1. Snowmen at Night – Author: Caralyn Buehner
This is one of my all-time favorite children’s books. The illustrations on each page are adorable and will prompt an exciting discussion between you and your child! The story elicits wonder in kids and takes them on an adventure during the middle of the night, highlighting all the fun activities snowmen do while the rest of the world sleeps! Other books in this series include Snowmen at Christmas, Snowmen at Work, and Snowmen All Year Long! I just can’t say enough wonderful things about these books!
2. Bear Stays Up For Christmas – Author: Karma Wilson
This is another fantastic book that is part of a wonderful series! What I love about all of the books within this series is that the characters remain the same with their unique personality traits and behaviors. My son currently loves Bear Snores On, so I’m really looking forward to starting this book with him next!
3. A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree – Author: Colleen Monroe
This tale is a charming and enchanting one! The illustrations are extremely captivating! This book is about a saddened pine tree who yearns to become a Christmas tree. Through the actions of his forest friends, children will learn the meaning of kindness and generosity. I love the simple message the story sends to the readers. Help your friends. Show kindness. Encourage others.
Similar to other great books, The Mitten and The Napping House, this story follows the same story concept. Animals are freezing cold on a blustery, winter night and knock on the park keeper’s door to come in, warm up, and stay. The sequence of
events adds to the anticipation of an unexpected ending which creates a little laughter!
5. The Christmas Quiet Book – Author: Deborah Underwood
6. Little Critter’s The Night Before Christmas – Author: Mercer Meyer
Who doesn’t love Little Critter books from Mercer Meyer!? I remember LOVING these books as a kid, always searching for the spider on each page, as it was carefully hidden somewhere. These stories were some of my favorites growing up, especially when Little Critter went to the beach with his grandma. Such a good one! If you haven’t heard of these, get out from under the hole you are living in and check out this series. It is a must! I’ve been so excited to introduce these to my son and can’t wait to bring this one into the mix. It is a fun and silly read for kids of all ages!
7. The Jolly Christmas Postman – Author: Allan Ahlberg
Do you remember how fun it was to read the original Jolly Postman book back in the day? This was a weekly checkout for me during library time at school. I was the kid who got super excited to open up the envelopes and read the creative letters that were waiting within. In this edition, I particularly like how these letters involve well-known characters in children’s literature, such as Goldilocks, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more! Add this to your shopping list, as it is sure to be a crowd pleaser with the kids.
8. My Penguin Osbert – Author: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
This book sends the message, “Be careful what you wish for” in a cute and clever way. I’m willing to guarantee that most children who read this book will be able to relate to the main character’s initial dilemma. As kids, haven’t we all been there before?! Written with tongue-in-cheek humor, this story will make kids laugh and realize the true importance of Christmas. This book will leave you with a sense of what’s really worth wishing for!
9. S is for Star – Author: Cynthia Furlong Reynlods
10. There was a Cold Lady who Swallowed Some Snow -Lucille Colandro
There are so many books in the “There was an Old Lady” book series. You can’t help but love them! They are silly and goofy, which makes kids love them. This seasonal version has an interesting end that pulls each event together. I wonder what will happen after everything she swallows, aside from just the snow? You’ll have to read it to find out!
