With the winter holidays fast-approaching, you may be searching for books best to give to the young readers in your life or to simply help you ring in the season. There are many children’s books that are guaranteed classics, and even more that are guaranteed holiday classics. Below is a list of upcoming and new children’s books that are both holiday-themed and make for the perfect read beside a roaring fireplace.
Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas by Robert Barry
In this sequel to Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, Mr. Willowby finds himself in a predicament when his Christmas tree gets stuck in a snowdrift on Christmas Eve. But Barnaby Bear and his woodland friends are there to help and soon embark on an adventure to find the perfect tree for Mr. Willowby’s office.
Dasher and the Polar Bear by Matt Tavares
Dasher the reindeer discovers that the only thing better than Christmas magic is making new friends. When Dasher goes out to look at the Northern Lights, she meets George, a polar bear who dreams of flying. After trying to teach him unsuccessfully, Dasher employs the help of Santa Claus, who makes this dream come true.
Cupig Saves Christmas by Claire Tattersfield, Illustrated by Rob Sayegh
On a cold winter night, Cupig receives a call from a sick Santa Claus. After being given thorough instructions, Cupig is ready to don St. Nick’s famous red hat and spread joy to the children of the world.
Whodonut?: A Holiday Mystery by Josh Funk, Illustrated by Brendan Kearney
Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are back and ready to attend the release party for Agatha Crispy’s new book. But things do not go as planned, and her manuscript disappears in the midst of party chaos. Now, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast must join forces to find the manuscript and save the day.
The 13th Day of Christmas by Adam Rex
A partridge in a pear tree appears on the doorstep of a lonely man as a gift from his true love, Trudy. Eleven more equally weird gifts follow. Based on The Twelve Days of Christmas, Rex writes the humorous aftermath of the 13th day.
Llama Llama: A Gift for Mama by Anna Dewdney, Illustrated by J. T. Morrow
Llama Llama is determined to find the perfect gift for Mama in this heartfelt installment of the Llama Llama picture book series. Christmas is approaching fast, and Llama Llama can’t seem to find the perfect gift for Mama. He checks every store and comes up empty. Will he ever find the perfect gift for Mama? Or has the answer been with him all along?
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Illustrated by Hayden Goodman
In this newly illustrated Christmas classic, a little girl is woken up by the sound of Santa’s reindeer on her rooftop. She and the other neighborhood children are then swept up in a Christmas adventure. Featuring all-new artwork focusing on worldwide diversity, The Night Before Christmas breathes new life into a holiday classic.
Once Upon a Kwanzaa by Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall, Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
Once Upon a Kwanzaa introduces BIPOC communities to the interwoven histories and lived experiences connected to this wondrous celebratory time of year. Families and loved ones come together to celebrate and reimagine the past, present, and future. Sawyer Cloud highlights seven families and how different communities across the diaspora can celebrate Kwanzaa, from lighting the Kinara to sharing meals.
Happy HanukKAT by Jessica Hickman, Illustrated by Elissambura
A cat family is getting ready for their favorite time of the year, aka Hannukkah! Join them as they light the menorah, make latkes, and listen to the story of the Maccabees in their festive sweaters and dreidel hats.
The Mouse Who Loved Latkes by Joy Nelkin Wieder
When the Katz family moves in, C.J., the mouse living in their new home, is scared but excited. While nibbling on doughnut crumbs, he hears a soft voice greeting him. Watching the Katz family spin a dreidel and eat chocolate coins, C.J. wants nothing more than to join in the fun. Can he overcome his fear and make new friends in time for Hannukkah?
These are all great holiday-centric books for the young reader in your life. Whichever holiday you may be celebrating this winter, keep cozy with these new releases that are on their way to becoming holiday classics. Be sure to check them out and add them to your TBR. Happy reading!
Interested in more recommendations? Check out some more here.
Find these titles and more on our Young Readers’ and Children’s Holiday Recs shelf.
