For the last three years on November 30th and once even on the morning of December 1st I’ve wrapped up between 24 and 25 books for my kids. The first year I wrapped up all different types of books but over the last two years I’ve managed to create a collection of Christmas stories so that the kids were unwrapping only Christmas or winter stories. Everyday the kids unwrap one book together but Christmas Eve is special, on Christmas Eve they each get to unwrap their very own. Last year I got this year’s Christmas books on sale after Christmas. It felt like a huge win for me.
I have so much fun picking out what book I’m going to buy for each of my children and I’m so excited that next year I get to buy a third! Last year I made a list of 10 Children’s Books for Christmas and this year I did it again. I’ve come across so many in the last couple of years and love sharing them with you in case you’re doing a book advent as well which, by the way I highly recommend!
If I had to pick my favorite out of all these I think it would be “the Twelve Days of Christmas” the illustrations are just beyond beautiful and the kids really enjoy singing this song.
Twelve Days of Christmas by Jane Ray
In this lushly illustrated interpretation of the familiar Christmas carol, each spread offers surprises for the eye as nostalgic city scenes depict a multiethnic cast of characters bustling with packages and sprucing up their homes for the holidays. But at one home in particular, an endless succession of gifts keeps arriving: birds of all stripes, ladies dancing aboard a brightly bedecked boat, lords leaping on rooftops, and pipers piping up and down stairs. Filled with intricate patterns and whimsical flourishes, Jane Ray’s gorgeous artwork is the perfect match for this wonderfully cumulative tale.
I love the message behind “Drummer Boy” and it’s a huge hit with Mason. There was a time where we were reading on AT LEAST a weekly basis all year long.
Drummer Boy by Loren Long
In a wintry little town, a drummer boy appears on a child?s doorstep. And when it is still and quiet, the drummer boy plays, boom pum pum boom pum, and warms the child?s heart. But one day the drummer boy is accidentally knocked into the trash, sending him on a journey he never imagined?a journey on which he continues to play his drum, warming the hearts of others, from a rat to an owl to a snowman. And in a touching conclusion, his own heart is warmed as he plays to his most perfect audience: the baby in a manger.
Loren Long brings this story of an unforgettable little drummer boy to vivid life with his timeless and magical art.
This is a new one for us this year and the kids loved it, they thought it was hilarious and I thought it was super sweet.
Merry Christmas, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
“What if Santa’s lips get chapped?” Stinky Face asks. “What if the sack of toys starts to rip?”
As always, Mama lovingly addresses each and every one of her child’s concerns. Of course, Stinky Face leaves Santa lip balm and duct tape . . . just in case.
Another new one for us this year. It was short and simple making it perfect for Kyla and also perfect for Mason who is learning how to read!
Merry Christmas, Mouse by Laura Numeroff
Join Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he decorates his Christmas tree in a holiday counting adventure.
Who doesn’t love the classic story of Rudolph? This was what Mason opened up on Christmas Eve last year. We love to read the book and then watch the movie!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story: Deluxe 50th-Anniversary Edition by Thea Feldman
The Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer television special first aired on NBC December 6, 1964. Fifty years later, it has become a beloved Christmas classic―capturing the heart and wonder of generations of fans.
Here is the complete story from the classic TV show, gloriously illustrated in full color and in an elegant gift book edition. Perfect for reading aloud!
We haven’t read this one yet because Mason is getting it this year for Christmas Eve but I just know he’s going to love it. It is Dinosaurs and Christmas after all, what’s not to love?
The Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas by Anne Muecke
The dinosaur fossils in the museum come to life (and sing, dance, and eat gingerbread) in this rollicking twist on the classic poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. And with the enclosed CD, children of all ages can enjoy dinosaur-themed Christmas party music, and hear the story read aloud by the Today Show‘s Al Roker! A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book goes to support the American Museum of Natural History in New York, where the story is set.
Lift the flap books are super popular with Kyla and even Mason too. They take turns lifting it and because it’s more of a book for younger kids it also makes it great for Mason to practice reading.
Merry Christmas, Little One by Sandra Magsamen
Christmas comes but once a year –
Time for magic, love and cheer.Featuring sturdy lift-the-flaps, a puffy fabric Christmas tree on the cover, and a glittery finale, this newest addition to the Snuggle-Me Stories line follows in the best-selling tradition of Peek-a-Boo, I Love You! Sandra Magsamen celebrates Christmas in her signature style, with heartfelt rhymes and engaging illustrations. Babies and loved ones will merrily read and play along. A perfect way for little ones to celebrate the holiday season.
This one hasn’t made our book advent yet but it’s been bumped to the top of my list. It looks adorable and answers a very important question for the kids!
Is it Christmas Yet? by Jane Chapman
Christmas is coming, and Teddy is so excited! ‘Is it Christmas yet?’ he repeatedly asks Big Bear. Teddy wants to help Big Bear get ready, but every time he tries, he ends up making a mess — and making Big Bear angry! Will they ever be ready to have the perfect Christmas?
This book is super silly and the kids really love to see all the trouble that Tucker gets into.
Ho, Ho, Ho Tucker by Leslie McGuirk
Tucker loves Christmas. He gets so carried away baking cookies this year that he gets a little too close to the pan. Ouch! But his sore red nose comes in handy when he makes a special friend who invites him on the sleigh ride of a lifetime!
This is what Kyla will be opening up on Christmas Eve. I choose this one because it tells the story of Christmas, something Mason has been very excited to learn about.
Star Bright: A Christmas Story by Alison McGhee
The angels are aflutter: a baby is soon to be born! One small angel can tell this baby is especially special by the way the other angels are dashing and fussing about. And holy moly, are their presents extraordinary. The little angel wants to give a present too, but, what could she possibly offer that is as worthy as the others’ gifts?
We’re huge readers in this house and I hope that we always will be. Reading is so important for little ones. My parents often read to me as a child and I attribute it to my love of reading as an adult. If you follow me on Instagram you may have saw that I posted about the book we were reading last night and used the hashtag #ReaditForward. By doing so I helped The UPS Store donate $1 to the Toys for Tots Literacy program and I encourage you to do the same!
Here’s how you can get it on the action:
- Record a short video of yourself talking about your favorite children’s book and share it using #ReadItForward
- Take a selfie with their favorite children’s book and share it using #ReaditForward
- Tweet the name of your favorite children’s book and share it with #ReaditForward
- Donate directly to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.
The UPS Store will be donating up to $50,000 so share as much and as often as possible. 100% of each dollar donated helps to purchase books for children during the holiday seasons. Since they began partnering with the Toys for Tots Literacy Foundation The UPS Store network has raised more than $3 million to purchase books for underprivileged children nationwide. The UPS Store has distributed more than 34.2 million books to children during the holiday season, which is about 4.8 million annually.
Leave a Reply