Children's Books for December
Looking for some excellent literature to liven up the holidays in your home, homeschool or classroom? Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of my favorite December Saints, Advent, and Christmas children's books.
Great ideas for St. Nicholas gifts! Or for those cute Advent calendars that are made up of a wrapped book for each day of Advent! Or just to add to your collection.
St. Nicholas
The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
GoodReads Description: It was the day before Christmas in a small Russian village. Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl--before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed icon of St. Nicholas." Alexi had many questions, including, "Why can't we celebrate Christmas tomorrow in St. Nicholas?" Babushka sadly replied that it would take a miracle after sixty years. Well, Alexi had heard enough. If there truly was such a thing as a miracle, why couldn't it happen here? And so unfolds a story that poignantly reveals how, though quiet and hidden, faith and hope cannot be suppressed--by soldiers or by time.
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The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale by Aaron Shepard
GoodReads Description: Why not give more?
Van Amsterdam the baker was well known for his honesty as well as for his fine Saint Nicholas cookies. He always gave his customers exactly what they paid for -- not more and not less. So, he was not about to give in when a mysterious old woman comes to him on Saint Nicholas Day and insists that a dozen is thirteen!
The woman's curse puts an end to the baker's business, and he believes it would take Saint Nicholas to help him. But if he receives that help, will it be exactly what he imagined?
Find out in this inspiring legend from Dutch colonial New York about the birth of an honored American custom.
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The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving by Dandi Daley Mackall
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Advent
All about Advent & Christmas: Sharing the Seasons of Hope & Wonder with Children by Katherine Bogner
GoodReads Description: All about Advent & Sharing the Seasons of Hope & Wonder with Children is a resource unlike any other. Explore the rich traditions surrounding Christ's birth as you journey through Scripture to understand the story of salvation and discover the meaning behind many of our celebrations during Advent and Christmas. Highlighting treasured customs from throughout Church history, All about Advent & Christmas features the stories of saints we celebrate throughout December and explains numerous other aspects of Catholic liturgy and teaching. With detailed illustrations to make the liturgical seasons come alive, All about Advent & Christmas will guide readers of all ages closer to the Savior whose birth we look to with joy.
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The Tree of Jesse by Kortnee Senn
Days included in The Tree of Jesse Book: Creation, Adam and Eve, Fall of Man, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, Jesse, David, Solomon, Joseph, Mary, John the Baptist, Jesus is Wisdom/O Sapientia, Jesus is Lord/O Adonai, Jesus is Flower of Jesse/O Radix Jesse, Jesus is Key of David/O Clavis David, Jesus is the Radiant Dawn,/O Oriens, Jesus is King of the Gentiles/O Rex Gentium, Jesus is Emmanuel/O Emmanuel, and Jesus is Light of the World.
This book includes the O Antiphons as the last eight days.
What is the Jesse Tree?
The Jesse Tree is the tradition of using a set of ornaments symbolizing the coming of Jesus; a way to help prepare our homes and our hearts for Christ on Christmas day.
The Jesse Tree gets its name from the prophecy of Isaiah 11:1, "And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root." The Tree of Jesse follows the genealogy of Jesus in such a way as to show that Jesus springs from the root of Jesse.
The Jesse Tree starts on December 1st and goes through Christmas Eve.
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Waiting for Christmas: A Story About the Advent Calendar by Kathleen Long Bostrom
Little children throughout the world wait impatiently for Christmas to arrive. As parents know, it can seem as if the days just crawl by. Now your family can learn and put to use Advent traditions from the country of Germany during the Christmas season. No doubt mothers have long been inventing ways to keep young children occupied during the Advent season---like Gerhard Lang's mother, who in the mid-1800s helped her young son count the days on a calendar of cookies. In 1908, the grownup Gerhard, a printer, created the first commercial Advent calendar, twenty-four tiny pictures in the form of a calendar, from his fond memories. Waiting for Christmas tells the story of the young Gerhard---a story children everywhere will recognize as their own---and teaches us that we must wait patiently as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
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An Advent Hope: A Children's Book About Family Advent Traditions by Madeline Carroll
Prepare for the coming of Christmas by walking through the Advent season with a Catholic family!
Joan, Joe, Emmanuel, and Gianna are surprised when their parents suddenly begin bringing things into their home at the beginning of December. Evergreen branches, candles, and new foods keep appearing throughout the house. They are quickly told that this is part of "Advent" and that the family is preparing for the Christmas season.
The four children have a lot of questions about Advent. Join the kids as their family celebrates Advent as a time of prayerful waiting and expectation, full of fun traditions and treats!
Excerpts from the Scripture readings for Advent and Christmas are keyed to the main text throughout the book, helping little ones make connections between the story and what they hear at Mass throughout the Advent and beginning of the Christmas seasons.
When you’re done reading, you can bless your Advent wreath using the blessing at the back of the book.
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Christmas
The Christmas Story (Little Golden Books) by Jane Werner
First published in 1952, this Little Golden Book adaption of the Christmas story was illustrated by beloved artist Eloise Wilkin. This classic picture book retelling of the Christmas story is a perfect gift for the holidays.
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Tomie dePaola's glorious paintings are as luminous as the farolitos that light up on the Plaza in Santa Fe for the procession of Las Posadas , the tradition in which Mary and Joseph go from door to door seeking shelter at the inn on Christmas Eve.This year Sister Angie, who is always in charge of the clebration, has to stay home with the flu, and Lupe and Roberto, who are to play Mary and Joseph, get caught in a snowstorm. But a man and a woman no one knows arrive in time to take their place in the procession and then mysteriously disappear at the end before they can be thanked.That night we witness a Christian miracle, for when Sister Angie goes to the cathedral and kneels before the statue of Mary and Jospeh, wet footprints from the snow lead up to the statue.
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The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie DePaola
In Mexico, the poinsettia is called "flor de la Nochebuenao," flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the exquisite red stars lighting the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl's unselfish gift to the Christ Child.
Beloved Newbery honor–winning author and Caldecott honor–winning illustrator Tomie dePaola has embraced the legend using his own special feeling for Christmas. His glorious paintings capture not only the brilliant colors of Mexico and its art but the excitement of the children preparing for Christmas and the hope of Lucida, who comes to see what makes a gift truly beautiful.
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This is a delightful reading of the favorite Italian Christmas story about an eccentric old woman and her never-ending search for the Baby King.
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Santa's Favorite Story: Santa Tells the Story of the First Christmas by Hisako Aoki
Discover the true meaning of the holidays as Santa Claus retells the story of the first Christmas in this sweet picture book from Hisako Aoki and Ivan Gantschev.
When Santa Claus tells the forest animals that he is not looking forward to delivering all those heavy packages, they are worried that there won’t be a Christmas anymore. To help everyone understand that Christmas would still come even if he didn’t, Santa tells the story of the first Christmas, and they all learn a good lesson about the meaning of this special holiday.
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Because Joshua the Lamb was different, he often felt left out-like on the wintry night when he was left behind in a Bethlehem stable. This touching tale helps kids see that even if they're different, God has a unique plan for their lives.
Jacob's Gift by Max Lucado
Jacob is a young boy with a gift for carpentry who is busy finishing up a project for a contest. His teacher, Rabbi Simeon, not only instructs him in carpentry, but also teaches him important lessons about God. Rabbi has just taught Jacob that when you give a gift to one of God's children, it's like giving a gift to God. The night before the contest while working on his project, Jacob has fallen asleep in the workshop and is awakened by a bright light. The light is a star which is directly over Jacob's father's stable. As he approaches the stable, he sees a man, a woman, and a newborn baby which is laying in the straw. Remembering what Rabbi Simeon had told him, Jacob returns to the workshop and takes his project (a feeding trough) to the new family. The morning of the contest, the Rabbi pleased to find out that Jacob has acted upon the lesson he learned and has truly given a gift to God.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
The Grinch, a bitter, cave-dwelling creature with a heart "two sizes too small", lives on snowy Mount Crumpit, a steep, 3,000-foot (910 m) high mountain just north of Whoville, home of the merry and warm-hearted Whos. His only companion is his faithful dog, Max. From his perch high atop Mount Crumpit, the Grinch can hear the noisy Christmas festivities that take place in Whoville. Annoyed and unable to understand the Whos' happiness, he makes plans to descend on the town and deprive them of their Christmas presents, Roast Beast, Who-hash and decorations and thus "prevent Christmas from coming." However, he learns in the end that despite his success in taking away all the Christmas presents and decorations from the Whos, Christmas comes just the same. He then realizes that Christmas is more than just gifts and presents. Touched by this, his heart grows three sizes larger; he returns all the presents and trimmings and is warmly welcomed into the community of the Whos.
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The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story by Kallie George & Stephanie Graegin
This Christmas-themed picture book about four animals delivering a lost package for Santa already feels like a classic, and makes the perfect gift this holiday season!
It’s Christmas Eve, and Bird, Rabbit, Deer, and Squirrel are eagerly waiting for Santa to fly overhead. When he does, a gift tumbles out of his sleigh, landing in the woods. The friends find the gift and read the “For the new baby at the farm. Love, Santa.” And so, in spite of Squirrel’s grumbling—“It’s not our baby”—they set off on a long journey to deliver it. Sweet, poignant, and starring a cast of truly adorable characters, this is a story sure to be shared year after year at Christmastime.
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The Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osborne
This gorgeous holiday book—part of the Legends series from Zonderkidz—explores the true story behind the tradition of hanging and filling Christmas stockings. Kids will learn about what it means to give to others, and how they can share God’s love during the Christmas season. Inside, you and your children can Peter has saved up for a special boat at the toy shop. But when it looks like his dad won’t be home in time for Christmas with the money his family needs for gifts, he hears the story of how a man named Nicolas secretly gave all his gold to three poor girls. Peter then has to decide what to do with money he’s saved.
The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg
One dark November night a stranger rides into a small prairie town. Who is he? Why has he come? The townspeople wish he were a doctor, a dressmaker, or a trader. But the children have the greatest wish of all, a deep, quiet, secret wish. Then a young girl named Lucy befriends the newcomer. When he reveals his identity and shares with her the legend of the candy cane, she discovers fulfillment of her wishes and the answer to her town's dreams. Now will she share what she has learned? Warm, lavish illustrations by James Bernardin bring to life a timeless tale by Lori Walburg, a story that will help families celebrate the mystery and miracle of Christmas―for many Christmases to come.
The Legend of the Christmas Tree by Rick Osborne
On a visit to a tree lot, the Johnson family sees three beautifully decorated trees standing in the center of the lot. A mysterious silver gift-wrapped box is under one of the trees. The old lot owner notices their intrigue and what he tells them, not only marks the beginning of a new family tradition, but also brings meaning and understanding into their Christmas celebration. In The Legend of the Christmas Tree, children ages 4 to 8 will discover the wonderful story of how the evergreen tree first became a symbol of Christmas and a way to tell people about God. The beautiful illustrations by Bill Dodge add a wonderful richness to the story and help bring meaning to one of our best-loved traditions---decorating the Christmas tree.
The Legend of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley Mackall
The Legend of the Christmas Cookie tells the story of a young boy named Jack who learns from his generous mother the story behind the Christmas cookie. The family who began the tradition of baking the special cookies gave them to the needy and shared the story of the very first Christmas. This sweet holiday book offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves and encourages them to share the true tale of Jesus’ birth. A delicious recipe is included on the jacket flap so readers can make their own Christmas sugar cookies.
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Booksellers, reviewers, and readers immediately embraced The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey as a moving tale of the spirit and generosity all people hold in their hearts, especially during the holidays. And now this stunning gift set invites friends and family to gather and enjoy the magic of holiday storytelling at its finest.
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The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see.”
Late one Christmas Eve after the town has gone to sleep, the boy boards the mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives, Santa offers the boy any gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the harness of the reindeer. The gift is granted. On the way home the bell is lost. On Christmas morning, the boy finds the bell under the tree. The mother of the boy admires the bell, but laments that it is broken—for you see, only believers can hear the sound of the bell.
In strange and moving shades of full color art, Chris Van Allsburg creates an otherwordly classic of the Christmas season. 'The Polar Express' evokes the same sense of mystery as his previous imaginative books 'The Garden of Abdul Gasazi' (1979), 'Jumanji' (1981), and 'The Wreck of the Zephyr' (1983).
Awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1986, 'The Polar Express 'has sold more than 7 million copies, become a classic holiday movie, and been translated into stage productions that take place across the United States during the holiday season
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Twas the Night Before Christmas
This poem first appeared in a newspaper in Troy, New York, USA, on December 23, 1823, as "A Visit From St. Nicholas". No one claimed authorship until 13 years later. Clement Clarke Moore, a professor and poet, said that he wrote the piece for his children. Unbeknownst to him, his housekeeper had sent it to the newspaper to be published. However, the family of Henry Livingston Jr. contended that their father had been reciting “A Visit from St. Nicholas” for 15 years prior to publication. Regardless of the true author, the poem is now a Christmas classic.
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Radiating the wondrous spirit of the season, The Spider Who Saved Christmas rekindles an ancient legend, casting new light on the story we thought we knew.
The Spider Who Saved Christmas spins the enchanting faith-filled tale of Nephila, a cave-dwelling spider who plays a pivotal role central to the Christmas story. This instant classic reveals the origin of Christmas tinsel and reminds us that hope can always be found even in dark places where we least expect it.
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The Mass and the Manger by Jennifer Sharpe
“Twinkling lights, manger scene―midnight Mass, what could it mean? Christmas Eve is here! Jesus comes to us still now. Lift each page and you’ll see how.”
More than gifts and holiday traditions, Christmas celebrates the miraculous birth of our Savior. While this truth is clear to parents and grandparents, communicating the spiritual significance of this holiday to children can be a challenge. Now, children can rejoice in Christ’s birth at midnight Mass and every Mass . From the author of the bestselling My First Interactive Mass Book , Jennifer Sharpe, comes a creative Christmas story designed to guide children ages 6–10 in discovering the profound meaning of Christmas and how this connects to the wonders of the Mass. Featuring child-friendly rhyming text, vibrant illustrations, and full-page, open-out flaps, The Mass and the My Interactive Christmas Story helps parents make Christmas spiritually meaningful for children. Journey to Bethlehem while following the story with two young Catholics’ nativity experience to uncover the meaning of Christmas in the Mass. With each turn of the page, the right-hand side unveils a scene from the Christmas story, while the open-out flap presents a scene from the Mass, drawing children into the wonders of the first Christmas and the miracle of the Eucharist. This 24-page hardcover story promises to become a cherished addition to your family’s holiday traditions and will lead young hearts toward a deeper understanding of both the Incarnation and the Mass, during the Christmas season and throughout the year.
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Young shepherd Ben is annoyed by the crowds of people flocking to Bethlehem. Little does he know that his small act of kindness in a big crowd will prepare his heart for a life-changing event. What will Ben see on this day before Christmas? And who will he meet at the end of it? This heartwarming, read-aloud Nativity story brings first-century Bethlehem to life through rhythm and rhyme inspired by the classic Christmas poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” by Clement Clarke Moore. Ponder the miracle of Christmas through the eyes of young Ben, whose small act of compassion leads to an unforgettable encounter with the Son of God. Dramatic illustrations by Erin Nielsen recreate the original wonder of that first Christmas night for a story your family will cherish year after year.
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The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla
What happens when Saint Nick awakes on Christmas Eve with a sore throat and itchy nose? Find out in a Christmas story families and little ones will The Night the Saints Saved Christmas. With beautiful illustrations and a memorable rhyme, this children's book tells the story of a magical Christmas Eve when the saints unite to deliver the presents and concludes with a touching reminder about the true meaning of Christmas. Children will enter more fully into the reason for the season and learn why we give gifts at Christmas, while growing deeper in their love and appreciation for the saints who watch over us and help us.
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In World War II Poland, a young girl receives straw at the Christmas Eve service to bring to her impoverished family. But on her way home, Marta meets others who are much poorer than she, and she shares her piece until there is nothing left. In spite of the lack of straw--though perhaps because of her generous heart---Marta finds riches she never expected in this tender tale of Christmas giving. The Traditions of Faith series features stories of how significant Christian traditions emerged from around the world. These traditions continue to be practiced today and encompass many different holidays. Each Traditions of Faith book includes an author's note about the history of the tradition, and ideas and activities to adopt into one's own family celebrations.
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The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
O. Henry's classic tale of the wisest gifts of Christmas is itself a gift to share and treasure.
In a shabby New York flat, Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. One dollar and eighty-seven cents is all the money she has in the world. A gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: selling her long, beautiful hair. Set in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, this classic piece of American literature tells the story of a young couple and the value of love.
Jim, meanwhile, has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult. As they exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, the discovery of what each has done fills them with despair, until they realize that the true gifts of Christmas can be found more readily in their humble apartment than in any fine store. Set in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, this classic piece of American literature tells the story of a young couple and the value of love.
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This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.
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Other December Saints
The Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie DePaola
Recounts the appearance for Our Lady of Guadalupe to a poor Indian farmer in Mexico in 1531.
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Every December, Grandma Lupita tells Rose the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As they make paper flowers to put around her statue, Grandma Long ago, on a cold December morning near what is now Mexico City, a man named Juan Diego put on his cloak and started down the road to church. On his way, Juan Diego sees a beautiful Lady at the top of a hill. She tells Juan Diego to go to the Bishop and ask him to build a special church for her. But the Bishop doesn't believe that Juan Diego has seen the Lady; he asks for a sign. Again the Lady sends Juan Diego, and again the Bishop asks for a sign. Until finally, she provides her shining image on Juan Diego's cloak for everyone to see.
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Mary, The Mother of Jesus by Tomie DePaola
A retelling of the story of Mary is divided into fifteen lavishly illustrated sections that cover her childhood, betrothal to Joseph, visitation by the angel Gabriel, birth of Jesus, and witness to her son's ministry.
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Lucia, Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde
Long revered in both East and West, St. Lucia is an early virgin martyr whose life and legacy shine as a light of faith, hope, and compassion in the darkness of winter and sin. Lucia, Saint of Light introduces young readers to both her life and her delightful Christmas-related festival as it is traditionally celebrated in Sweden and around the world. Daria Fisher's warm and vivid illustrations will make this book a favorite with children and parents alike. Brighten your home this winter with the festival of Lucia, Saint of Light!
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Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker
"Lucia Morning in Sweden" is a new children's book that tells the old story of Sankta Lucia through the eyes of three children in modern-day Sweden.
The book follows the adventures of Sofie, Louise, and Carl as they prepare for Lucia Day, December 13th. On that day, many Swedish people celebrate the legacy of Lucia and the coming of the light with coffee, saffron buns, ginger snaps, and wonderful singing.
One of the most beloved and celebrated traditions of the Swedish people, Lucia Day also signifies that the Christmas holiday is getting close.
In addition to the story of the Svensson children, it includes the Lucia song, recipes for ginger snaps and saffron buns, a summary of the Lucia legend, and two patterns for the Lucia gowns. Although the book is aimed at the 5- to 10-year-old age group, many parents and grandparents may enjoy reading it to younger children.
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