Top 10 Christmas Books for Children

My family has developed some fun traditions for Christmas that involve children's Christmas books. As a result, we have read a wide variety of Christmas books and continue to do so each year. Reading aloud to your children is one of the best ways to promote literacy and family bonding. Every year when December approaches, we get out our old favorites and discover new books that make us laugh and cry as a family. We each have our favorites and as my younger children get older, I am sure those favorites will change.

As you approach the Christmas season, pick out some children's Christmas books to read aloud to your own family. The memories you make will be precious throughout the years. As a whole, the following ten children's books are our top picks to read together every year before Christmas. Each of these books combines a story that touches us, entertains us or teaches us with illustrations that are detailed and beautiful.

Snowden written and illustrated by Nancy Carlson

This book is aimed at preschool to third grade children, but can be enjoyed by many older children as well. Snowden is the story of a little girl and the snowman she makes that magically comes to life. Together, the two learn to ice skate and discover that "a little magic and a lot of practice" can make all the difference in the world. The illustrations are energetic and lively while the story is heart touching and sweet.

The Littlest Christmas Tree written by Janie Jasin and illustrated by Pam Kurtz

This is the story of a little tree that longs to grow big enough to be a Christmas tree. Through the seasons of waiting, as the tree grows, it dreams and wonders. The tree thinks of other ways that it could be useful and happy even if it does not become a Christmas tree. This story has simple words with big ideas and beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey written by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by P.J. Lynch

This book is one of my favorite Christmas stories of all time. The story is that of a grumpy woodcarver who is visited by a child and his mother. While carving a nativity scene for them, he is reminded of what Christmas is about. Throughout his spiritual reawakening, you discover details as to why he is bitter and grumpy. The story is touching and poignant but still easy for children to understand. The illustrations are detailed and life like while also being sweeping and beautiful. If you are lucky enough o get an edition that includes the audio CD, the voice of James Earl Jones makes this a must listen to as well as a must read book.

The Polar Express written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg

A young boy cannot sleep on Christmas Eve and is swept away by a steam engine on a trip to the North Pole. During the adventure, the message is that believing will keep you young at heart. The bell that the boy receives and his belief are both touching. The illustrations are sparse but evocative and the images leave enough to the imagination to make it easy to fall into the story yourself.

The Night Before Christmas Classic Edition written by Clement C. Moore

Any version of this story is a classic and a must read for all children at Christmas. We always save this book to read on Christmas Eve. The classic story of Santa Claus visiting a home and the descriptions of same are embedded in our culture in ways that are unshakable. Most children, and adults, can recite most of this story from memory. We own several versions of this book and enjoy reading all of them.

A Snowman Named Just Bob written by Mark Kimball Moulton and illustrated by Karen Hillard Good

This book shares a tale of enduring friendship and teaches the lesson that friendship is always in your heart. The illustrations are beautiful and the text is eye catching. The lessons are taught in such a way that they do not overshadow the actual story. I tear up every time I read this book to my children.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

This enduring and well loved story is a must read every Christmas. While we may watch the movies and cartoons of the same name, it just is not the same as reading the original book. The mean spirited Grinch tries to ruin Christmas for the whos in Whoville. In the process, he learns that Christmas is not about puddings or gifts or roast beast, it is about love and friendship.

Letters From Father Christmas by JRR Tolkien

This book is a compilation of letters that were written to the Tolkien children from Father Christmas during the 1920s and 1930s. The letters are funny, heart warming and touching. They combine Tolkien type creatures with typical Christmas fare to bring joy to the hearts of children everywhere. The accompanying pictures are beautiful in and of themselves. These letters can be enjoyed by children of all ages.

Olive, The Other Reindeer written by Vivian Walsh and illustrated by J.otto Siebold

This book is a hilarious and touching story of a dog with a little bit of an identity crisis. Olive the dog decides, after hearing the song "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer" that Olive, the other reindeer means that he is actually a reindeer. The adventures of olive will set any child laughing. The pictures tell the story as much as the words do and are cute and sweet.

Snowmen At Christmas written by Caralyn Buehner and illustrated by Mark Buehner

This is a book about snowmen coming to life at night and how they celebrate Christmas. The story is cute and fun but the illustrations make this book special. The pictures combines light and color in ways that are magical. This is a fun book that will make children want to read it again and again.