Don’t you just love the holiday season? I sure do! When my “little ones” (they are all graduated now!) were still little, I really enjoyed taking a break from our normal curriculum routine to have some fun with the holidays. Of course, learning never stops, we just incorporate a little Christmas cheer in what we do!
The Ultimate List of Christmas Books to Read for Homeschoolers
Legend of the Christmas Stocking (PreK-up)
This wonderful Christmas tale, set in the late 1800s, shares the touching story of a young boy named Peter. He sells newspapers to help his family while his father is away at sea, and he’s been saving a bit of his earnings to buy a model schooner in the woodworker’s shop. But after Uncle Jim, the woodworker, tells him the story of St. Nicholas, Peter discovers the meaning behind the hanging and filling of Christmas stockings and learns a heartfelt lesson in kindness and generosity.
LEGO City: Save This Christmas! (PreK-3)
It’s Christmas in LEGO® City!
A few crooks are coming up with a plan to steal all the presents at the LEGO City town tree. After several days of hilariously unsuccessful attempts–Christmas Eve has arrived and the crooks make their last attempt to steal all the presents. They creep towards the tree in the dark only to find themselves in the middle of the tree lighting ceremony! The tree is lit, the crooks are carted off to prison, and Christmas is saved!
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas (PreK-3)
Pete is an adorable, loveable cat with a positive attitude! When trouble happens does he give up–Goodness No!
Pete saves the day for an ailing Santa. Although the task is hard, Pete understands that the spirit of giving your all is what Christmas is about.
It’s a gentle, not in-your-face, reminder to do nice things for others.
How to Catch Santa (PreK-3)
From the creators of the New York Times bestsellers How to Babysit a Grandpa and How to Babysit a Grandma comes an equally charming and hilarious holiday offering!
After waiting for days and days and days, it’s finally Christmas Eve. And that’s when you can try to catch Santa. . . .
From Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish, creators of the bestselling HOW TO… series, comes a delightful new offering, written again in a hilarious instructional style. Two sibling narrators give clever tips for “catching” Santa (be crafty! be clever! be gentle!) on Christmas Eve. Filled with humor and holiday warmth, this is a jolly read-aloud for the whole family to enjoy!
Me and My Dragon: Christmas Spirit (PreK-3)
Christmas is coming, and our young hero wants to buy his best friend, Dragon, the perfect present. He and Dragon take job after hilarious job, earning enough to buy a deluxe Knight Boy action set—but they eventually realize that the best part of Christmas is sharing what you have with those in need.
In the third book of David Biedrzycki’s series about a boy and his pet dragon, we learn the true meaning of Christmas—and have a great time doing it. This book has it all: holiday cheer, humor, a meaningful message and a ton of heart.
The Pups Save Christmas! (Paw Patrol) (PreK-2)
It’s up to the pups of Nickelodeon’s PAW Patrol to save Christmas in Adventure Bay! Boys and girls ages 3 to 7 will get into the spirit with this hardcover storybook featuring full-color illustrations.
I Spy Christmas: A Book of Picture Riddles (PreK-3)
This “I Spy” book uses rhymes and riddles to help children find different Christmas treasures that are hidden on each vibrant page. A photographic puzzle book features rhyming riddles that invite young readers to locate hidden objects — clocks, nickels, pickles, frogs, and others — among double-page spreads filled with holiday delights.
The Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas (PreK-3)
Mama, Papa, Sister, Brother, and Honey Bear are back in this heartwarming retelling of Clement Clarke Moore’s classic Christmas tale. It is the night before Christmas, and all through the tree house . . . the Berenstain Bears are ready to celebrate!
With more than three hundred and seventy-five books published over the past fifty years, the Berenstain Bears continue to be loved by generation after generation of young readers.
Christmas in America (Ellis the Elephant) (PreK-3)
Ellis the Elephant is back! In Christmas in America, the fifth in Callista Gingrich’s New York Times bestselling series, Ellis discovers the meaning of Christmas and learns how this special holiday has been celebrated throughout American history.
The Berenstain Bears and the Joy of Giving (PreK-up)
In The Berenstain Bears and The Joy of Giving Brother and Sister Bear can’t wait for Christmas and all the presents they’ll open. But during the Christmas Eve pageant, something special happens! The Bear cubs learn a very valuable lesson about the joy of giving to others.
Santa’s Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas (PreK-3)
Discover the true meaning of the holidays with Santa’s Favorite Story.
Santa falls asleep in the woods and the animals are afraid that he will miss Christmas. When Santa wakes up he tells the animals his favorite Christmas story which is the story of the birth of Jesus.
How Santa Got His Job (PreK-3)
When Santa was young and needed a job, no one was looking for a man in a red suit to deliver gifts on Christmas. So Santa tried just about everything — from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn’t until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job.
Little Critter Merry Christmas Mom and Dad (PreK-2)
Mercer Mayer’s very popular character stars in a getting-ready-for-Christmas picture book. Little Critter approaches Christmas with the intention of being a good helper. When he makes a mistake, he has a logical explanation. He couldn’t wrap the Christmas package because the tape got too sticky. He couldn’t buy his parents a present because there were too many toys to look at. He couldn’t put up the tree lights because they were just too tangled. Little Critter means well, but every funny illustration shows him as tangled up as the Christmas lights.
The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree (PreK-4)
This new classic Christmas gift book “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 pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Tree. As an old man, Henry repays the gift by donating the enormous tree that has grown from that pinecone. After bringing joy to thousands as the Rockefeller Center tree, its wood will be used to build a home for another family in need.
Polar Express (PreK-3)
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.
The Wild Christmas Reindeer (PreK-3)
Little Teeka’s attempts to train Santa’s reindeer for their Christmas ride meet with disaster until she realizes that she needs to work with the animals in a new way. “Tomorrow,” she says, “no yelling, no screaming, and no bossing, I promise,” and with her patient teaching, on Christmas Eve the “wild reindeer rise up together and carry the sleigh off into the night.”
Olive, the Other Reindeer (PreK-7)
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.
Humphrey’s First Christmas (PreK-up)
We’ve all heard the story of the three wise men who brought their gifts to Baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. Humphrey has lost his blanket and schemes to acquire a new one. When the party reaches its destination, Humphrey is so drawn to the love surrounding Baby Jesus that he finds himself selflessly giving his new blanket to the Christ child.
Carol Heyer’s rich acrylic paintings showcase the quirkiness of the camel and add humor to the story. Here is a book that both entertains and informs without ever straying from the meaning of the holiday. Ages 4-8.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey (Grades 1 to 4)
Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle.
The moving, lyrical tale, gloriously illustrated by P.J. Lynch, has been widely hailed as a true Christmas classic. This beautiful anniversary edition includes a new note from the author and an audio narration by James Earl Jones available as a complimentary download.
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree (PreK-2)
That was the trouble. The tree was so tall, it couldn’t stand up straight in his parlor. Mr. Willowby asked his butler to chop off the top of the tree. What happens to the treetop? Where will it be for Christmas? Snuggle up with this story and follow along through a forest full of friendly creatures who get to share in a bit of Christmas joy.
Christmas Farm (PreK-3)
When Wilma decides her garden needs a new beginning, she gathers string, scissors, shovels, sixty-two dozen balsam seedlings, and Parker, her five-year-old neighbor. Year after year, Wilma and Parker nurture their trees, keeping careful count of how many they plant, how many perish, and how many grow to become fine, full Christmas trees. A cozy, holiday read-aloud and a lyrical way to usher in the month of December.
The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story (PreK-3)
The Armistice has been declared, but still there is no sign of Ruthie’s father in their little Appalachian town. So, in accordance with the traditions of Pine Grove, it falls to Ruthie and her mother to bring home the perfect Christmas tree to donate to the town. Ruthie had accompanied her father to the rocky cliff where he marked a tree in the spring, so she and her mother set out to find it again, and haul it home.
Their trip becomes the basis of a new town legend; Ruthie, chosen for the role of the heavenly angel in the the church Christmas play, finds herself outfitted in a madeover wedding dress of the finest silkanother “miracle” wrought by her hardworking mother. An accomplished, fluid telling garnishes this simple story, as do Cooney’s moonlit paintings of wintry evenings and the welcoming glow of fire and lanterns. Ruthie is more or less an observer; her mother is the real heroine. But the way they work together to keep their family’s duty is rendered in a harmonious blending of text and pictures.
The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever (PreK-3)
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and Clayton and Desmond feel the chill in the air. The cool weather makes them think of Christmas . . . and Christmas makes them think of Christmas trees! Who’ll find the biggest one?
In the newest installment of this beloved, bestselling series, Clayton the town mouse and Desmond the country mouse team up to bring the spirit of Christmas to Mouseville-in a BIG way.
Snowmen at Christmas (PreK-2)
nowmen 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.
Santa’s Stuck (PreK-3)
This playful picture book answers the age-old question: Just how does Santa shimmy up and down chimneys? Not very easily sometimes! When the rotund fellow with a sweet tooth overdoes it on the snacks, he gets stuck inside a chimney. The reindeer on the roof try pulling him out, to no avail. A dog, a cat, and some kittens try pushing from below, with no luck. It takes a tiny, ingenious mouse to come up with the way to POP! Santa out so that Christmas can go on. Good show—ho, ho, ho!
Memoirs of an Elf (Grades 1 to 4)
It’s Christmas Eve and Spark Elf has the very important job of keeping Santa Claus on schedule as he travels the globe in 24 hours delivering presents. Small in stature with pointy ears and stopwatch in hand, Spark lets Santa know it’s time to go. He programs the GPS while the other elves secure the toy bag and check the Nice list. Little known fact: We don’t even bring the Naughty list with us.
Six hours into the trip Santa, sleigh and crew begin to fall behind–so many cuddly doggies to pet and extra cookies to eat. The jolly group makes up time in Brazil and soon find themselves back at the North Pole. Their work is done. But wait, there’s something left in the bag–but it isn’t a present at all–it’s a family dog! Well known fact: Santa gives things away. He does not take things! Momma Claus comes to the rescue with a plan to get the dog back to his family. Can Santa return the family’s beloved pooch in time to keep their Christmas merry?
Auntie Claus (PreK-3)
Auntie Claus is just another eccentric New Yorker–or is she? Young Sophie has often wondered about her unusual great-aunt, Auntie Claus. She lives in penthouse 25C at the Bing Cherry Hotel and is so curioso! After all, Auntie Claus serves Christmas cookies all year long and her tree is always the best-decorated in the city. And then there’s her annual “business trip,” right around the holidays. This year Sophie is determined to get to the bottom of Auntie Claus’s mysterious ways. Put on your mittens and bundle up for an adventure beyond your wildest dreams. Ho, ho, ho!
A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas (PreK-1)
Come aboard, young mateys, for a humorous, colorful, and thoroughly piratical retelling of “The Night Before Christmas!” On a ship of mischievous brigands—who have visions of treasure chests, not sugar plums, dancing in their heads—you wouldn’t expect a visit from jolly St. Nick. Instead, here comes Sir Peggedy, with his peg leg and hook arm, cracking his whip and driving eight giant seahorses: Salty, Scurvy, Sinbad, Mollie, Cutthroat, Cross-Eyes, Roger, and Jolly. But even buccaneers can catch the holiday spirit …
An Otis Christmas (PreK-2)
Otis the tractor returns in a Christmas story of courage and friendship set during a terrible snowstorm at the farm. When the mare’s labor becomes difficult on Christmas Eve, a vet is needed—but the truck is stuck in a snowdrift. Otis makes a brave decision: he’ll get Doc. Plowing through the woods on a rescue mission, he finds himself on a difficult path. Long’s text conveys not just the danger, treacherous, slippery, but also Otis’ effort, putt puff puttedy chuff. But how will he wake Doc in the middle of the night?
The farmer’s Christmas gift, a shiny new horn, will do the trick. The illustrations wonderfully enhance the story, from the joy of the animals prancing around the Christmas tree to Otis’ expressive response to the events around him: pride in his gift, concern for his friend, determination to arrive at his destination. Highlighting the always changing perspective, aerial scenes give readers a sense of the big, snowy picture, and close-ups show the farmer’s concern. Long’s palette reflects the coldness and heaviness of the snow, and then lightness as the farmer prays for a miracle.
Splendiferous Christmas (Fancy Nancy) (PreK-2)
What could be fancier than Christmas?
Presents with elegant wrapping paper, festive decorations, Christmas cookies with sprinkles—and who could forget the tree? After all, there is no such thing as too much tinsel. Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don’t turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous?
The Christmas Wish (PreK-2)
In the tradition of The Snowman, The Polar Express, and the many books of Jan Brett this cozy Nordic tale filled with extraordinary photographs 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, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season.
The Pajama Elves (PreK-3)
“The Pajama Elves” is a delightful, creatively presented holiday tale that shares a family tradition of giving children magic pajamas secretly tailored by Santa’s sewing elves, so they can sleep snug in their beds on Christmas Eve. Hayden Edwards is a special pseudonym for author/illustrator Julie Szabo, combining the names of her two sons and husband.
Told in verse narrative and creatively illustrated with combination photos/prints in color, “The Pajama Elves” is all about keeping the magic of Christmas alive for young children. The author describes it as follows: “‘The Pajama Elves’ allows people to adopt and personalize the tradition in many ways, and it can be shared with family members who live far apart from one another.” Sensitively done, “The Pajama Elves” is an ideal contemporary response to unique challenges faced by parents of young children today.
Turkey Claus (PreK-3)
Turkey needs Santa’s help so he won’t be eaten for Christmas dinner.
Turkey is in trouble. Again. He made it through Thanksgiving without becoming a turkey dinner, but now it’s almost Christmas, and guess what’s on the menu? Turkey decides the only thing to do is to ask Santa for help. He sets off for the North Pole, but getting in to see Santa at Christmastime isn’t as easy as Turkey expected. It’s going to take all his ideas—and his clever disguises—to find a way into Santa’s house. After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise, and Santa has the perfect solution!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (PreK-4)
“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. No holiday season is complete without the Grinch, Max, Cindy-Lou, and all the residents of Who-ville, in this heartwarming story about the effects of the Christmas spirit on even the smallest and coldest 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.
The Littlest Christmas Tree (PreK-3)
The Littlest Christmas Tree wants to find a home for Christmas in this companion to the bestselling favorite The Littlest Pumpkin.
There are only five days until Christmas, and the Littlest Christmas Tree is still waiting for a home. All it wants is for a family to take it home, decorate it, and sing its favorite song, “Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches…”
But as Christmas nears, and one by one the other trees find homes, the Littlest Christmas Tree begins to think that no one will ever take it home. And then, on Christmas Eve, its wish comes true when the man who runs the Christmas tree stand takes it home to his family.
Bear Stays up for Christmas (PreK-3)
Poor Bear! He’s never seen a Christmas because of his hibernation habit.
This year, his forest friends vow to wake him up and keep him up for their Christmas celebration.
Frozen Olaf’s Night Before Christmas Book & CD (Grades 1 to 3)
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring . . . until a sound awakens Olaf. Read along as Olaf has the adventure of a lifetime with a mysterious stranger in red. This beautifully illustrated 32-page paper-over-board picture book comes with a read-along CD featuring audio narration by Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf! Fans of all generations will delight in Olaf’s innocent and humorous account of “The Night Before Christmas.”
