Bring the littlest members of the family into the holiday spirit with these timeless stories!
We’re quickly approaching the most read-aloud time of the year in the weeks leading up to Christmas. If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, or just someone who loves a child, you’ll want to stock up on these beloved classic picture books.
Whether you wrap books to open each day of December, read a book on each of the 12 Days of Christmas, or bundle them up under the tree for Christmas morning, you and your little one will delight in these timeless stories. They’re just the kind of beautifully written and illustrated books you both will want to read again and again. If you’d like more than 12 book suggestions for your home library, don’t miss the wonderful recommendations at Read Aloud Revival as well!
King Island Christmas by Jean Rogers
The Inuit villagers on a remote Alaskan island are ready to hunker down for the winter, but they can’t celebrate Christmas until the priest is there for Mass, and he’s separated from them by a rough sea. This sweet story captures the spirit of the holiday and the joy of our faith.
The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
This story is not about the saint himself, but is the incredibly moving account of a small Russian village coming together to celebrate Christmas in their church for the first time in decades. Told from the perspective of a young boy, the tale feels miraculous, and has special significance now when many Christians may be missing their usual services.
The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers
“Magical” is the best word to describe this action-packed, beautifully illustrated version of the classic ballet. It’s sure to inspire many hours of imaginative play in kids of all ages!
The Twelve Days of Christmas illustrated by Jan Brett
There are countless books featuring the traditional carol, but we’re willing to bet this is the most visually appealing of them all! Children will love finding all the clever details in the illustrations and the (wordless) story of a family celebrating Christmas together.
Christmas in Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren
Travel back in time to the simple Christmases of decades past with this delightfully old-fashioned story of celebrating Christmas joyfully with loved ones.
A Little Women Christmas by Heather Vogel Frederick
Anyone who enjoys a story of goodwill, gratitude, and family love will savor this lovely book. Fair warning: If you’re a fan of the book or movies, you might not be able to get through this one without tearing up.
The Donkey’s Dream by Barbara Helen Berger
The Christmas story is told through the eyes of the donkey who carried Mary to Bethlehem, and the resulting tale is richly symbolic and profound, with glowing illustrations to perfect it.
The Huron Carol illustrated by Frances Tyrell
St. Jean de Brébeuf wrote this arresting carol — perhaps the first hymn written in the Americas — to tell the Christmas story in the language of the native Huron people, with imagery familiar to them.
The Story of Christmas illustrated by Jane Ray
This book might be the ideal introduction to the Christmas story for young children, as it combines stunning illustrations with the original words of Scripture.
Christmas in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
An excerpt from the well-known chapter book, this picture book stays true to the wording of the original, with illustrations sure to captivate children. The simplicity of Laura’s Christmas is guaranteed to inspire gratitude.
Where is Christmas, Jesse Bear? by Nancy White Carlstrom
The entire Christmas season is sweetly honored in this book that revels in the sights, sounds, and everyday joys of this special time of year.
Father and Son: A Nativity Story by Geraldine McCaughrean
Perhaps the only children’s book to honor St. Joseph’s special role, this book explores what he may have been thinking and feeling as he took on the responsibility of raising his Lord and Savior, with a message to which all fathers can relate.
