Make your list and check it twice for some new Christmas reads the whole family will enjoy!
Reading offers a wonderful way for families to slow down and take a breath during a busy Christmas season. There are some amazing holiday classics that many families return to each year, and the building of a love of books and reading traditions is a great way to add some learning fun to the most wonderful time of the year.
There are many ways that books can be interwoven into the holidays. At our house, we have book bins filled with the holiday collections we’ve built over the years. As the seasons change, so do some of the reading choices that enter the rotation for our nightly reading selections. This is a FAVORITE part of my 6-year-old’s bedtime routine.
Whether your family has a go-to reading list at Christmas or whether you’re looking for a way to create some reading traditions during the holidays, it is always fun to add new titles. These 10 titles were all released this year and can find their way to the shelves, bins, or wrapped stack of reading goodness that houses classics like The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg or The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore or How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss.
A Very Fiona Christmas – Fans of Fiona and the Cincinnati Zoo will delight in this engaging tale of Fiona’s 1st Christmas. Readers join Fiona as she journeys around the zoo and meets with different animals to discover the true meaning of Christmas. This Richard Cowdrey creation will have natives of Cincinnati and those from zip codes near and far falling in love with Fiona all over again.
The Christmas Gift – This short rhyming story opens the eyes of readers to the wonder of Christmas that surrounds us all year. Written and illustrated by Claire Peters, families can see how the holiday spirit can be captured year-round.
Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever – Author/illustrator Matt Tarves shares the story of a brave reindeer and a chance meeting with a man in a red suit that sparks a new tradition.
Santa Mouse – This adorable and kind-hearted little mouse will win over the hearts of young and old alike. His love of Christmas and the joy of giving resound in this adorable tale written by Michael Brown and illustrated by Elfrieda de Witt.
Cookies for Santa: The Story of How Santa’s Favorite Cookie Saved Christmas – For families that enjoy cooking shows and baking at the holidays, this sweet story delivers both a warm Christmas tale and a new recipe that’s likely to become a family favorite. America’s Test Kitchen Kids joined with illustrator Johanna Tarkela to spread Christmas cheer in kitchens everywhere.
The Christmas Tree Wish – With a main character named Bruce Spruce, the cuteness in this tale is guaranteed! Woven into this story for young readers are some great lessons on friendship and being different. Karen Inglis and Anne Swift have created a lovable classic.
God Gave Us Christmas – Sometimes a little book can help parents answer some big questions. Lisa Tawn Bergren helps families discover the true meaning behind Christmas through the eyes of Little Cub. David Hohn adds the magical illustrations that make this an engaging reading experience.
Good Night, Santa: A Magical Christmas Story – This simple board book from DK is perfect for young ones that want to wait up for Santa. The story follows a little girl as she walks through a winter wonderland saying goodnight to different woodland animals before heading off to bed to ensure Santa’s arrival.
The Mouse in the Hammock, A Christmas Tale – This little mouse catches his zzzz’s in a cozy hammock perched in the Christmas tree, but when he’s not sleeping, he’s scurrying around the house doing all the little extras that make Christmas so special. Bethany Brevard offers readers some wonderful lessons on the small acts of kindness that even the smallest of us can do.
Where Would Santa Go? – This book takes young Lucy and her brother on a ride in Santa’s sleigh to visit many of Santa’s favorite places. Along the way, the siblings in this diverse family learn some tidbits about different cultures and traditions. Julia Inserro and Natalie Merheb turn travel and adventure into a delightful holiday tale.
Whether building a family collection or wrapping some titles to place under the tree, this list offers some whimsical variety for kids of all ages. Discovering new favorites is part of the magic of the holiday season, so read, read away, read away, All!
