I don’t collect many things, but I am unashamed of my love for collecting Christmas stories. I love Christmas time. The twinkle of lights and the triumphant words of Christmas hymns are a fitting light in the middle of the darkest time of the year. And Christmas stories are often filled with stories of trust, unexpected kindness, and hope–things that wintertime and this world are in desperate need of these days.
All year, I Â scour the shelves of the local used bookstore in hopes of finding a new title or two to add to my collection. My dream is to one day own all of Joe L. Wheeler’s Christmas Collections, but I’ll probably have to get a few more bookshelves before I can do that.
The last few years, it’s no surprise that I’ve been focusing on my children’s Christmas book collection. Finally, I have a valid reason to leave the bookstore with my arms filled with board books, and Charlotte (who says she thinks it might be Christmas next week. We’re still working on understanding time. ;) ) is eagerly watching the pile on the top of the bookshelf grow and looking forward to reading “Aaalll those books!”.
I’ve been delighted over some of the books that I have found and been given over the last year or so, and since I know I’m not the only one who is always on the lookout for another good book or two to add to the collection, I thought I’d make a list of some of our favorites for you.
This post contains affiliate links. Your clicks and purchases help to support this site and my family at no extra cost to you. Thank you. <3Â
Itsy Bitsy Christmas by Max Lucado
Itsy Bitsy Christmas is the story of two ordinary, tiny mice who hear the rumor from a small donkey that a King is coming to visit Bethlehem. They search the entire city from top to bottom, wanting to see the King. Finally, discouraged and feeling insignificant because others tell them that kings don’t care about plain, ordinary mice, they come home to the stable. Max Lucado uses his skills to weave into the story a lesson that God sent His son for even the least of us.
With adorable illustrations, and a sweet, engaging storyline, this little book won a place in our hearts right away. I loved how Max used something common to illustrate that no one is too small, too poor, or too insignificant for the love of our King. It’s a truth that I don’t want our kids to ever lose sight of in a world where doubt is high.
The Legend of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley MacKall
A little boy and his mom struggle through hard times, and he learns that it is better to give than to receive, especially at Christmas time. This book teaches about the importance of trusting God to provide, and about having a giving heart. I love Dandi Daley Mackall’s books, and this did not disappoint. I also loved that it talked about Christmas Traditions, something that is dear to my heart. I reviewed this book last Christmas, and we enjoyed the story and making our own Christmas Cookies!
Silent Night by Lori C. Froeb  (press and play)
This little book starts out with children setting up a nativity, and tells a simple version of the Christmas story with each piece of the set. It is very simple and sweet, and easy for children of all ages to understand. The cut out shapes and the adorable little animals are always a hit in this house. The major bonus in kids’ eyes is the fact that you can press a button and the book plays the music to the beloved hymn, Silent Night while you read.
The First Noel illustrated by Jody Wheeler
If you are like me and love the beautiful, inspiring words of the classic Christmas hymns, you need to add this book to your collection. It is a gorgeously illustrated book that contains just the lyrics to the beloved hymn, “The First Noel”. It makes for a great bedtime book, or one for little ones to look at during family worship so they can turn the pages while we sing.
Christmas! the whole story of the God who loves by Natasha Metzler
This is one of my absolute favorite books about the Christmas Story because it starts at the very beginning. It is the simple telling of the story of redemption starting with creation.  Natasha has a way of writing big truths in a way that is so simple and yet so profound. I am touched every time I read this book. Each page tells a beautiful, simple truth. From the very beginning, what God wanted most of all was to be our very closest Friend. And that is what He still wants! Of course, we can’t forget the little bug that is hidden on each page for little ones to find. This book has 25 stories in it. So it makes an excellent Advent countdown book, too.
Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck
This little book is probably one of Charlotte’s favorites. It identifies each important part of the Nativity scene (The donkey, the shepherds, the angels, the Wisemen, Mary and Joseph) and builds up to identifying baby Jesus as the baby who is the Savior. The simple illustrations and the lyrical way the text is written make it easy for little ones to understand and enjoy.
Silent Night by David Mead
This book is based on the hymn “Silent Night”. Each page talks about some of the first visitors who came to welcome baby Jesus in the manger, and about bringing gifts to Jesus. The last page opens to the full nativity scene, and if you press the yellow star, it will play Silent Night. It’s a favorite here because buttons to press are THE thing when you are three. David Mead also has books based on other Christmas Hymns: Joy to the World, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, and The Little Drummer Boy.
Follow the Star Pushalong Book by Moira Maclean
I picked this book up at the bookstore the other day for 3o cents, and I am positive that it will be a big hit when the Christmas Book Stack is finally brought down in another month. I love the simple, sweet illustrations in this book. Push the wisemen along each page to follow the star from their home in the east to Jerusalem and beyond in search of the newborn king, to finally end at the house in Bethlehem where they give their gifts to Jesus and worship him as the Messiah.
The Christmas Story According to Luke
This beautiful little book is the Christmas story as it is told best, Â straight from the bible. Paired with gorgeous, realistic illustrations it is a great choice for family worship time!
I Spy Christmas Book
This isn’t a story, but it is a great seasonal busy book to keep young children entertained on long winter days. I have both books– the more complicated version for older children, as well as the board book version for toddlers. It’s a great way to teach observation skills and matching skills for young ones with a festive theme.
Knock Knock! Who’s there at Christmas? by Vickie Howie
We are big fans of interactive books around here, so this lift-the-flap version of the people and animals associated with the Christmas story is well loved. I always appreciate less cartoony characters, and I thought this one was well done.
Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell
In this story, the kind old ox makes room in his stable for animals who are alone or out in the cold. When Mary and Joseph come into town and need a place to stay, the kind ox is more than happy to make room for a little one in his stable and he and the other animals in the stable are the first to welcome Jesus to this world. This book has such sweet illustrations, and we loved the story about being kind and making room for strangers!
The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Higgs
This little book tells the story of a family who has a christmas tree farm. They carefully tend to the tiny seedlings all year long. The farmer’s wife wants to keep the most beautiful tree for her family, but a little child teaches them both about the true meaning of Christmas through that beautiful pine tree.
Biscuits Christmas Collection
Charlotte absolutely adores biscuit books. I’ve slowly been collecting all the board books in the series, and this story collection is one of her favorites at Christmas time. Biscuit learns about sharing, and about how being with your family at Christmas is the best.
Do you or your kids have a favorite Christmas book?
Comment and tell me! I’m always looking for a few more to add to our collection and love hearing about what everyone else enjoys!
