It’s the holiday season, and that means moms of the world are BUSY! But as much as we take tree trimming, present buying, gift wrapping, and cookie baking for granted, our little ones don’t necessarily know what’s happening. It’s hard to remember not knowing about Christmas, but everything is still new. Here are some titles that will help explain the season—and put it in perspective. Many of these Christmas books for toddlers will be familiar—Spot, Llama Llama, and other made the cut!
When Grandma knows Santa, you get to read with him. Otherwise, Christmas books come from the store or library!
As always, this is not an exhaustive list. There are many great ones out there. However, these are books that our own children like. They’re probably best loved by the 0-2 (up to 3) set as they’re very simple. And now, without further ado (in no particular order):
1. The Not Very Merry Pout Pout Fish
Mr. Fish, like most men, is sweating gift shopping this season. He learns the best presents don’t come from a store (by Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna).
2. Spot’s Christmas
Everyone’s busy with Christmas in Spot’s house. Help kids understand all of the prep and holiday excitement through Spot’s eyes. And best of all: it’s a lift-the-flap book (by Eric Hall).
3. Dream Snow
It only takes a little snow for an old farmer to put on his red suit and remember he’s got a job to do on December 24th! Can’t go wrong with this one by Eric Carle.
4. Llama Llama Holiday Drama or Llama Llama Jingle Bells
In Holiday Drama, little llama is getting overwhelmed with all the to-dos of the seasons. He’s also having a very hard time waiting for the big day. Help little ones keep the cheer high with some #perspective (better for older toddlers). For the little ones, try Jingle Bells as Llama prepares for the season. Anna Dewdney delivers with both.
5. Where is Baby’s Christmas Present?
Baby searches for a present throughout the whole house. Kids will love lifting the flaps, something they’ve probably come to enjoy with other Karen Katz books.
6. The Mitten
Nicki inadvertently drops her mitten in the snow. But her loss is others’ gain as woodland animals make it a home (by Jan Brett).
7. Little Blue Truck’s Christmas
The little blue truck has to deliver five Christmas trees. Have your little one count with you as the truck makes his deliveries (by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry).
8. Merry Christmas Mouse
Help count as mouse decorates the Christmas tree, ornament by ornament (by Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond).
9. Max’s Christmas
Rosemary Wells tells the story of big sister Ruby and little brother Max during Christmas. Max just can’t fall asleep when he knows Santa’s on his way. (She has some other fun Christmas titles too.)
10. That’s Not My…(Snowman, Santa, or Reindeer) Christmas Books
These thick board books with different textures on each page will be a hit with your baby. These are great for very young children (under one) up to 3—they can’t resist petting each page. Buy one or get the set (by
Share with us! What are the beloved Christmas titles in your house?
