30 Most Gifted Christmas Children's Books

A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . . Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish. For millions of readers worldwide, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved classic. In this 30th anniversary edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is revealed in a never-before-seen fashion, with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes author’s note, downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson, and golden "All Aboard" ornament.

“Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot . . . but the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, did NOT!” Not since “’Twas the night before Christmas” has the beginning of a Christmas tale been so instantly recognizable. This heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit will grow even the coldest and smallest of hearts. Like mistletoe, candy canes, and caroling, the Grinch is a mainstay of the holidays, and his story is the perfect gift for young and old. And don't forget to celebrate Grinch-mas this Christmas season, the annual holiday tradition inspired by How the Grinch Stole Christmas that encourages readers to grow their hearts three sizes by doing good deeds!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep! With the gentle rhythm and signature illustration style that made Little Blue Truck a household name, Blue's new adventure is full of holiday warmth. Sturdy cardstock pages, a compact and child-friendly text, and flashing colored Christmas lights on the final page come together in a novelty gift book that’s sure to be the favorite treat of the season.

Wonderful new version of the classic poem every family should own. Lavishly illustrated by renowned artist Charles Santore, the critically acclaimed illustrator of The Wizard of Oz, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, and others. An oversized heirloom edition with a four-page gatefold. Includes embossed and foil cover. Since it was first published anonymously in 1823, “The Night Before Christmas” has enchanted children with the story of St. Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling all the stockings before springing back to his sleigh. Many families read the poem every year, and now they have an edition to treasure. The cherished verse, faithfully reproduced here, is accompanied by Charles Santore’s lavish illustrations.

The beloved, award-winning classic The Snowman celebrates its 40th anniversary! One winter's night, a little boy's snowman comes to life—and a magical adventure begins. . . . Raymond Briggs's The Snowman perfectly illustrates the wonder and innocence of childhood. On a snowy winter night, a young boy builds a snowman in hopes that it will come to life. When his wish comes true, the boy and his snowman share silly and tender moments--dressing up, sneaking around the house, skateboarding, and much more. Eventually, they soar through the beautiful night sky before saying good night. Briggs's wordless tale relates a story about imagination and friendship, as well as love and loss. This board book edition of The Snowman is a perfect gift for the holidays.

If there's one thing Llama Llama doesn't like, it's waiting. He and Mama Llama rush around, shopping for presents, baking cookies, decorating the tree . . . but how long is it until Christmas? Will it ever come? Finally, Llama Llama just can't wait any more! It takes a cuddle from Mama Llama to remind him that "Gifts are nice, but there's another: The true gift is, we have each other."

This New York Times bestselling Nordic tale in the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor! Long ago, a brave little girl named Anja wanted to be one of Santa's elves. So she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis, and heads out into the snowy landscape. From a red bird to a polar bear to a reindeer, a menagerie of winter animals help Anja make her way to Santa. A generous trim-size, matte cover, extraordinary photographs, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season.

In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child. Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep.

Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes "Olive... the other Reindeer... I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!" So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need. Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone's Christmas merry.

Snowmen at Night shared with us the magical, slip-sliding adventures of snowmen after dark . . . but have you ever wondered what snowmen do for Christmas? Well, now’s your chance to find out! The snowmen are back, and this time they’re celebrating Christmas—the snowman way! This snappy and entertaining companion to the New York Times bestseller Snowmen at Night depicts all the best parts of the holiday, replete with icy treats and a snowman Kris Kringle.Told in the same bouncy verse as the original, Snowmen at Christmas is perfect for a snowy evening read-aloud.

"Twas the night before Christmas..." Join us in this beautifully illustrated telling of the classic Christmas story. This large storybook features thicker pages to allow for reading over and over again without traditional wear and tear, making it a holiday keepsake for years to come. Share a story of Santa's journey on Christmas Eve and celebrate the season with your child. Listening and talking with your child sends a wonderful message of caring and love. Snuggle together on Christmas Eve with this holiday classic again and again. Check out the wide range of Christmas books for toddlers and hundreds of other Children's titles from Cottage Door Press! This beautifully illustrated edition of the ultimate Christmas classic offers a new take on the nostalgic poem for children and their grownups, following a mouse family as they do stir on the Night Before Christmas Think, talk, imagine and wish.... all the way to sweet holiday dreams and a world full of love. Reading over and over will become a classic Christmas book tradition for years to come Beautiful illustrations throughout for playful color and rich texture. Includes personalization area in the front cover with To/From section to include a memorable gift message Thicker pages than a regular storybook to allow for reading over and over again without traditional wear and tear from kids picture book The perfect Christmas book gift for your little boy or girl to learn about Santa Claus this holiday season

The Poky Little Puppy, the beloved Little Golden Books' classic character, celebrates his first Christmas! It's the poky little puppy's first Christmas, and he's not sure what to expect. When he meets an animal friend who's lost his home, Poky's quick to help-and learns all about the spirit of Christmas. Whether you've known the Poky Little Puppy for years or whether you're meeting him for the first time, you'll want to include this holiday treasure as a stocking stuffer for the little-and not so little-ones in your life!

A cherished Christmas classic is back in print to delight the next generation of Little Golden Books readers! What did Santa leave for Baby? Let's go in and see. . . . This sweet rhyming story from 1959, illustrated by beloved Golden Book artist Eloise Wilkin, will delight children with its running list of presents Santa brought for Baby's first Christmas: "A rocking horse, a bouncy swing, a shovel and a pail, a rubber duck, a little boat for Baby dear to sail." and so much more! Kids will love to look at this adorable baby playing with his toys and enjoying his first Christmas.

This charming tale of an overgrown pine always being passed by for Christmas, and what his woodland friends do to help him, is sure to become a Christmas classic. With delightful illustrations by wildlife artist Michael Monroe and enchanting text from Colleen Monroe, the birds, deer and squirrel of this story help make their special friend's wish come true.

A beloved New York Times bestselling author explores the many ways to be joyful during the winter holidays—and all year long. Lighting candles is joyful. Playing outside is joyful. Singing holiday songs is joyful. Learning new traditions is joyful. Whether it's celebrating a holiday, sharing a meal, or learning new things, The Joyful Book inspires readers of all ages to spread the joy near and far, to loved ones and friends. With his renowned blend of warmth, humor, and heart, Todd Parr encourages young readers to look for ways that joy surrounds them in some of the world's most widely celebrated holidays, from Hanukkah to Kwanzaa to Lunar New Year.

Everyone’s favorite piglet helps to make the holiday season brighter than ever in this board book edition of an Olivia favorite. ...Not a piglet was stirring. Well, maybe just one. Christmas is coming, and Olivia is incredibly busy. She has to wait for Santa, make sure Dad sets up the tree, watch Mom make the Christmas dinner, oversee the care with which the stockings are hung, and, of course, OPEN HER PRESENTS! Whew, being helpful during the holidays is exhausting! Lovingly told and lavishly illustrated, this board book edition of Olivia Helps with Christmas is the perfect stuffing for any stocking.

A classic holiday story about a teddy bear loved by children for 50 years. It’s almost Christmas and Corduroy sits on a department store shelf, wishing he could be a child’s holiday gift—but he’s a plain bear, and nobody seems to notice him. He sets out across the store to ask Santa Claus for help, but he can’t visit without wearing a special outfit! After stopping to try on hats, boots, and even baby clothes, Corduroy finally arrives at the North Pole. Can Santa help Corduroy find a new home in time for Christmas? With warm humor and classic art, A Christmas Wish for Corduroy takes readers back to the beginning and shows how Corduroy became the beloved bear we know today. This is a heartwarming story about the power of hope, perseverance, and friendship--an important addition to any Corduroy collection, and the perfect way to celebrate Corduroy's 50th anniversary.

It's almost Christmas and time for fun! Read along and play with your baby or toddler through this story of a reindeer hurrying to Santa. This seasonal holiday story features a soft plush finger puppet toy built into the book, encouraging interactive play, hand-eye coordination, and sensory & language development. Babies and toddlers learn best when they are playing, especially when their grown-ups are in on the fun! The perfect gift or stocking stuffer for your Christmas library collection! Collect more finger puppet books from Cottage Door Press and be sure to check out our full section of Christmas books for kids! -The hand puppet in this book encourages interactive play and hand-eye coordination -Adorable winter-themed book to read and play with your baby, toddler, or preschooler -Books with silly, upbeat rhymes and an interactive element like this one keep boys and girls entertained, while also teaching language pattern -Babies and toddlers learn best when they are playing, especially when their grown-ups are in on the fun -A great finger puppet book and Christmas activity for your baby or toddler, and a great gift for holidays to get little boys and girls excited for the celebration!

Celebrate Christmas with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in this gorgeous retelling of the beloved Christmas special! 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of A Charlie Brown Christmas TV Special! Christmas is almost here, which means ice-skating, Christmas carols, and sparkly lights everywhere—even on Snoopy’s doghouse! Everyone is enjoying the holiday celebrations except Charlie Brown. Can the Peanuts gang help Charlie Brown discover the true meaning of Christmas? Find out in this beautiful storybook with glitter flocking, embossing, and foil on the cover!

Yes Here she is at Christmastime Complete with tinsel and holly Singing fa la la la lolly And over the roar of the jingle bells You can hear hear hear her say It's absolutely Christmas But I don't mind a bit I give everyone a present For that's the thing of it So when it's everly Christmastime And you're under your Christmas trees Simply tinkle a bell and have a trinkle And remember Me Eloise

’Twas Nochebuena and all through our casa, every creature was kneading tamale masa... It’s Christmas Eve, and you’re invited to a Nochebuena celebration! Follow a family as they prepare to host a night filled with laughter, love, and Latino tradition. Make tasty tamales and hang colorful adornos (decorations) on the walls. Gather to sing festive canciones (songs) while sipping champurrado (hot chocolate). After the midnight feast has been served and the last gifts have been unwrapped, it’s time to cheer, “Feliz Navidad and to all a good night!” Savor the magic of Nochebuena with a holiday tale you’ll want to read again and again.

What does joy sound like? Does it sound like falling snow, or a kiss on your cheek? Award-winning recording artist Ellie Holcomb explores this question through a delightful collection of Christmastime scenes, leading up to the discovery that joy sounds like the angels singing that Jesus had been born.

Generations of readers have treasured this 1960 Caldecott Medal winner and its tale of a little Mexican girl's excitement at the approach of Christmas. Ceci eagerly awaits Las Posadas, the traditional nine-day series of yuletide celebrations. This year she'll lead the candlelight procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph's trek to Bethlehem. Meanwhile, Mother takes her to the old marketplace to choose her very first piñata. Ceci is dazzled by the colorful array of options, and after making her choice has second thoughts about the fate of her piñata once the posada takes place. Graced by evocative illustrations, this international holiday classic is now available in a lovely hardcover edition. "The youngest child will be completely transported by this story," noted The Atlantic, and readers of all ages will be charmed by the child's-eye view of Mexican culture.