Ready snuggle up and get all cozy with your kids this Christmas? Pick out some special tales of imagination and adventure that will inspire your children and get them into the spirit of the season. Here are our picks:
Best Christmas Books for Kids
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Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Author: Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane ChapmanHow is a bear supposed to enjoy Christmas if he spends all season slumbering? In this adorable book, Bear's friends are determined to keep him up for Christmas so can celebrate the holiday. It's not an easy task, but they put him to work baking cakes, hanging stockings, and singing songs, until he discovers a festive surprise!
Get the book here.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Author and Illustrator: Dr. Suess
You already know this one, so don't forget to add it to your Christmas reading list! Your kids will be enchanted by the stony-hearted Grinch who makes a joyful transformation before the story is over.
Get the book here.
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Little Ashby Star Reporter: Santa's Big Premiere
Author: Nancy O'Dell
Illustrator: Kristine MarshStar reporter Ashby has had a great year of journalistic adventure, but now she takes on a new challenge: an interview with Santa! Ashby is tasked with heading to the North Pole to cover Santa's Big Premiere as he prepares to deliver presents on Christmas Eve! Ashby goes on a delightful journey, but at the end, this ace reporter gets the bottom of what Christmas is really about.
Know what else is cool? This tale is also available in an app, so you can keep kids busy (and quiet!) on the ride to Grandma's.
Get the book here.
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Olivia Helps with Christmas
Author and Illustrator: Ian Falconer
Sweet Olivia is very busy this Christmas—she has to watch Mom cook a holiday feast, watch Dad decorate the tree, and of course, she still needs the energy to open her presents! This adorable tongue in cheek tale is perfect for reading to your little piggies on Christmas Eve when they are snuggled up in bed, exhausted from a hard, hard day.
Get the book here.
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Santa Mouse
Author: Michael Brown
Poor Mouse lives all by himself in a big, old, creaky house. Lonely without friends or family, Mouse longs to be a part of Christmas so he leaves Santa a piece of cheese. Jolly Santa is so moved, he makes Mouse his little helper, naming him Santa Mouse! Perfect for younger children, this book will captivate little minds.
Get the book here.
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The Christmas Wish
Author: Lori Evert
Photographer: Per BreiehagenIn this gorgeously shot book of epic adventure, brave little Anja is determined to become one of Santa's elves. Leaving a note for her parents, this courageous heroine straps on her skis, and heads out into the wintery world, blanketed by snow. She bumps into a reindeer, a polar bear and a red bird as she makes her way to Santa and finds she has lots of new friends this holiday.
Get the book here.
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The Elf on the Shelf
Author: Chanda A. Aebersold
In this day of wiretapping and surveillance, what's weird about an elf who sits on a shelf and reports back to Santa with news of who in the house is being naughty and who's being nice? This is a cute story that comes with a little elf doll you can move around your home to start a fun tradition and a gleeful holiday game with your kids.
Get the book here.
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The Legend of the Candy Canes
Author: Lori Walburg
Illustrator: Richard CowdreyBeautifully illustrated with vivid images, this is the story of the children of a little town who share a secret wish. When a stranger rides in one dark November night, he bonds with a little girl sharing with her the legend of the candy cane, so she can discover the fulfillment of her wishes.
Get the book here.
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The Night Before Christmas
Author: Clement Clarke Moore
Nothing says Christmas like this classic poem that tells the tale of Santa spreading his good cheer on Christmas Eve. Start a tradition with your family and read it every year (there are even modern versions available that stamp out Santa's cigar!)
Get the book here.
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The Polar Express
Author and Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg
This richly told story of magic and adventure will have your child's imagination running wild—every kid wants to join Santa on his journey to the North Pole, and in this delightful tale, your child can!
Get the book here.
