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Five Christmas Books for Children – A Roundup 2024

December 20, 2024
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Ages 2 and up, Ages 3-7, Ages 4-8, Bedtime & Dreams, Board Books - Interactive Books, Children's Book Reviews, Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > New Experiences, Children's Games Books, Christmas, Christmas Traditions, Christmas Tree, Concepts, Holidays & Celebrations, Humorous Stories, Juvenile Fiction, Novelty, Santa stories

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS BOOKS

∼A ROUNDUP FOR 2024∼

BOARD BOOK:

CHRISTMAS CHEER IS EVERYWHERE
Book Format by Hans Wilhelm
Concept by Naomi Kirsten
Illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan
Design by Eugenia Yoh
(Chronicle Kids; $10.99, Ages 2 and up)

Get ready for some spinning satisfaction with this spin-the-wheel and lift-the-flap board book. Little ones learn that holiday objects such as bows, mistletoes, snowflakes, Santa’s cap, Christmas cookies, and more are hidden on every page. “Turn the wheel to choose a holiday object.” Are they behind the wreaths, the candy cane, the stocking, or the Christmas tree? Little ones can guess and then guess some more with every spin of the wheel to keep them busy with this cheer-filled board book game.

PICTURE BOOKS:

SANTA’S FIRST CHRISTMAS
Written by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Sydney Smith
(Viking BYR; $18.99, Ages 3-7)

When this picture book began with such an intriguing line, I was immediately drawn in.

In the old days,
Santa didn’t have Christmas.

I’d never really thought about this. Had you? The credits and dedication pages spread feature a polar bear looking up at Santa in his sleigh. A clue of what’s to come. It seems Santa is always so wrapped up in his gift-giving that he has never taken time to celebrate Christmas. When this fact is confirmed by the North Pole elves to Polar Bear, passing by on his way to his cave, a thoughtful plot evolves. This means Santa’s typical Christmas is about to change. No more sleeping late and doing absolutely nothing after his big Christmas Eve deliveries. The elves and Polar Bear have something lovely in store. Something that will tug at your heartstrings.

Smith’s rendering of Santa, the elves, and then Polar Bear Santa are presented without outlines. They may appear simple but they are complex in their execution. Santa’s personality jumps off the page with warmth and emotion. My heart felt full as he was celebrated that morning with one kind deed after another. First, the elves brought him breakfast in bed, and the day kept getting better and better. They picked out a tree, decorated it, and ultimately there was baking and stories by the fire. What a delight when Polar Bear arrives, “dressed in red, with a sack full of gifts …” A splendid feast follows and everyone is beyond content. A new tradition has begun. And I’m not only talking about Santa’s Christmas but the new tradition of reading this rewarding origin story every year.

BUNNIES IN A SLEIGH:
A Chaotic Christmas Tale!
Written by Philip Ardagh
Illustrated by Ben Mantle
(Candlewick Press; $17.99, Ages 3-7)

I don’t know exactly why but there’s something about bunnies behaving silly in a story that cracks me up. Add rhyme to it and I’m sold. That’s why this Christmas picture book grabbed me. Ardagh’s humor will make kids happy this holiday as they get caught up in the rabbits’ adventure.

Something’s amiss in Santa’s workshop. The elves have gotten tummy aches from wolfing down too many candy canes. Help is needed so it’s rabbits to the rescue. They assist Santa on his sleigh in the most delightful way. They also complete some amazing feats, like barely banging into a clock tower when Santa’s busy searching through his toy sac. What I love the most about the rollicking ride is the bunnies’ expressions. Just check out their faces on the cover. And there’s more hilarity on every page. Don’t miss the bunny looking for a kiss. See what else you can find. Perhaps my favorite illustration is a bunch of bunnies stuck in a chimney. Another I enjoyed was when they delivered presents to imprisoned raccoons. If you’re looking for a lively read-aloud this Christmas, look no further than Bunnies in a Sleigh.

HOORAY, IT’S THREE KINGS DAY!
Written by Annette M. Clayton
Illustrated by Jone Leal
(Familius; $17.99; Ages 5-7)

Sophia, a young girl excited for Christmas, receives a visit from her abuela on Christmas morning.

Her abuela brings three wooden “santos” or religious figurines with her that depict the three kings from the Christmas story. Abuela shares the story of the kings with Sophia before asking her to participate in their family tradition of moving them closer to the manager during the twelve days of Christmas.

As El Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day) approaches, Sophia and her abuela enjoy all the season has to offer: stories, sled rides, special baking, and family dinners. Finally, the night before Three Kings Day, Sophia prepares a special shoebox for the kings’ camels and wakes the next morning to a delicious surprise!

This sweet, relatable tale from Annette M Clayton celebrates the season in the best way—with family and the sharing of traditions. Warm illustrations by Jone Leal add to the holiday charm while backmatter explains more about the traditions of Three Kings Day and includes a glossary of unfamiliar words. •Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

A CITY FULL OF SANTAS
Written by Joanna Ho
Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
(HarperCollins BYR; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

I finished this fantastic book wondering why someone hadn’t written this story sooner but the answer is obvious. It needed to be written by Joanna Ho and illustrated by Thai My Phuong to get it just right. From the first page, I knew I was in for a treat. Written both lyrically and joyfully, Ho’s story introduces us to a little girl who has been eager to meet Santa but for the past five years, she hasn’t managed to stay awake. This year her mom is taking her to meet him at a city department store. Imagine the child’s surprise when leaving the train station to see firsthand that Santas are EVERYWHERE. That spread has to be one of my favorites. Phuong captures the wild experience of a city, a Santascape, peopled by every kind of Santa imaginable.

But which one is the real Santa? The girl and readers wonder. If he smells like peppermint and chocolate, laughs like the sun clapping its hands, and feels like a heart full of glitter, she’ll know he’s the one. What fun illustrations await kids when they see the main character encounter several of the city Santas and realize they don’t meet her criteria! Her anticipation is high, though, as she waits in line to meet the department store Santa, the one she thinks will be legit. Only he’s far from it. He doesn’t smell or laugh right, and he definitely does not make her heart feel like glitter “not even one tiny sparkle!” Hugely disappointed, the child is determined to stay up to see Santa but once again falls asleep. However, upon awakening, she discovers Santa has visited. She smells peppermint and chocolate and feels that glitter in her heart, all despite having slept through the magic. In fact, the magic of Santa and the promise of Christmas joy are truly present on every page of this heartwarming tale.

Best New Christmas Books for 2023

BEST NEW CHRISTMAS BOOKS FOR 2023

~ A ROUNDUP ~

COUNTDOWN FOR NOCHEBUENA:
A Celebration of Christmas Eve
Written and illustrated by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom
(Little, Brown YR; Available in H/C $15.99 + Board Book $7.99; Ages 0-3)

Countdown for Nochebuena by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom brings young readers a bouncy bilingual picture book (and board book) inspired by the author-illustrator’s Cuban American heritage. There is lots to love about Hernández Bergstrom’s story, from her use of English and Spanish made understandable to non-Spanish speakers with easy-to-follow illustrations that are rich in culture and drenched in color and spirit to the counting structure in Spanish starting at one then working up to 12 before going back down. Perhaps the most meaningful part for me is how the story begins and ends with family.

Children will be captivated by the different aspects of this Christmas Eve celebration where we’re introduced to vocabulary (with a glossary in the backmatter) that describes the action in each scene. We see tables (mesas) invitingly decorated, irresistible and delicious nougat desserts (turrones), and kids (muchachos) making handclapping music. Adults dance and the countdown to presents (regalos) is on everyone’s minds. Then it’s wrapping paper ripped, cleaning up the mess, a cortado for the drive home armed with leftovers and memories of special time spent with family. This truly festive and loving look at Nochebuena is sure to fill many hearts this holiday. • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel.

GOODNIGHT SANTA
Written by Michelle Robinson
Illustrated by Nick East
(Sourcebooks Wonderland; $8.99, Ages 1-4)

What a sweet bedtime board book, just one in a popular series, to share with toddlers and preschoolers who are eager for Christmas and need a calming read to help them settle in.

The gentle rhythmic rhyme coupled with the charming, muted jewel tones of the artwork makes this an ideal story to share in the lead-up to the holiday. Like the classic Goodnight Moon, the repetition of the word goodnight will lull little ones to sleep. “Goodnight snowman. Goodnight choir. Goodnight stockings by the fire.”

An older sister enjoys her snow globe, a little brother looks out for Santa, reindeer await on rooftops as Santa delivers toys after a magical trip to Santa’s workshop, and just the right amount of text to keep things low-key as children can dream about Christmas Day. First published in picture book format, this new 28-page board book provides a sturdy alternative for younger readers. • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel.

WE DISAGREE ABOUT THIS TREE
Written and illustrated by Ross Collins
(Candlewick Press; $16.99, Ages 2-5)

Whether you’re a fan of the two previous Bear and Mouse books or if you’re new to the series, you’ll enjoy the playful (sometimes cranky) antics as these two housemates debate over how the Christmas tree should be decorated. The over-the-top—and even upside-down—trees will give the kids lots of giggles. Collins’s rhyming text is a fun read-aloud and his art captures the range of emotions these friends experience as they navigate toward their just-right holiday tree.

Companion books include There’s a Bear on My Chair and There’s a Mouse in My House. • Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt.

OTTO THE ORNAMENT
Written and illustrated by Troy Cummings
(Random House Children’s Book; $12.99, Ages 3-7)

★Starred reviews – Kirkus, School Library Journal

With Otto the Ornament, Troy Cummings has created a rewarding Christmas story your kids will want to read year-round! You’ll first be greeted by cheerful ornament-filled endpapers and Christmas tree-shaped text on the copyright page. Early on I could see that Cummings nailed it when it comes to the book’s festive mood in the illustrations that had me eager to turn the page.

Otto, a snazzy multi-colored Christmas ornament, is rather full of himself. Bouncing out of a box, this new ornament on the block announces, “MERRY CHRISTMAS, BULBS AND BAUBLES! I’M OTTO! I’M HERE TO BEDECK THE HECK OUT OF YOUR TREE!” He’s warmly welcomed to the décor family which includes a candy cane, a green glass bell, a wooden Santa, and a mitten kitten. They invite him to take his place in the middle of the tree. But Otto feels the only spot he deserves is at the top. He soon finds fault with the other ornaments who then have no need for him and vice versa.

Otto’s search to hang on a tree suitable for his awesomeness, while humorous to the reader who want him to have his comeuppance following his appalling behavior, soon proves futile. After claiming what he considers his rightful spot atop a massive city tree not unlike the one at Rockefeller Center, a shocking event plummets him down into the storm drain. Cummings art perfectly captures Otto’s transformation. Emotionally shattered, disheveled, dented, cracked and paint-chipped, Otto realizes he’s lost his bragging rights. Meeting an unexpected lost ornament in the storm drain helps Otto get on the right track. In rescuing the mitten and taking him back to his pair, Otto learns where his true home and friends are. He also sees what really matters, making this not only a learning moment for little ones but a moving one as well. Being the best and brightest ornament doesn’t mean much if it means being alone. • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel.

ELVES ARE THE WORST!
Written and illustrated by Alex Willan
(Simon Kids; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

★Starred Review – School Library Journal

Santa’s elves look like goblins, right? Gilbert the Goblin makes the comparison and decides to sneak into Santa’s workshop in elvish disguise to see if all the tales about these super cute, hardworking (blech) creatures are true. However, Gilbert soon finds that maybe it’s not that they’re so perfect, but, rather, that they know how to work together as a team.

Gilbert is as lovably funny as ever whether in disguise or just as his goblin-y self. Alex Willan’s adorable art appeals to kids as does the almost graphic layout style with panels on many pages.

Other books in this series include Unicorns Are the Worst, Dragons Are the Worst, and Yetis Are the Worst. • Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt.

OUR ITALIAN CHRISTMAS EVE
Written by Danielle Sedita and Francesco Sedita
Illustrated by Luciano Lozano
(Viking BYR; $18.99, Ages 3-7)

Along with lively artwork by illustrator Luciano Lozano, sibling author duo Danielle and Francesco Sedita have written a colorful tale inspired by their childhood that is not only joyful and funny but mouthwatering too.

Readers learn right from the start courtesy of the brother and sister narrators that while other families celebrate on Christmas Day, their family celebrates on Christmas Eve. They head to Aunt Babe’s for the Feast of the Seven Fishes, something I loved learning about. It’s also traditionally meatless. I enjoyed the big family energy since it reminded me of holiday get-together sat my aunt’s when I was growing up.

The book is a virtual food frenzy with all the various fish dishes depicted including bread stuffed with oysters and spaghetti with clam sauce. But the best part is how the kids get to pitch in and how much it’s appreciated. It seems Uncle Robert has forgotten to bring the struffoli for dessert so the kids make cheesecake, a recipe they’ve made before with their mom. The children note the family dynamics which play out each year, always ending on a note of love. Now that everything has turned out well and just when you thought the stuffed family would be loosening belts and napping, Aunt Babe says, “Andiamo!” It’s time for midnight Mass.

One of my favorite spreads is an overhead perspective where readers can see the platters of food set out on the dining room table. In addition to being a heartwarming story, Our Italian Christmas Eve is a visual feast for the holiday season. • Reviewed by Ronna Mandel.

HOW DOES SANTA GO DOWN THE CHIMNEY?
Written by Mac Barnett
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
(Candlewick Press; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

★Starred Reviews- Booklist, Kirkus, School Library Journal

This hilarious book explores all the possible ways Santa may be able to fit down our chimneys and what he does when there isn’t one. Kids will be onboard from the start because these are the questions and possible solutions that they are tossing about: Does he shrink down? Can he squeeze through the mail slot? Feet first or head? And how does he keep from getting dirty?

Mac Barnett’s spot-on text plus Jon Klassen’s lol art equals a hit with kids everywhere as they weigh in about theories and probably pose some of their own. Timeless questions are seriously considered yet balanced with plenty of humor and mystery. • Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt.

CHRISTMAS AHOY!
Written by Erin Dealey
Illustrated by Kayla Stark
(Sleeping Bear Press; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

Holiday boat parades are magical and Erin Dealey’s rhyming picture book brings families right in so they can experience the festivities. Counting from one to ten, different kinds of vessels are introduced in fun ways that kids can relate to such as “Five fishers harmonize, ever so merry. / Six dancers twirl on the Sugar Plum Ferry!”

Kayla Stark’s art pops out from the beautiful blue background, highlighting the action—I love a reindeer-filled yacht! The informative backmatter adds another element, providing some background on fourteen of the ships including sailboat, dory, and barge. With its many interesting angles, this book is sure to be a hit with families and in classrooms. • Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt.

DASHER CAN’T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS
Written and illustrated by Matt Tavares
(Candlewick Press; $17.99, Ages 4-8)

Matt Tavares’s picture book has a classic feel as he captures Dancer’s young exuberance when she (a little bit too eagerly) heads out on her own to test her flying skills. Kids who can’t wait until Christmas will totally understand and feel for Dasher when her adventure doesn’t turn out as she planned.

This beautifully illustrated book brings a beloved reindeer front and center, giving us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes on at the North Pole before the big night. The story is both cautionary and uplifting, one that kids will turn to again and again. • Reviewed by Christine Van Zandt.

ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED READS:

24 CHRISTMAS STORIES:
Faith and Traditions from Around the World
Judith Bouilloc, Various Authors
Sky Pony Press

IT’S NAVIDAD, EL CUCUY!
Written by Donna Barba Higuera
Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo
Harry N. Abrams

A CHRISTMAS EVE WISH FOR SANTA
Written by Deb Adamson
Illustrated by Anne Zimanski
McSea Books

ELMORE THE CHRISTMAS MOOSE (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Written by Dev Petty
Illustrated by Mike Boldt

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH! (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Written and illustrated by Mo Willems

SANTA YETI
Written by Matthew Luhn
Illustrated by Luke Flowers
Kane Miller Books

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS BOOKS ∼A ROUNDUP FOR 2024∼