Five New Christmas Picture Books of 2016

Tis the season to snuggle up in a warm house with hot apple cider or hot chocolate while reading books. And here are five new Christmas books to read to little ones to get them excited for one of the biggest holidays of the year.

The Christmas Boot by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

This is a fun new addition for the holidays. In this story a woman named Hannah finds a boot in the snow. She works hard out in the weather and her feet are cold…so she puts the boot on. It turns out that this boot has magic. Hannah discovers that when she wishes for things those wishes come true. Of course a man with a red suit and a white beard (and who tends to be associated with descriptions like “jolly”) comes looking for his lost boot. Such a fun story that can get kids thinking about what would happen if they had found some of Santa’s magic themselves.

A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit

With the classic style of Mary Engelbreit this book tells the story of the nativity—as told by children acting it out at a school production. Youngsters who often hear the nativity or are part of a nativity drama themselves will enjoy seeing kids with fake beards and stuffed animals and dolls to tell this tale. And with rich layers of details on the clothing and background, children will be entranced by the illustrations as well as the story they depict.

Stowaway in a Sleigh by C. Roger Mader

This is one of my favorite new holiday books this year. Basically on Christmas Eve a cat named Slipper hears something moving around the house. Slipper names the newcomer Mr. Furry Boots (for the white fur on top of the black boots). While watching Mr. Furry Boots Slipper’s curiosity got the better of her and she crept into a big red sack that was on the floor. Of course little ones will know just what will happen as Mr. Furry Boots heads back up the chimney. The question is, what will Slipper think about her journey.

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Anna Dewdney

The text of this book was originally copyright in 1952. The illustrations, however, are all new (and done by the late Anna Dewdney of Llama Llama fame). The animals who live in a barn are surprised when a couple come to spend the night with them since “there was no room in the inn.” And of course, in this nativity story the animals meet a newborn babe that others (shepherds and wise men) also wish to visit. This is a sweet rendition of the nativity from the perspective of those who live in a barn.

The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story by Kallie George and Stephanie Graegin

Four animals sit on a hill watching the night sky (and Santa for this particular night he is flying by to deliver gifts). Unfortunately one of the gifts on Santa’s sleigh falls from the sky. The deer, rabbit, squirrel, and bird go to the gift and discover that it is for the new baby that lives somewhat close. The animals decide that they should help Santa by delivering the gift themselves (though it is quite the feet for these four animals to do). This book is one that will help little ones remember that the feeling you get when giving and being generous is truly what the holiday is all about.