several movies, television specials and musical numbers.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas features Suess’ unique illustrations and rhyming pattern. The story tells the tale of a grumpy Grinch who tries to put an end to Christmas by stealing all of the decorations from a nearby town on Christmas Eve. But when he sees that Christmas isn’t just about materialistic things, the Grinch has a change of heart and learns to embrace what Christmas represents.
It’s hard to imagine a list of best Christmas books for kids that doesn’t include How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s perfect blend of creativity, inspirational message and timeless characters make it an excellent choice for Christmas story time.