20+ New Christmas Books for Kids to Check Out This Year

The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett
We have quite the Jan Brett collection – she does gorgeous detailed illustrations and I love adding new books to our collection. This one about a little boy and his Christmas sweater adorned pug saving the day looks so fun!

When Santa Wrote Back by Nathan Christopher
This one had my girls giggling from the very first page! Jake’s over-the-top letters to Santa are hilarious, and the ending has such a sweet message about what really matters at Christmas. The rhymes are so fun to read aloud, and the cheerful illustrations make it one we’ll be reaching for all December long.

The Giving Flower by Alda P. Dobbs, illustrated by Emily Mendoza
To be honest, I didn’t have a ton of knowledge about poinsettias before this, but this gorgeous picture book completely changed that. It weaves together history, legend, and stunning art to show how this bright red flower became such a meaningful part of Christmas traditions.

The Old Sleigh by Jarret and Jerome Pumpfrey
The old sleigh is used to carrying firewood to the people of their small town on cold winter nights. When the town starts to grow and the job becomes to big for the old sleigh, new reinforcements have to come in and help.

Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas by Robert Barry
I was so excited to see there’s a brand-new Mr. Willowby story after all these years! It has the same classic charm and humor as the original – a sweet, snowy adventure full of friendship, surprises, and that cozy Christmas magic my girls and I can’t get enough of.

Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue by Dev Petty
When Santa comes down with a cold, Elmore the Moose is tasked with saving the holiday. And, his chaotic, funny adventures remind kids (and grown-ups!) that believing in yourself is the best gift of all.

Larry Gets Lost at the North Pole by Mike Mullin, illustrated by John Skewes
I couldn’t help smiling as Larry’s curiosity got him into the North Pole! From candy cane gardens to helping save Christmas from a big storm. This one is playful, heartwarming, adventurous, and perfect for younger readers.

Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares
I loved seeing Dasher back in this third story! When she meets George, a polar bear who dreams of flying, their Christmas adventure reminds us that the most magical gifts are often the ones that can’t be wrapped.

Little Angel’s Christmas Song by Kerstin Hau and Selda Marlin Soganci
This sweet, tender story had me completely enchanted. A little angel is searching for his purpose, and on Christmas Eve, he discovers that his true gift is lighting up people’s hearts.

A Snow Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead
When zookeeper Amos McGee finishes delivering warm knits to his animal friends and the snow still hasn’t arrived, he heads home. But when he wakes up, he finds the whole town blanketed in white. Together with his furry and feathered crew, he turns the surprise snowfall into a day of sledding, hot cocoa, and friends who make the cold feel cozy.

Merry Mittens : A Moontime Cats Christmas Story by Jordan Morris, Illustrated by Charlie Mylie
Three curious cat friends sneak out into the glimmering holiday night to make merry mischief – until they uncover a paw‐print trail, a stolen star, and a lonely new kitten who needs a place to belong. This one is full of whimsical antics, kindness, and Christmas magic.

The Night Before Christmas: A New Christmas Tradition by Candice Bradley
Another spin on the ever-popular poem by Clement C. Moore, but this time a little Black girl wakes up to find Santa filling their house with joy and an even bigger surprise – he looks just like her!

The Birds of Christmas by Olivia Armstrong, illustrated by Mira Miroslavova
What a heartwarming take on the Nativity! As the birds of Bethlehem bring gifts to the newborn Savior, little Robin discovers that even the smallest act of love can make a big difference.

A Cowpoke’s Christmas by Ann Ingalls, illustrated by Lauren Gallegos
Everything around little Sam is telling her that Christmas is here. Before Sam and her family can start celebrating, she has to complete her chores on the farm! Will she complete them in time and will there be a special surprise?

The 13th Day of Christmas by Adam Rex
I couldn’t stop laughing at this clever twist on The Twelve Days of Christmas! What starts as a hilarious gift mix-up turns into a heartwarming celebration of love, community, and a little bit of holiday chaos.

Candy Corn Christmas by Jonathan Fenske
When the leftover candy corns decide they don’t want Halloween to have all the fun, they set out to join the Christmas festivities -peppermint stripes and all! With Jonathan Fenske’s signature humor and charm, Candy Corn Christmas is a sweet, silly story about finding your place and spreading cheer all season long.

Cat’s Christmas by Alison Murray
Meet Cat, the world’s grumpiest feline, who absolutely hates Christmas! But when he ventures outside and sees the night sky twinkle, he starts to wonder…maybe Christmas isn’t all bad after all.

The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t by Laura Alary, Illustrated by Ana Eguaras
When an ice storm ruins all of Aidan’s Christmas plans, his family joins neighbors to share food and stories. Aidan soon discovers that even without lights or gifts, Christmas can still shine bright.

Hap-pea Holidays by Keith Baker
We love the Pea series, so I was thrilled to see they came out with a Christmas version. There are plenty of activities for the Peas to participate in as they get ready for the holidays! And can you find the hidden ladybug on every page?

Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker by David Ezra Stein
This hilarious holiday story had my kids and me laughing out loud! When the little red chicken goes to see The Nutcracker with her dad, she just can’t resist jumping onstage to “help”, turning the classic ballet into a delightfully chaotic Christmas adventure.

Next Stop, Christmas! by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Ag Ford
I’ve always been a huge fan of Sherri Duskey Rinker! This is a perfect book for any child who loves automotion, animals, the holidays and gift-giving!

Secrets from the North Pole by Saskia Gwinn, illustrated by Daria Danilova
This book is pure Christmas magic! Told by Santa’s head elf, Ivy Everjingle, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the North Pole – from the toy workshop to the reindeer paddock – and it’s packed with secrets that kids (and parents!) will absolutely love discovering together.

Knight Owl’s Little Christmas by Christopher Denise
Knight Owl and Early Bird count down to Christmas with baking, caroling, and gift wrapping, showing that the best part of the season is celebrating with friends and family.