Are you interested in finding some fun holiday reading material? How about a list of 10 delightful Christmas picture books!?
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is getting out our family’s collection of Christmas picture books. Nothing makes me happier than sitting down with this huge pile of some of my all-time favorite books.
I’ve identified some of our top hits and have compiled a list with 10 delightful Christmas books that I’m super excited to share with you!
These are books that we return to time and time again, regardless of age.
The following list of ’10 Delightful Christmas Picture Books’ includes some of the biggest hits in our household.
Now I’ve purposely left off some of the classics and really well-known books. You won’t find The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas on this list. Not because we don’t love those books, but because I want to include some that might be lesser-known and that my family finds absolutely delightful.
Here is your list of 10 delightful Christmas books to celebrate Christmas!
1. The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher
by Robert Kraus
This story takes place in a darling little village, there is a greedy Christmas cookie sprinkle snitcher, and our hero is a little boy named Nat.
The snitcher, as I’m sure you’ve imagined, steals sprinkles, leaving behind plain Christmas cookies and devastated children.
That is until Nat saves the day!
Now, I feel the need to provide you with just a teeny-tiny bit of background…
Growing up, The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher was my absolute favorite Christmas book! My affection may have bordered on obsession! I remember sitting on the floor of my local library with this book in my lap, pouring over the illustrations.
As a child, I never owned a copy of the book. I relied on my local public library. But as an adult, and especially after having my own children, I knew I needed a copy for our bookshelf. I looked for it at my local bookstore as well as online and discovered it was out of print.
Out of print!?!
I was crushed.
Over the next few years, I would occasionally check online, as well as inquire with any bookstore I came across. One afternoon, while on a family road trip, we stumbled upon a darling little independent bookstore. My husband asked if they carried The Christmas Cookie Sprinkle Snitcher and the response he received was, “Um, no we don’t, but it looks like it’s available on Amazon.”
What!?!
I was over the moon! I ordered a copy that minute and eagerly awaited its arrival!
The book is full of rhyme and whimsy. And the illustrations are pure delight!
Alright, moving on!
2. Splendiferous Christmas: Fancy Nancy
by Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser
Ooh, la la!
To know Fancy Nancy is to love her and this book unfolds exactly the way you imagine it would with Nancy involved.
Nancy’s got high holiday expectations when it comes to decorating and celebrating. But things don’t turn out exactly as she’d imagined.
Robin Preiss Glasser is one of my favorite illustrators, so the book is beautiful, fun, and festive!
3. Santa Claus, the World’s Number One Toy Expert
by Marla Frazee
Throughout this delightful story, we observe Santa going through the entire process of choosing the exact right toy for the exact right child. He diligently makes lists, organizes his inventory, and tests toys. And of course, there are lots of cookies and hot cocoa breaks!
Sidenote: Several years ago, when this book first came out, I received a signed copy from my cousin. She was working at a bookstore at the time and the author, Marla Frazee, had done a book signing at her bookstore. I fell in love with the book immediately and have since become a huge fan of her other books as well.
This story is so sweet and the illustrations are whimsical.
4. Olivia Helps with Christmas
by Ian Falconer
What would we do without our independent and precocious little piglet, Olivia?
If you are familiar with Olivia, you can imagine all of her shenanigans as she eagerly awaits Santa’s arrival.
Sidenote: Out of all of the Christmas books we own, I have probably read this one out loud the most. When my kiddos were little, they would request reading this one over and over, night after night, and would giggle hysterically. It never gets old!
Mischievous, silly, and full of anticipation, this book is laugh-out-loud funny!
5. The Gingerbread Pirates
by Kristin Kladstrup and Matt Tavares
Captain Cookie must rescue his captured crew of gingerbread pirates from someone named Santa Claus before he devours them.
Gasp!
Adventure, a race against the clock, and the excitement of Christmas all rolled into one highly entertaining story.
6. Snowmen at Christmas
by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
This is a joyful book that gives us a peek into the lives of snowmen, specifically what it is they do for Christmas.
With lots of games, singing, and yummy food, we learn exactly how they entertain themselves and how they celebrate the magic of the season.
This is a fun story with gorgeous illustrations.
7. A WISH TO BE A CHRISTMAS TREE
by Colleen Monroe and Michael Monroe
A heartwarming story about a huge, overgrown tree that is always being overlooked and passed up for Christmas. All he wants is to be chosen, taken home with a family, and decorated.
Aware of his sadness, his forest friends help to make his Christmas wish come true. This one makes me tear up every time I read it.
This is a wonderful story about the importance of compassion and friendship.
8. Bear Stays up for Christmas
by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
It’s hibernation time.
But Bear’s friends have decided that Bear must stay awake for Christmas! So they put him to work, making sure he’s involved in finding a tree, baking, hanging stockings, singing songs, and joining in the holiday festivities.
Filled with friendship and the power of generosity, this is a lovely and heartwarming little book.
9. A Merry Little Christmas: Celebrate From A to Z
by Mary Engelbreit
There’s still a lot to be done before Christmas and we get a front-row seat as we watch Gregory Mouse and his family prepare for the big day.
Wrapping presents, baking, and decorating, this book is pure magic for the illustrations alone!
Mary Engelbreit is a master at whimsy and attention to detail and this book is no exception.
10. The Little Drummer Mouse
by Mercer Mayer
This one gets me teary every time!
In this story, we’re introduced to a tiny mouse who is also an aspiring musician. Unfortunately, he is teased for his small stature and humble acorn drum. But he ends up being called upon to give a gift to a special child who was just born in a nearby stable.
OK, now I’m tearing up as I type.
Sidenote: I adore Mercer Mayer’s books. I grew up reading his books and I always feel a sense of nostalgia when reading his stories.
Such a beautiful story illustrating how the most unlikely among us have gifts to share.
If you’re looking for more resources to help you celebrate a fun and stress-free Christmas, be sure to check out the following posts:
- 5 Fun Things to do with Your Kids on Christmas Eve
- 4 Simple Ways to Make Christmas Less Stressful
- Super Simple Holiday Self-Care Survival Hacks
And for additional picture book suggestions for other seasons and holidays, you’ll want to head over to the following:
- 10 Magical Picture Books to Celebrate Winter
- 10 Lovely Picture Books to Welcome Spring
- 10 Picture Books to Celebrate Summer
- 10 Cozy Picture Books to Welcome Fall
- 10 Magical Day of the Dead Picture Books
- 10 Picture Books About Voting in the United States
Well, there you have it, 10 Delightful Christmas Picture Books that are sure to immerse you in the holiday spirit!
What are some of your favorite holiday reads? I’d love to know!
Gina says
A wonderful list. I absolutely love book/reading lists! Several of these are new to me. I can’t wait to check them out with my grandchildren.
Sarah Takehara says
I’m a sucker for book/reading lists too, Gina! I hope you’re able to check out some of the titles that are new to you and that you enjoy them as much as I do. Happy holiday reading!