Here is a list of some of my favorite Christmas books for children. All of the books are either about the Christmas story or about values we like to celebrate during Christmas, like friendship.
Christmas Books for Children
The Birds of Bethlehem by Tomie dePaola
The Birds of Bethlehem tell the story of the birth of Jesus through their unique perspective. The birds notice something new is happening in the town. Each of the birds sees a different part of the story unfold. The curious birds are drawn to the stable to see what all of the fuss is about. There, they find a couple and their newly born baby. The colorful birds and simple text make this book a great introduction to the Christmas story for children. It is quickly becoming my favorite.
Read more about The Birds of Bethlehem and our felt board story.
Oh! What a Surprise! by Suzanne Bloom
Suzanne Bloom is the author of other Bear and Goose stories like A Splendid Friend Indeed and Treasure. Both of which we love. I was excited to see a new Bear and Goose story about Christmas. Oh! What a Surprise! brings back a new friend to the story. Fox watches Bear and Goose wrap presents. She really likes surprises and hopes the presents are for her. Did Bear and Goose leave Fox out? I’ll let the ending be a surprise.
Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story is a different take on the Christmas story. Of course, it’s about the birth of Jesus, but Sally Lloyd-Jones focuses on how all of creation is waiting for the event. Animals everywhere know “it’s time!” “The one who made us has come to love with us!” I enjoyed this version of the Christmas story. The beautiful illustrations make the book all that more appealing.
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale is told from the perspective of the animals in the stable. Kind Ox invites tired animals in one after another on a cold winter night saying, “There’s always room for a little one here.” Tired Donkey is the last to arrive with Mary and Joseph. “There’s always room for a little one here.” And so baby Jesus is born in the stable with all of the animals gathered around him. I like the pictures and sweet message of this book.
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger is cute story of a little mouse named Mortimer who happens upon a nativity scene. Mortimer realizes where he is when he hears humans telling the story of the birth of Jesus. I love Karma Wilson for her Bear books, like Bear Snores On, Bear Feels Scared, and Bear Wants More. This book is equally lovely as it tells the reason why we celebrate Christmas.
You can read more about Karma Wilson’s Bear books in my Picture Books about Friendship post. You may also be interested in cave play inspired by Bear Snores On.
Dream Snow by Eric Carle
Dream Snow is an interesting Christmas book. A farmer has named his animals One, Two, Three, Four, and Five. He also has a tree named, Tree. One evening near Christmas, the farmer falls asleep in his chair. He dreams about snow falling on him and covering him with a white blanket. Each of his animals are also covered with a white blanket of snow. The white blanket is on a clear acetate page. When you flip the acetate, you reveal the animal beneath. When the farmers wakes up, he realizes it has snowed for real. He gets dressed in warm clothes and heads outside exclaiming, “I almost forgot! I almost forgot!” He wakens the animals who are wondering what is happening. The farmer decorates Tree and shouts, “Merry Christmas to all!” Then, he pushes a button that plays music. The reader can also push a button. If you enjoy other Eric Carle books, you will enjoy this one, too.
What are your favorite Christmas books for children?
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