Entertainment
11 Children's Holiday Books That Grown-Ups Will Love, Too
As a book worm, my favorite holiday tradition is reading holidays books with my kids. Seeing their faces light up as we read about Rudolph, Frosty, and, of course, Santa is one of my favorite sites. But those tales can get old after a while, and I'm not ready to share A Christmas Carol yet — Dickens’ ghosts are pretty scary. That's why I recommend finding children's holiday books that adults will enjoy, too. After all, you’ll probably have to read the same one a few times times before the season is over. It might as well keep you entertained, too.
And don't worry, because there are plenty of options. Whether you like stories that are sweet, sentimental, or silly, there are tons of choices. From classics that have been well-loved for decades to brand-new stories sure to make you smile, these holiday stories will hold your attention whether you’re reading it for the first time or the hundredth
So get your hot coco ready and cozy up with your kid and a good book or two. After all, reading these stories together might make up some of your kid’s favorite holiday memories one day. Find your family’s newest tradition among these excellent holiday books.
1'How To Catch Santa'
How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish is a new book that provides tips on capturing Santa on Christmas Eve. The story invites children to imagine questions they might ask Santa in person, or methods they might use to keep him captive, giving them the opportunity to use their imagination.
2'The Little Blue Digger And The Christmas Tree'
Is your kiddo in love with construction site vehicles? If so, The Little Blue Digger and the Christmas Tree by Harriet Tuppen and Branislav Gapic is sure to be a holiday hit. These cute vehicles attempt to decorate a Christmas tree -- with some predictable difficulties.
3'How The Grinch Stole Christmas!'
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a classic for a reason. You and your children can enjoy the antics of Cindy-Lou Who and friends, while trying to master your way through Seuss' crazy lingo. And doesn't the Grinch have one of the best character arcs in all holiday literature?
4'Olive, The Other Reindeer'
Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh and J.otto Seibold is the super cute story of a puppy who assumes she is a lost member of Santa's reindeer team. After venturing to the North Pole, her real adventures begin. Although she may not look like the other reindeer, Olive proves to be a great helper to Santa.
5'The Littlest Elf'
The Littlest Elf by Brandi Dougherty and Kirsten Richards is a sweet holiday story about a tiny elf who wishes he could do more to help out around Santa's workshop. This would be an excellent story to share with your own little helpers.
6'Bear Stays Up For Christmas'
Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman's Bear Stays Up For Christmas is the cute tale of a bear who foregoes hibernation to experience his first Christmas. Reading about Bear and his woodland friends may be the perfect story to get your kid to sleep during the holidays.
7'Fa La La'
Fa La La by Leslie Patricelli is a great way to introduce young children to holiday traditions. The tree, presents, and even a gingerbread house are all there to enjoy from the perspective of a joyful baby.
8'Hanukkah Bear'
Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel and Mike Wohnoutka helps kids learn about menorahs, dreidels, and latkes with Bubba Brayna and her friendly bear. It's a funny, lighthearted holiday read that teaches as it entertains.
9'The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey'
You may want to keep a box of tissues on hand when reading The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and P.J. Lynch. A gruff woodcarver slowly learns to accept the kindness of a widow and her son, and eventually embraces the holiday spirit.
10'The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever'
The Biggest Christmas Tree Ever by Steven Kroll and Jeni Bassett is a great choice for kids who like to think big. A country mouse and a town mouse have to work together to manage the biggest Christmas tree their community has ever seen.
11'The Night Before Christmas'
Charles Santore's illustrations bring Clement C. Moore's classic poem to life. The Night Before Christmas has charmed readers for generations, and you and your family can carry on the tradition of reading this tale every Christmas Eve.
Images: gpointstudio/Fotolia
