7 Christmas Books for Kids

7 Christmas Books for Kids

The story: The Grinch, a grouchy, selfish creature who lives in a cave above the town of Whoville, grows annoyed at the Whos’ joyful Christmas celebrations and decides to stop Christmas from coming by disguising himself as Santa Claus and stealing all their presents and decorations on Christmas Eve.
Why you should read it: Dr. Seuss’ critique of the commercialization of Christmas is just as relevant now as it was when the book was published in 1957. The small-hearted Grinch’s transformation reminds readers young and old that Christmas is about much more than gifts.

Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for “Polar Express,” an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Frosty the Snow Man:  Boys and girls ages 3 to 7 will feel the magic of the holiday season with this full-color storybook retelling the tale of the most famous snowman of all, Frosty the Snowman!

The story: Old, bitter Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas and its celebrations until four ghosts appear to him one Christmas Eve and show him how miserable his life has become and how he must change if he wishes his life to be worth anything.
Why you should read it: This abridged version of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale stays true to the original story in a way that younger readers can understand. As a bonus, the artwork by Brett Helquist (illustrator of the Series of Unfortunate Events books) is gorgeous and compelling.

 

The story: While his family sleeps on Christmas Eve, a man is preparing to go to bed when he hears Santa Claus flying through the sky to his house. He goes downstairs to see what’s going on and runs into Father Christmas himself.
Why you should read it: No Christmas book list would be complete without this classic poem, and this edition’s beautiful illustrations make Clement C. Moore’s stanzas even more magical. Highly recommended for Christmas Eve bedtime reading.

This book is fabulous. The letters are adorable, sure to win the hearts of young and old.  We loved the letters and decided that reading them together.  It was a new Christmas tradition for us. Even better are the illustrations. I ordered a second copy as I plan to frame some of them as the most charming Christmas decorations. I wish I could buy the originals of the illustrations. Truly, Tolkien was a genius. If you only know his “Lord of the Rings” or “Hobbit” booms, you’re in for a treat.

This “new classic” Christmas story brings together two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity. Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter’s Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center and celebrate together. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family’s drafty shack. He plants a pine-cone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pine-cone to become a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.  Written by children’s nonfiction author David Rubel in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity. Gorgeous illustrations crafted by Jim LaMarche. The Horn Book said, “Rubel’s story of compassion hits all the right holiday notes; LaMarche’s lush, warm illustrations of glowing Christmas trees and smiling, caring characters’ drive home the central message of charity.”