By reading with your children, you can create unforgettable traditions for years to come. (iStock)
By reading with your children and sharing stories you cherish (both old and new), you and your little ones can create memorable traditions and leave a lasting impression for years to come. The holidays are a magical time for families, and reading festive children’s books provides more than just entertainment: they create opportunities for interconnectedness, spark meaningful conversations about traditions, and inspire young minds to wonder. Not to mention, books make great gifts for kids of all ages and will hopefully encourage them to get off those tech devices and start reading!
Whether it’s spreading the joy of ChristmasShining the light of Hanukkah or enjoying the beauty of a snowy winter day, these stories help children connect with the spirit of the season while creating cherished memories. So, while you are hunting for all hottest toys And gifts To put under the tree, here are ten holiday books to help you escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the magic of the season with your children this year.
The Polar Express is a captivating classic about a boy who learns the magic of Christmas. (Amazon)
This enchanting Christmas story (with a classic movie they can enjoy it too!) follows a young boy on a magical train journey to the North Pole. This beautifully illustrated hardcover 30th anniversary edition of the story captures the spirit of Christmas with its themes of faith, wonder and the magic of giving. The lush, colorful illustrations complement the heartfelt story, making it a timeless favorite. Although it is not an anniversary edition, Walmart has the book for under $10 and you can pick it up too accompanying DVD!
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The Grinch is a classic lesson in the true meaning of the holidays. (Barnes and Noble)
The beloved rhyming story of Dr. Seuss about the Grinch, who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville is a classic lesson in the true meaning of the holidays. The whimsical illustrations and memorable characters have captivated generations of readers and inspired several films of the same name! If they’re Grinch obsessed (and who isn’t?), you can catch the sequel The Grinch is taking a vacationa hilarious take on the story about everyone’s favorite Christmas grouch.
The Snowy Day helps children discover the joy and wonder of a snowy day. (Walmart)
This award-winning classic book follows young Peter as he explores his neighborhood after a snowfall. The simple, poetic text and vibrant illustrations have been helping families celebrate the joy and wonder of a winter’s day for more than 50 years, making it a perfect seasonal read. The book’s message inspires kids to get off their devices and get outside. Scholastic offers one special edition with accompanying CD if your child enjoys reading and listening to this meaningful story.
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins follow Hershel as he outsmarts a group of goblins to save the holidays. (Amazon)
This book follows Hershel of Ostropol as he outsmarts a group of goblins to save the holidays for a village. The excitement, humor, and rich illustrations make this a favorite for Hanukkah celebrations. Although this is a hardcover/gift edition with a poster, Amazon offers a simpler version paperback version for a few dollars less.
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This beautifully illustrated book about a lost mitten has a special message about animals. (Amazon)
This beautifully illustrated Ukrainian folk tale tells of a boy who loses a mitten in the snow, which becomes a temporary home for a growing number of animals. This extra large board book highlights Brett’s intricate border art for younger children, and detailed depictions of the woodland creatures make it a visual delight. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer instead, a smaller ones is also available from Amazon.
This heartwarming Hanukkah story follows a poor girl who receives a magical skillet that makes endless latkes. (Amazon)
This humorous and heartwarming story follows a poor girl who is given a magical frying pan that makes endless latkes. The story highlights themes of kindness, family, and the joy of the Hanukkah tradition of latke-making and is accompanied by charming illustrations. This book might inspire them to want to make traditional Jewish pancakes with you, so be sure to pick it up this cookbook that makes cooking with your toddler easy and fun!
This poetic story about a young girl and her father captures the beauty and silence of winter. (Walmart)
Set on a cold, moonlit winter night, this poetic story follows a young girl and her father as they go owling. The lyrical text and beautiful watercolor illustrations capture the silence and beauty of the winter landscape, making it a soothing and evocative read. Now that they’re inspired to get outside in the winter, take a look this book with 50 winter activities for children!
This quirky and witty story combines Hanukkah and Christmas traditions with a talking latke. (Amazon)
This quirky and witty story combines Hanukkah and Christmas traditions through the adventures of a talking latke. With signature Lemony Snicket humor and clever storytelling, this book offers a fresh take on holiday celebrations. If they’re Lemony Snicket fans and the screaming latke has them begging for more, pick it up Lemony Snicket’s lump of coal.
Toddlers love Eric Carle’s beautifully illustrated board books, such as Dream Snow. (Walmart)
Eric Carle’s striking collage illustrations bring this gentle Christmas story about a farmer who dreams of snow coming to life. The interactive overlays and simple text make it an engaging read for younger children, evoking the warmth of the season. On a holiday book kick from Eric Carle? Also make sure you grab Christmas of the Very Hungry Caterpillar 123.
Snowmen come to life at night in this playful book. (Amazon)
This imaginative story explores what snowmen do in the dark (hint: they come to life!) With playful rhymes and hidden details in the illustrations, it’s a delightful book that both children and parents can enjoy during the winter season. Looking for something more classic? Well, Frosty the Snowman it is! You can get it the nostalgic Golden Book classic we all grew up with at Barnes and Noble for the bargain price of $5.99.
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