Holiday books have the potential to become lifelong traditions that are passed on from generation to generation. Nothing beats those few minutes you take out of your hectic holiday schedule, curled up with your tot by the fire, to get lost in a storybook world that you and your child will remember for years to come.
Here is a list of our favorite holiday books for kids:
Mo Smells Christmas: A Scentsational Journey by Margaret Hyde & Amanda Giacomini. It isn’t only the sights that remind people of Christmas, but the scents that bring back the warmest memories. Children can experience everything Mo, the adorable canine does with the book’s unique “Press-2-Smell” technology. From fresh-cut pine to yummy gingerbread, the adorable book connects the reader to the smells AND joys of Christmas.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. Do presents, decorations and food make the Christmas holiday? According to the aptly-named Grinch, Yes. But when he decides to take all of that away in order to prevent the happy residents of Whoville from having a merry Christmas, he ends up learning one very valuable lesson himself.
‘Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. There is no better story to read to the little ones on Christmas Eve than ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, in which a child tells their tale of spying on St.Nick while he is working. Complete with lavish illustrations, the classic christmas story is sure to become a household favorite.
Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy by Don Freeman. Corduroy is having a Hanukkah party for all his friends, and your little ones is invited! They can join the loveable, cuddly bear as he lights the menorah, makes potato pancakes, and teaches young readers all about the Hanukkah traditions.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Children and parents alike will love this story of an adventurous boy who takes a late night train ride to see Santa, complete with stunningly beautiful illustrations.
Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney. The holidays are a lot of fun but can be overwhelming, which is exactly how Llama llama feels until Mama Llama steps in and saves the day with love, a little quiet time and lessons about what the holidays are really all about. Hint: It isn’t about presents or rushing around!
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto. While Maria is helping her mom make Christmas tamales, she tries on the diamond ring her mom took off when baking and accidently loses it in the mesa. In order to avoid a potential disaster, Maria and her cousins have to eat all the tamales to find the ring.
Bubbie and Zadie Come to My House by Daniel Halevi Bloom. Bubbie and Zadie use their magic to visit every Jewish household in the world to share stories, advice, and encourage the spirit of Hanukkah. The best part? Children can get their very own dose of Bubbie and Zadie—their address is printed on the back of the book for young readers to write them. Bonus? They always write back!
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story by Angela Shelf Medearis. Seven sons who spend day and night fighting are each given a spool of thread by their father and are told they must turn the spools to gold or lose everything. With the seven spools representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the children soon realize they must work together not only for themselves but their community.
The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket. How would you feel if you barely escaped from hot frying oil only to meet with Christmas icons who have the nerve to call you a… hash brown! The Latke Who Couldn’t Stop Screaming manages to teach children about Hanukkah in a playful yet educational way, and expose children of all religions to a different holiday.
