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Five Favorite Classic Christmas Picture Books

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 It is that time of year when I pull out all of my Christmas books to read to young kiddos. I thought I would share five of my favorite Christmas books that still get me into the Christmas spirit. Enjoy! 

By Greg Pizzoli 
Los Angeles ; New York : Disney - Hyperion, 2017.

If there was ever a Christmas song that would get stuck in my head, it would be this one. And this brightly illustrated version is begging to be read and loved. It is the perfect way to sing a storybook and get into the holiday spirit—or at least to remind everyone, with one of the longest Christmas songs, that it is time to celebrate! 

By Robert E. Barry
New York : Random House Children's Books, 2000.

This may be one of my all-time favorite Christmas stories. I love how it is all about how you can make something special with just a little leftover Christmas cheer—or in this case a leftover Christmas tree top. I love how a little sprig of greenery can make the various homes a bit cheerier for the holiday. 

Written by Clement Clarke Moore
Illustrated by Loren Long
New York : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2020.

I know I said that Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree was my all-time favorite, but it could also be any good version of The Night Before Christmas—and this version illustrated by Loren Long is particularly well done. It isn’t Christmas in my home until I read this story on Christmas Eve. It is the epitome of a classic Christmas picture book! 

By Patricia Polacco 
New York : Philomel Books, 2004.

When I want a feel-good Christmas story, this is the one I turn to. In the story, Frankie and his siblings get the special gift of an orange for Christmas. But then Frankie makes a choice that costs him his Christmas orange—which leads to another choice where everyone puts together pieces of their oranges to make a new orange for Frankie. If you want a longer, feel-good Christmas story read, this is the one for you. 

Written by Julia Donaldson 
Illustrated by  Axel Scheffler
New York : Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., 2009.

I know that this is an obscure Christmas picture book, but I love it. It is all about Stick Man and how he ends up far away from his family (he is used to playing fetch, building snowmen, and all sorts of things) and all he really wants is to be with his family again. Of course, Santa helps make his holiday wish come true. I love how in this book the true gift of Christmas is to be with family.
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