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Five Faves: New Christmas Picture Books

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It is that time of year where I like to snuggle up with a holiday book or two. Here are some of my favorite new Christmas picture books that you can check out from our library this holiday season. Happy reading! 

Written by Beth Ferry 
Illustrated by A. N. King 
New York: Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2023. Picture Book.

In this holiday story, Tiny Cactus loves being the center of attention in a girl’s life. However, suddenly there is a big tree that has lights and ornaments and gifts. The cactus soon feels that she is not as loved or as appreciated and she wants to figure out a way to get decorated like the Christmas tree. This is a fun story (with a fun little ending) that shows how wishes can come true and that everyone is important at Christmastime. 

By Matt Tavares 
Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2023. Picture Book.

If you all haven’t read Dasher (that came out in 2019), then you need to go and find that gorgeous book. This is the sequel. With only one more sleep until Christmas, Dasher can’t wait for her favorite holiday. With a yearning for adventure and seeing some Christmas sights, Dasher goes off to see some Christmas festivities --only the snow starts to fall and Dasher can’t find her way back to the North Pole. This is a fun story that shows that even a reindeer can’t wait for all the happiness that Christmas can bring. 

By Amanda Jane Jones 
Petaluma, California: Cameron Kids, 2023. Picture Book.

This is an interactive holiday story. Kids will need to clap, twinkle, tap, and more to get the Christmas tree ready in time for the big day. With simple pictures and directions, this book can get even the youngest readers clapping along to help get ready for Christmas. 

Written by Mac Barnett 
Illustrated by Jon Klassen 
Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2023. Picture Book.

Have you ever thought about how Santa goes down a chimney? Have you thought about what would happen if a home doesn’t have a chimney? In this clever book readers will muse over all the various possibilities of how Santa can actually do what he does on Christmas Eve. With humor and pondering, this is a book that will make young believers think through the possibilities of what their jolly old friend can do. 

Written by Jenn Bailey 
Illustrated by Bea Jackson 
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2023. 

In this remake of the classic Christmas carol, readers will go through the 12 hours of Christmas --from finding a kitten from Santa (1) to twelve goodbyes from all the family. The tune will be floating through a reader’s head for a long while, but the small tweaks (especially what the two dinosaurs are up to each hour) will keep readers on their toes. This is a great book to show kids that family and time just might be the most important part of the holiday.
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