Holiday Book Gift Guide

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We are so excited to pick out and put up our tree this weekend. It feels like the official kick-off to the holiday season once the tree is up – even though we already gifted our son some holiday jams to meet Santa last weekend at Monday’s Child with Nancy Perkins and Renee C. Gage!

Here are some of my favorite seasonal holiday books I love to rotate in for the winter. You’ll notice that there aren’t any recurring characters in these (no trucks of a certain color or British pigs – though we love both of them), except for the pigeon (had to have one). I’ve bought my share of token holiday books and I’m proud to say that these are tried-and-true good ones. No offense to the others.

Here’s the list!

  1. The Night Before Christmas is a classic and I love Mr. Boddington’s Studio’s classic illustrations and clever writing. This version of the story that I picked up at The Beaufort Bonnet Company store on Kiawah Island is my favorite though. The illustrations are colorful and fun. I also really like this one for a more traditional feel. We have it, too.
  2. Balloons Over Broadway is a Caldecott Honor Winner and one we bought just a week ago. It is so much fun. Probably more for older toddlers/preschoolers – our 3-year-old loves it. It tells the story of how the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in a really thoughtful way and tackles problem-solving with the true story of how the floats came to be – and how they designed them to float so high above the crowds so all could see.
  3. Red & Lulu tells the story of two birds who build a nest in a soon-to-be-famous tree as it makes its way to New York City. Another great one to pick up as you get your decorations up.
  4. Moo, Baa, Fa La La La! is a sweet Christmas book for the littlest of littles on your list. Who doesn’t love Sandra Boynton’s whimsical rhymes?
  5. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! Our son thinks these books are hilarious – and they are clever! We picked this up at his school book fair. Look forward to pulling it out one night this year.
  6. Pick a Pine Tree is a fun book about – you guessed it – picking out and decorating your Christmas tree!
  7. The Snowy Day is one that I used to read on repeat when I was little. I still remember the tracks the little boy makes in the snow when he walks with his feet in and then out. If this isn’t on your bookshelf, I can’t recommend scooping it up more.
  8. The Mitten is a sweet book about woodland friends who all stumble upon a cozy looking mitten and try to squeeze in. It’s a great Jan Brett classic.
  9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one that probably doesn’t need any explanation. A fun and funny classic.
  10. Finally, The Polar Express, which is one you likely already have on your bookshelf. Another classic.

Here are some that are on my list to purchase this year based on books that have been recommended to me. I’ll probably end up wrapping these and sticking them next to stockings and under the tree to save for the following year.

  1. Little Red Sleigh – this has something like 4.8 stars on Amazon and I’ve been eyeing it for two years. Finally going to get it and see if it’s worth the fuss. Pro tip: I always pre-read books before I give them. Sometimes they’re lame or the storyline falls flat. Better to know before you have to read it 10,000 times.
  2. Dasher
  3. We Disagree About This Tree

Happy reading!