The Most Beautiful Holiday Books For Children

Author-illustrator Nicole Killen's limited palette paints a remarkably sparkling, colorful adventure for her little heroine, Ollie.

Angela Shelf Medearis’s story about seven brothers who are constantly arguing feels particularly relatable right about now; their journey toward understanding and togetherness, inspiring. The linoleum block prints by Daniel Minter are simply beautiful.

Softly impressionistic watercolors by James Ransome make this retelling of the Nutcracker story, set in the rich beauty of 1930's Harlem, a dreamy, magical experience.

Publisher's Weekly calls this adaption of my favorite carol "reverent and accessible," and they're exactly right. Lara Hawthorne captures the hushed, deep beauty of a holy night with characters who are right for the time and place.

This holiday tale introduces readers not only to a magical character who “can make anything last as long as it’s needed,” but to another troubled time in American history, where neighbors of all backgrounds needed to — and could — count on each other.

M. E. Furman's sweet story does exactly what the title promises. Starting on Christmas Island, soft and colorful illustrations by Susan Gal take little readers on a magical trip on a magical night around the world.

A gorgeous board book from the peerless Eric Carle, this tome starring our favorite fuzzy hero is as much fun to read as to play with. (And if your toddler is anything like my daughter was, happily chew on).

Author-illustrator Patricia Polacco's exquisite story from 2000 is particularly relevant this year. A family spared from an epidemic finds a way to bring light and solace to their neighbors through a little personal sacrifice that feels like love.

"You might be surprised to hear that there was a time, long ago, when Santa’s sleigh was pulled not by a team of reindeer but by a single horse, named Silverbell." So begins the tale of a circus reindeer family longing to return to their snowy home and Santa's best story yet.

Robert James Sabuda has won awards for his stunning paper work and illustrations, and his bold cut-outs turn this retelling of Clement Clarke Moore's quintessential Christmas poem into a festive work of art.

Not technically a holiday story, Jan Brett's classic has everything you need on a cold winter's night this season: gorgeous illustrations, a delightful cast of characters, and a simple story that somehow never fails to enchant.