As the holiday season approaches, searching for the best christmas picture books to share with your little ones becomes essential.
In this post, I’ve curated a list of the best titles that will spark joy and inspire the magic of the season in children’s hearts.
Whether you’re looking for delightful tales about Santa, festive adventures, or stories that teach the spirit of giving, these books have something special for everyone.
Join me in exploring these charming reads that will create lasting memories for you and your children this christmas!
I personally read the books I review. This thorough approach ensures that each review is authentic and genuine. Being an Amazon Associate, if you use links on this website to purchase books or anything else, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you! This helps me keep running this website and write quality book reviews & content absolutely for free. You can learn more here.The best christmas picture books
- Everything for Christmas
- Santa And His Very Big Night
- Fritz the Farting Reindeer
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
- Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas
- The Christmas Owl
1. Everything for Christmas
My Take:
Everything for Christmas by Michael Rashad, illustrated by Wasel Ahmed Nabil, is a delightful addition to the best christmas picture books collection.
This book captures the excitement and joy of the holiday season, making it a must-have for family reading time.
From the first page, the vibrant illustrations leap out like a christmas morning surprise, instantly drawing me into its festive world.
The story weaves a narrative that celebrates christmas traditions and engages children’s imaginations and feelings about the season.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Book:
Liked:
- The illustrations are enchanting; they brought the story to life for me.
- The rhythm of the text flows smoothly, making it enjoyable to read aloud.
- I appreciated how it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Christmas with its positive messages about joy and togetherness.
- The interactive aspects encouraged my little ones to participate in the storytelling, creating a memorable experience.
Disliked:
- Some scenes were too sentimental for my taste; a touch of humor would have balanced it better.
- The storyline felt slightly predictable; I wished for a few more surprises.
- I noticed the book could have included a few more diverse characters to reflect the richness of the holiday spirit globally.
Overall, Everything for Christmas is a charming read that belongs on your bookshelf if you’re looking for christmas picture books that resonate with the season’s magic.
It is perfect for cozy holiday nights and helps create cherished memories for children and parents alike.
2. Santa And His Very Big Night
My Take:
Santa And His Very Big Night by Jo Jackson and Dan Jackson is a delightful tale that captures the thrill of Christmas Eve.
From the moment I opened the book, the playful narrative mixed with lively illustrations transported me to the bustling world of Santa preparing for his night of gift-giving.
The story is engaging and beautifully conveys the spirit of kindness and generosity inherent to the season.
I loved sharing this book with my children as we eagerly followed Santa on his adventurous journey.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Book:
Liked:
- The illustrations are vibrant and filled with festive cheer that captured my attention.
- The story moves at a perfect pace, making it easy for me to read aloud without losing my audience.
- I appreciated how the authors highlighted themes of teamwork and joy, which resonate well during the holiday season.
- The catchy rhymes throughout kept my little ones giggling and engaged.
Disliked:
- Some parts of the story felt rushed; I wished for more details in the adventure.
- I found a few character expressions a tad too exaggerated for my taste.
- The ending could have used a bit more surprise or twist; it felt predictable.
Overall, Santa And His Very Big Night shines brightly among the best christmas picture books.
Its festive charm and meaningful message make it a perfect addition to your holiday reading list, fostering laughter and creating treasured memories during this magical season.
3. Fritz the Farting Reindeer
My Take:
Fritz the Farting Reindeer is a hilariously unique addition to the collection of best christmas picture books.
From the moment I turned the first page, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the quirky premise of a reindeer with a bit of a gas problem.
The story, filled with vibrant illustrations, cleverly combines festive cheer with laughter, making it perfect for family reading time during the holiday season.
It entertains children and teaches them that being different is perfectly okay while keeping the christmas spirit alive.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Book:
Liked:
- The humor is spot-on and has me laughing out loud.
- The illustrations are bold, colorful, and engaging for my kids.
- I love how the story promotes embracing individual quirks and accepting differences.
- Reading it aloud is a joy as my little ones eagerly await the next funny moment.
Disliked:
- Some jokes felt repetitive; I wished for a bit more variety in the humor.
- A few scenes were slightly silly, which may not appeal to all readers.
- The plot could benefit from more depth to round out the character development.
Overall, Fritz the Farting Reindeer stands out as one of the funniest Christmas picture books.
It’s perfect for families looking to blend laughter with the holiday spirit, making it a delightful choice to add to your christmas reading list.
4. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!
My Take:
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems adds a delightful dash of humor to the roster of the best christmas picture books.
The whimsical premise of a pigeon desperately wanting to take the reins of Santa’s sleigh instantly captivated me.
Willems’ signature playful style shines through, inviting children to engage directly with the story as they enthusiastically shout “No!” at the pigeon.
The vivid illustrations paired with witty dialogue create a lively read that is as entertaining for parents as it is for kids, making it a perfect choice for family storytime during the holiday season.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Book:
Liked:
- The interactive element had my kids giggling and eager to participate.
- Willems’ humor is spot-on, keeping me entertained with every page-turn.
- The illustrations are quirky and engaging, adding visual charm to the narrative.
- Each scene flows smoothly, making it a breeze to read aloud.
Disliked:
- I found the storyline too simple; I wished for more profound character development.
- Some jokes felt repetitive; more variety would have enhanced the experience.
- The ending left me wanting a more surprising twist; it felt predictable.
Overall, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! It truly stands out in my collection of Christmas picture books.
It’s hilarious, interactive, and embodies the festive spirit, making it a must-have for anyone looking to add laughter to their holiday reading list.
If you’re searching for the best Christmas picture books, this one should be on your shelf!
5. My Willowbys’ Christmas Tree
My Take:
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry is a charming and endearing story that captures the essence of family and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
The tale follows the whimsical adventure of the Willowbys, a family who decides to procure a christmas tree in a rather unconventional way.
From the get-go, the delightful illustrations transport me into a festive landscape filled with warmth and joy.
The story is simple yet impactful, teaching children the importance of sharing and the true meaning of Christmas.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Book:
Liked:
- The vivid and engaging illustrations kept my kids’ attention throughout.
- The narrative is wonderfully lighthearted, making me smile as I read.
- The themes of generosity and togetherness resonate deeply with the holiday spirit.
- Each character is endearing and adds to the overall charm of the story.
Disliked:
- Some parts of the story felt too simplistic; I wanted more depth.
- I wished for additional character development to connect with them better.
- A few of the rhymes didn’t flow as well as I had hoped.
Overall, Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree stands out among the best christmas picture books.
Its delightful illustrations and heartwarming message make it a perfect addition to any family’s holiday reading list.
I highly recommend this book if you want a feel-good story to read together during the festive season!
6. Bear Stays Up for Christmas
My Take:
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson & illustrated by Jane Chapman, is a heartwarming tale that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season.
The story follows Bear, who usually hibernates during winter but decides to stay awake to celebrate Christmas with his friends this year.
The vibrant illustrations complement the charming narrative, vividly depicting the joy of friendship, love, and the joy of giving.
This book quickly became one of my favorites among the best christmas picture books, as it beautifully conveys themes of compassion and togetherness.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Book:
Liked:
- The story radiates warmth and captures the essence of Christmas perfectly.
- The illustrations are delightful and manage to engage my kids’ attention throughout.
- Bear’s character embodies selflessness, teaching kids the importance of being present for loved ones.
- The rhymes flow beautifully, making it a pleasure to read aloud.
Disliked:
- Some plot points felt predictable; I wished for a few more surprises.
- The pacing could have been quicker in parts; I wanted it to keep moving.
- A couple of characters could use more depth to enhance the story.
Overall, Bear Stays Up for Christmas stands out in my christmas picture book collection.
Its charming narrative and beautiful illustrations make it an excellent choice for family reading. If you’re searching for the best christmas picture books, this one deserves a spot on your shelf!
7. The Christmas Owl
My Take:
The Christmas Owl by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki, is a delightful addition to the world of holiday literature, standing as one of the best christmas picture books.
The story follows an enchanting christmas Eve adventure with an owl who has lost her way.
Throughout the tale, themes of kindness and the season’s magic shine brightly, capturing the essence of christmas warmth.
The beautiful illustrations elevate the narrative, drawing readers into the festive world and making it an engaging experience for kids and parents.
What I Liked/Disliked About The Book:
Liked:
- The charming narrative kept me invested from start to finish.
- The illustrations were stunning, beautifully complementing the story.
- The themes of friendship and community resonated deeply with me.
- The pace flowed nicely, making it enjoyable to read aloud.
Disliked:
- Some plot elements felt a tad predictable; I wanted more surprise.
- A few characters could use more depth to connect with them better.
- The resolution felt rushed; I desired a more developed ending.
Overall, The Christmas Owl is a beautiful addition to any family’s holiday reading list.
It’s enchanting, warm-hearted, and ideal for anyone searching for the best christmas picture books.
If you want to spread festive cheer this holiday season, this book is perfect!
Final Summary
In conclusion, I genuinely believe that the joy of the holiday season is best expressed through heartwarming stories, and these best christmas picture books are perfect for family bonding.
Each book I reviewed brings its unique charm, helping to foster the spirit of giving, togetherness, and joy.
I’ve enjoyed every moment spent reading these delightful stories with my family, and I’m sure you will, too!
If you want to create lasting memories this Christmas, I recommend adding these books to your collection.
Trust me, they will not only entertain but also instill the true essence of the holiday spirit. Let’s make this festive season unforgettable together!