Our Favorite Christmas Books for Elementary Readers: Building Joyful Holiday Traditions

Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick is a gorgeous “photographic fantasy” follows woodland animals as they discover a mysterious snowman in their forest. The stunning nature photography makes it feel like a nature study and a Christmas story rolled into one. Perfect for children who love animals and the beauty of winter.

Speaking of woodland creatures – this delightful book features real photographs of a mischievous squirrel preparing for Christmas.

It’s adorable, funny, and amazingly well-crafted. Kids love the real animal photography combined with tiny props and sets. I love all of Nancy Rose’s books!

This is a classic story about forest animals who work together to find the perfect Christmas tree.

The vintage illustrations and simple story make this a perfect first read-aloud for the youngest readers.

This is the perfect gift for littles from someone who wants to be the Fun Aunt, since the main character is their aunt who comes and brings Christmas to them!

“This gorgeously illustrated, full-color classic celebrates a time before email with an interactive picture book full of real letters to read aloud. The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from fairy tale characters. Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what favorite characters would write to each other–and reimagine best-loved tales together.”

This collection pulls together all the Christmas chapters from the Little House books into one beautiful volume. If you’re already reading the Little House series, this makes a wonderful companion. The stories capture simple, pioneer Christmas celebrations that help children appreciate the true meaning of the season and understand how people celebrated with joy even with very few material possessions. Complete with Garth Williams’s beloved illustrations!

This Caldecott Medal winner tells the true story of Wilson Bentley, the man who first photographed snowflakes and proved that no two are alike. It’s a beautiful blend of science, biography, and winter wonder. Perfect for nature study during the Christmas season.

The original story that inspired the ballet! We have many different editions but I really want this copy. It has audio and tells the story of the orchestra! You can push the button on each beautiful scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Tchaikovsky’s score.

“Join Brother and Sister Bear at the Christmas Eve pageant as they witness the very first Christmas, and make an important discovery about giving and receiving, a valuable lesson during the holiday season and year around. Young readers will learn the true meaning of Christmas in this addition to The Berenstain Bears Living Lights™ series.”

“Use the stickers to dress the doll characters in this exciting version of the The Nutcracker ballet. Clara’s uncle gives her a wooden nutcracker doll for Christmas, which, after a battle with the evil Mouse King, transforms into a real-life prince. Clara and the prince travel through a forest, filled with twirling snowflakes, before arriving the kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where trees are made of candy floss, cupcakes and candy canes. Clara eventually returns home. Has her experience been real or is it all an amazing dream?”

“Dress up the dolls for the festive season with a range of colorful outfits!

Scenes include a glamorous masked ball, an ice skating adventure, a trip to the ballet, a magical carriage ride and lots more Christmassy activities.

With hundreds of stickers of dresses, cosy coats, beautifully-wrapped gifts, ice skates and tutus to get the dolls ready for the festive season.”

Magic painting books are no normal paint with water books, with lackluster illustrations and weak colors. These are absolutely beautiful with artful settings like sunsets, beautiful forests, and more. I absolutely love all of these books and can never get enough of them! Plus, the paint doesn’t get messy because you are *only* using water, not the palette style of books. It is easier and more fun at the same time.

Bring the magic of Christmas to life in this adorable interactive activity book!

“Filled with wintry whimsy, from ice-skating unicorns to snow castles, northern lights and other fantastical delights. Use the brush provided to sweep water over the designs and festive colors magically appear!

A mess-free way to keep children busy for long winter nights and for the holidays. Simply tuck the waterproof back flap under each page as it’s painted, to stop water from seeping through to the rest of the book.”

“This fun and engaging coloring book for ‘tweens is filled with 32 festive designs of charming Christmas scenes, reindeer, penguins, presents, snowflakes, stockings, trees, animals, and so much more, from talented artist Jess Volinski.

Along with uplifting creative art activities for young girls and fill-in prompts with inspirational hand-lettered sentiments, Jess also includes instructions on basic coloring techniques, fully colored examples, and motivational quotes to go with every design.”