The Best Christmas Books Of All Time

It tells the story of a mean and unhappy man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, and three other spirits on Christmas Eve. These spirits show Scrooge scenes from his past, present, and a scary future to teach him important lessons about being kind, generous, and caring. The story is a reminder of the importance of love and giving during the Christmas season, and it shows how people can change for the better. This book has also helped shape many of our modern Christmas traditions and is loved by people all over the world.

The poem tells the story of Santa Claus, who comes to visit a house on Christmas Eve. It describes how Santa and his reindeer land on the roof, how he enters the house through the chimney, and how he leaves presents in stockings for the kids. The poem also describes what Santa looks like and how he's always in a jolly mood. This poem has played a big role in how we imagine Santa Claus, including the idea of him riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer and the tradition of leaving milk and cookies out for him. Many families read this poem to their children on Christmas Eve, and it's a special part of the holiday season.

The story began in a book written by Robert L. May in 1939 and later turned into a song by Johnny Marks in 1949, made famous by Gene Autry. Rudolph is a reindeer with a special and bright red nose that glows. Initially, the other reindeer make fun of him for being different. But one Christmas Eve, when it's foggy and hard to see, Rudolph's glowing nose helps Santa Claus guide his sleigh to deliver presents to children all over the world. The story of Rudolph teaches us that being unique and different can be a good thing. It's a message about accepting others for who they are and recognizing that everyone has something special to offer. Rudolph has become a beloved character in various movies and TV specials and is a cherished part of Christmas traditions.

In this special, Charlie Brown is feeling unhappy because he thinks Christmas has become too focused on buying things. He wants to discover the true meaning of the holiday. Along the way, he takes charge of the school's Christmas play and chooses a small and humble Christmas tree, believing it represents the real spirit of Christmas. The story reminds us that Christmas is about more than just presents and decorations. It's a heartwarming tale about friendship, kindness, and being with loved ones during the holiday season. Even though "A Charlie Brown Christmas" isn't a book, there are children's books that retell the story and capture its wonderful messages. These books are a great way to enjoy the spirit of the TV special during the holidays.

What makes it unique is that it doesn't use words to tell the story, but instead, it relies on illustrations. The book is about a young boy who builds a snowman on a winter day. To his surprise, the snowman magically comes to life. They have all sorts of adventures together, like exploring the boy's house, meeting the family cat, and even flying to the North Pole. At the North Pole, they join other snowmen in a joyful gathering. With its simple yet charming pictures, the book captures the wonder of childhood and the joy of the winter season. "The Snowman" has also been turned into a beloved animated TV special and is a treasured part of many families' holiday traditions.

It's a touching and often associated with Christmas. The story is about a poor girl who's trying to sell matches on a very cold New Year's Eve. No one buys any matches from her, and she's afraid to go home because her father would be angry. To keep warm, she lights matches one by one. Each time she lights a match, she has beautiful visions of warmth and happiness, like a cozy stove and a delicious feast. But when the match goes out, she's back in the cold. In the end, she lights her last match, and her grandmother, who had passed away, comes to take her to heaven, where she won't be cold or suffer anymore. This story shows the sadness of poverty and how important it is to show kindness and help those in need, especially during the coldest and darkest times, like in winter.

It's a story that has captivated people for almost two centuries and continues to be fresh because it taps into our shared sense of wonder. Maurice Sendak, known for his brilliant set and costume designs for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker," has now created beautiful illustrations specifically for this book. He worked with the renowned translator Ralph Manheim to make this illustrated version of Hoffmann's fantastic tale, which is likely to become a classic for people of all ages. "The Nutcracker" takes us into a world of joy and enchantment. Maurice Sendak's artwork brings to life the pleasures of Hoffmann's story, creating a rich and delightful treasure for readers of all ages.

The book is about a grumpy creature called the Grinch who lives near a happy town called Whoville. The Grinch really doesn't like Christmas, so he tries to steal all the presents and decorations from the Whos in Whoville to spoil their holiday. But as he takes everything away on Christmas Eve, he hears the Whos still singing and enjoying the holiday, even without their stuff. This makes the Grinch realize the true meaning of Christmas. His heart grows three sizes, and he gives back everything he took. The Grinch learns to be kind and happy. The story of the Grinch teaches us that Christmas is about love, being together, and the spirit of the season. It's not just about presents and decorations. Many people love this story, and it's been made into movies too. It's a wonderful part of the holiday season.

 It's about a young married couple, Jim and Della, who are deeply in love but don't have much money. It's Christmas Eve, and they both want to give each other special gifts to show their love. Della sells her long hair to buy Jim a nice chain for his pocket watch, and Jim sells his watch to buy Della a set of combs for her hair. When they exchange gifts on Christmas morning, they realize their sacrifices have made the gifts useless. Della can't use the combs without her hair, and Jim can't use the chain without his watch. Despite this, they both understand that their love and the sacrifices they made are the most important things. The story reminds us that true love and giving from the heart are more valuable than any material gifts, especially during the holiday season.

 It's a heartwarming and funny story about the Herdman children, who are known for their troublemaking ways and are considered the "worst kids ever" by many. When they decide to take part in a local church's Christmas pageant, it sets the stage for a series of comical and unpredictable events.

The Herdmans, who have never been exposed to the traditional Christmas story before, bring their unconventional and, at times, irreverent approach to the Nativity play, creating a pageant that is unlike any other. While it begins with mayhem and confusion, the story ultimately conveys a meaningful message about the real essence of Christmas and the way in which the holiday spirit can bring about positive change.

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is considered a timeless classic that is often performed as a play during the holiday season. It's a charming and amusing narrative that reminds us that even the most unexpected individuals can come to grasp and appreciate the genuine meaning of Christmas.

Age range: 8-12 years

Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Santa's inaugural night.

Nicky Claus is employed at the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium alongside his three uncles. In this enchanting workshop, Uncle Hanz crafts the toys, Uncle Louis meticulously examines each one, and Uncle Levi, well, he adds the...what's the scientific term for it? Ah, yes, the magic! Every toy created at the Emporium possesses a distinct gleam, a sign that it's destined for the perfect child.

One particular day, Nicky glimpses a young girl peering through the shop window. When she mysteriously vanishes, he embarks on a journey to locate her and discovers her dwelling on the streets, along with numerous other children who can't afford toys. Nicky makes a heartfelt promise that, for just one night, every child will receive the toy they've always dreamed of. With the support of his uncles and some airborne reindeer, the legend of Father Christmas is born.

This enchanting and heartwarming narrative, crafted by the renowned author-illustrator David Litchfield, is a genuine holiday delight that revolves around themes of kindness, generosity, and the importance of taking care of one another.

Age Range: 4-7

In this charming holiday tale, a farmer named Walter is asleep in the snow, dreaming of a Christmas surprise for his animals. The book features beautiful illustrations and a whimsical storyline that captivates young readers and their families. As the story unfolds, the animals gather around the sleeping farmer to create a special surprise for him, making it a heartwarming and joyful Christmas story. Eric Carle is well-known for his distinctive and colorful artwork, and "Dream Snow" is a wonderful addition to his collection of beloved children's books.

Age range: 3+ years

The story imagines Santa Claus as a baby, and it offers a whimsical take on how he grew up to become the legendary figure we all know. The book explores Santa's childhood, his early experiences, and the origins of his magical journey of delivering gifts on Christmas Eve. It's a delightful and imaginative story that can captivate the imagination of young readers and provide a unique perspective on the beloved character of Santa Claus. The book is known for its charming illustrations and a heartwarming narrative that adds a touch of magic to the holiday season.

Age range: 3-7 years

This heartwarming and beautifully illustrated Christmas picture book has the potential to become a beloved holiday classic. It tells the story of a small, crooked fir tree that remains unchosen while other trees in the forest are picked as Christmas trees by families. However, when forest animals gather around the lonely little tree, they bring it joy and warmth, allowing it to experience the true spirit of the holiday season within the cold, snowy forest.

The book conveys a timeless and endearing message about love and embracing our unique qualities. It's a classic holiday tale that encourages us to celebrate our differences and stand by our friends. Families will undoubtedly cherish reading it together and engaging in discussions about the values of kindness, generosity, and the genuine meaning of Christmas.

Age range: Preschool and up

This Christmas-themed book takes on the shape of a Christmas tree and beautifully acknowledges holiday traditions from various corners of the world.

The story begins with rhyming verses, narrated from the perspective of a humble pine tree. This pine tree longs for its own holiday decorations and counts down the days until Christmas. As the days pass, forest animals embark on journeys, returning with ornaments and symbols of diverse holiday celebrations from around the globe. A group of children from different racial backgrounds then adorns the tree with these ornaments.

Each page introduces a different cultural custom, accompanied by a brief explanation in a paragraph. Simultaneously, the story maintains a rhythmic pace with four simple rhyming lines. For example, one page features the tree bedecked with silver and gold spiderwebs, as it tells the Ukrainian legend of the Christmas spider. On another page, readers learn about the Mexican celebration of Las Posadas.

However, the unique shape of the book, mimicking a Christmas tree, combines elements that might have functioned well individually but, when brought together, can feel somewhat cumbersome. The book effectively conveys two parallel narratives: one about the pine tree's decorations and another about cultural celebrations worldwide. This arrangement might create a somewhat disjointed reading experience, especially for different age groups. The book's large and somewhat unwieldy shape, while eye-catching, may come across as more of a gimmick than a purposeful design.

Age Range: 2-5

This heartwarming book tells the story of a simple and meaningful Christmas celebration on a family farm. When a young girl discovers that her family is planning to have a modest holiday, she initially has reservations. However, she soon wholeheartedly embraces the spirit of simplicity and generosity.

Together with her parents and grandparents, they create handmade gifts and festive decorations, adding a personal touch to their Christmas preparations. Their love for sharing extends beyond their family as they offer Christmas cookies to new friends they meet along the way.

The story centers around the idea of coming together in the true spirit of the season, and it invites everyone to join in their festive celebration at a charming little red barn. This book beautifully conveys the joy of a warm and uncomplicated Christmas on the farm, celebrating the values of togetherness, kindness, and sharing.

Age range: 4-8 years

The book is about a young boy who is unsure if Santa Claus is real or not. On Christmas Eve, a magical steam train called the Polar Express shows up at his house. The train conductor invites him and other children on board for a journey to the North Pole. During the train ride, the kids have exciting adventures and meet interesting characters. When they reach the North Pole, the boy is chosen to receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus. He asks for a simple gift: a bell from Santa's sleigh. Santa grants his request, but the boy later realizes he has lost the bell. On Christmas morning, he finds the bell under the tree, and it still rings for him but not for his parents. This makes him believe in Santa Claus, and the story teaches us that as long as you keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your heart, the magic of the holiday will never fade. "The Polar Express" has been turned into a popular animated film and is cherished by both kids and adults as a heartwarming Christmas tale that captures the joy and enchantment of the season.

"Pick a Pine Tree" is a charming book that tells the story of selecting and decorating a Christmas tree. It's a joyful tale filled with the excitement of getting a tree, adorning it with ornaments, and creating cherished holiday memories with loved ones. The book's beautiful illustrations make the experience come to life, making it a perfect read for the festive season.

Age range: preschool and up

"Bright Winter Night" is a charming story told in verse, making it a perfect choice for bedtime reading. In this tale, a group of woodland creatures gather on a winter evening, using the resources around them to create something truly wonderful. The story quietly celebrates nature, friendship, and the power of creativity.

As the story unfolds, it builds anticipation as a seemingly unlikely group of animals, including mice and wolves, rabbits, bears, birds, stags, and squirrels, come together with a common goal: to witness one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles. There's a gentle urgency in their actions as they work together, sensing the task at hand as night replaces the day. Their collaborative spirit and shared moments are heartwarming, as each creature contributes to the project and enjoys their time together.

The illustrations, created using mixed media in deep blues, evoke a cozy feeling within the chilly winter landscape. "Bright Winter Night" is sure to become a beloved read-aloud, one that children will want to experience repeatedly. It's an ideal choice for storytimes and crafting sessions during the winter season.

Age range: 3-7 years

Prepare for the winter season with a compilation of 50 captivating stories from various corners of the world.

Settle down by the warmth of the fire and embark on a journey through a diverse collection of wintertime folk tales, myths, and legends. This treasury features a wide array of stories, including those about Norse gods, hibernating bears, festive Christmas feasts, and mischievous witches, making it an inclusive assortment of winter-inspired tales suitable for everyone.

This anthology is the perfect choice for the holiday season, as well as for any occasion when you're eager to explore chilling stories from both nearby and faraway lands.

Award-winning author Angela McAllister has skillfully collected and retold these stories, while Olga Baumert's enchanting illustrations add an extra layer of magic to this book. It's a collection meant to be enjoyed as the weather gets colder and the nights grow longer, making it an ideal companion for wintertime reading.

Some of the captivating stories you'll discover in this treasury include "The Spider and the Christmas Tree" from Ukraine, "Mother Holle" from Germany, "Shingebiss" from Ojibwe in North America, and many more. The "World Full of…" series offers beautifully bound hardback story treasuries, making it an excellent addition to any child's bookshelf.

Age Range: 5-8

"The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" is a book for kids. It's about a family who lives in a big house in New York City. They have a problem because the person who owns the house wants them to leave before Christmas. The family has five kids, and they decide to do things to make the person change their mind and let them stay. They get help from their friends and people who live nearby. It's a nice story about family, friends, and the good things that happen during the holidays. A lot of kids like this book.

Age range: 7-10 years