Christmas is just around the corner, and, with the holiday comes a variety of wonderful children’s books ideal for the season. Older classics like How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Polar Express, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and newer favorites like Olive, the Other Reindeer and Elf on the Shelf are holiday staples in many homes. But there are many more worth checking out that build anticipation for the holiday and teach children about the importance of the season.
“For many parents the Christmas season will find them re-reading holiday favorites from when they were children with their little one. Although this time of year can be busy, it’s important to take at least 15 minutes each day to read with your children,” said Deme Clainos, a spokesman for StudyDog, an online reading program geared toward elementary students.
StudyDog recommended eight books ideal for holiday reading:
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner, illustrated by Mark Buehner – Snowmen come to life at night as they prepare for a visit from “the snowman Kris Kringle” and enjoy a night on the town. This beautifully illustrated story also includes several hidden objects like a dinosaur, Santa face, and cat to help keep children engaged.
How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by S.D. Schindler – Santa learned a lot of different skills through various jobs as a chimney sweep, postman, and even a circus performer before he found his dream job through the help of a group of elves.
The Pajama Elves by Hayden Edwards – Just released this year, the rhyming story tells how magical pajamas created by elves help excited kids sleep while Santa visits their home. This book is ideal for those who participate in the tradition of giving new pajamas as a gift on Christmas Eve.
Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera – Sophie’s great-aunt always leaves on a mysterious business trip at Christmas and celebrates the holiday throughout the year with festive clothing, Christmas cookies, and the best-decorated Christmas tree in New York City. Sophie’s curiosity about her aunt takes her on a grand adventure, later learning the lesson that it’s better to give than receive.
Dream Snow by Eric Carle – From the author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, children learn counting with cutouts and interactive pages in this story about a farmer and his five animals enjoying a white Christmas.
The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Mike Lester – December 23 can be one of the most frantic days of the year with many people taking care of last-minute Christmas preparations. This adaptation of the classic ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas follows one family through the holiday stress while going back to the message that Christmas is about love.
A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel – A colorful and comic tale of Bad Kitty, a naughty cat that opens all of her presents on Christmas Eve. The greedy cat gets angry when she doesn’t have more gifts to open and decides to run away. A kind stranger takes her in and teaches the cat the true meaning of Christmas.
Santa’s Eleven Months Off by Mike Reiss, illustrated by Michael Montgomery – What does Santa do after Christmas? This rhyming story takes readers on Santa’s travel adventures as he enjoys a vacation from making toys.
What Christmas books do you recommend?
During December, StudyDog is offering a special $10 discount for a one-year subscription. For more information, visit https://www.studydog.com/parents/decemberoffer/. Use the promo code SDL1L65.
