Cold weather, warm indoor festivities, time together—winter and picture books may just be a match made in holiday heaven. Snuggle up with these picks to get into the spirit of the season.
Snow Globe Wishes
By Erin Dealey and Claire Shorrock
As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together under a cozy blanket fort and a little girl makes a wish on a snow globe. In the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland—beckoning all outside.
What if, on this snow-filled day, families could take a break from their busy lives and go out to play? Check out this lyrical holiday story about wishes, community and snow—lots and lots of snow.
Red & Lulu
By Matt Tavares
Cardinals Red and Lulu make their nest in a beautiful evergreen tree. It shades them in the hot months and keeps them cozy in the cold months, and once a year the people who live nearby string lights on their tree and sing O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree.
But one day, something unthinkable happens: Red and Lulu are separated. It will take a miracle for them to find each other again. Luckily, it’s just the season for miracles.
From Matt Tavares comes a heart-tugging story combining the cheer of Christmas, the magic of New York City and the real meaning of the holiday season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.
Separation and miles cannot keep a determined cardinal from his loved one in this ode to serendipity and belief.
Latke, the Lucky Dog
By Ellen Fischer and Tiphanie Beeke
Rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah, fuzzy Latke the puppy joins his new family just in time for the celebrations.
Although he has trouble learning the house rules and gets into all sorts of hi-jinks, he is one lucky dog! Told from the pup’s point of view, this sweet Hanukkah story is a fun, heart-warming way to celebrate Hanukkah.
The Gingerbread Pirates
By Kristin Kladstrup and Matt Tavares
This funny and magical Christmas story is about a gingerbread pirate, Captain Cookie, and his daring adventure on Christmas Eve to rescue his crew from a mysterious character named Santa Claus …
What if a brave Captain Cookie stood up to Santa? Treat your kids to this fresh, funny story that sparkles with all the excitement of a pirate adventure—and all the magic of Christmas morning.
Tough Cookie : A Christmas Story
By Edward Hemingway
Once upon a time, while Fox was visiting the land of Holiday Treats, the Sugar Cookie Man—still warm from the bakery oven—burst out the front door looking sweet and ready to be devoured.
Fox chased him, and when he finally caught him, they discovered a big surprise: Cookie does not taste delicious—and he’s certainly not fit to be eaten. What’s an unsavory cookie to do? Is there another option for this not-so-sweet treat?
This inventive story celebrates the joy of being accepted for who we are.
Hanukkah Bear
By Eric A. Kimmel and Mike Wohnoutka
Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation. He lumbers into town to investigate, and Bubba Brayna—who does not see or hear very well—mistakes him for her rabbi. She welcomes the bear inside to play the dreidel game, light the menorah, and enjoy a scrumptious meal.
After the bear leaves, the rabbi, and all of Brayna’s other friends, arrive for dinner. But there are no latkes left—and together, they finally figure out who really ate them.
Complete with a traditional recipe for latkes and interesting, digestible facts about the history and traditions of Hanukkah, this humorous reworking of Eric A. Kimmel’s earlier classic tale, The Chanukkah Guest, is perfect for holiday story time.
Snowmen At Christmas
By Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
From the creators of the New York Times bestseller Snowmen at Night comes Snowmen at Christmas!
This snappy and entertaining book depicts all the best parts of the holiday, including icy treats and a snowman Kris Kringle. Told in the same bouncy verse as the original, Snowmen at Christmas is perfect for a snowy evening read-aloud. Be sure to look out for special images hidden in the illustrations every time you turn the page!
That wraps up our list! Happy holidays!
Ready to dive into picture books with your kid? Check out our posts, “Picture Books for 4th graders,” “20 Own-Voices Picture Books” and “Best Read-Alouds for Kids!” You can also learn more about the value of picture books for kids (and grownups!) here.
