Books are one of my favorite gifts to give. And I love finding new books to read and gift to others.
This year, I’m excited to share 17 books with you! They are books about friendship, kindness, love and family. They are fun, funny and beautiful. Click on the title of each book to check it out. Wrap each book and let your little ones unwrap one each day as they countdown to the holidays.
The Youngest Disciple by Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer
You are never too young to be a disciple. Join John, the youngest disciple, as he responds to Jesus’ call and follows in His footsteps.
From the shores along the Sea of Galilee to the empty tomb in Jerusalem, The Youngest Disciple takes children of all ages on a journey to discover how they are called to be disciples too.
“Go make disciples of your own,
in places near and far.
The world will know what I am like
because of who you are.”
Rosie Finds Her Shine by Megan Rogers.
Rosie is a sweet little reindeer who just happens to be the kid sister to “the most famous reindeer of all.” Although Rosie is expected to follow in her brother’s footsteps and guide Santa’s sleigh, she longs for a life on the stage.
Finally, with her parent’s support, she musters up the courage to follow her dream and attend the North Pole Prancette audition. Rosie, like many younger siblings, struggles with self-doubt as she compares her talents and gifts to those before her. While she lacks the shine and luster of her older sibling, she discovers that she embodies a little shine of her own!
Rosie is an ambitious reindeer that is sure to dance her way into your child’s heart, and no doubt, she will find a special place in your family’s Christmas traditions this holiday season.
Bubble Head Ho Ho Ho by Misty Black
A mischievous elf? A snooping sister? A jingle-bell-nosed reindeer? Christmas has never been so comical!
Bathtime during the holidays is an extra fun adventure when you have a vivid imagination and a tub full of bubbles!Fred imagines amazing adventures during his nightly bubble baths. “MONDAY, I’m a MERRY ELF, a joyful, happy soul. I check my list to see which kids will get a lump of coal.” What will Fred be on TUESDAY?
Includes GET-READY-FOR-BED/HYGIENE CHARTS kids can mark off in the back of the book to promote restful sleep and reduce bedtime stress.
An Only Child’s Diary by Audrey Lavigne
In this second book in the series An Only Child’s Diary, Alyssa turns twelve and celebrates Christmas for the first time in her new home. Sadly, her mother is not feeling well, and she also learns that her best friend might be moving back to U.K. before the New Year starts. Find out how this brave girl handles it all in this unique book written in diary form.
Where Does Santa Go on Vacation? By Kim Ann
The elves have parked the sleigh, and now Santa and Mrs. Claus want a break. Will they pick a fun get away or just relax at home?
Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready for their own vacation. After a busy holiday season all around the world, Santa can’t wait to spend time with Mrs. Claus and have some fun. But with the whole planet at their fingertips, where will they go and what will they do? With golfing, picnics, concerts, and painting all on their list, they’re excited to try everything out for themselves. And since Santa can be hard to spot without his red suit and hat, who knows where they will choose!
Can you guess where Santa and Mrs. Claus might end up?
Christmas Begins With Christ by Gina Kirkland
This rhyming concept book introduces how Jesus is always in our lives. Beautiful illustrations show Christ’s supportive spiritual light around us. When we share God’s light through acts of love and joy, it creates a ripple effect. Children will learn their numbers by counting how happiness grows from the true spirit of Christmas.
Both children and adults are reminded through lyrical prose to pause and connect with Jesus. Christmas Begins With Christ is the perfect gift for the holiday season that’s sure to inspire families for years to come.
Carol’s Quest For Courage By JoAnn Sky
Who hasn’t felt anxious in front of a crowd or nervous in a new situation? Root for Santa’s singing dog, Carol, as she proves that courage grows inside each of us.
Santa’s singing dog is too afraid to sing in public! Carol leaves the North Pole in search of her voice but instead finds a girl in need of help. Can Carol overcome her own fears to help the girl? This touching and powerful story, written in verse with colorful and fun illustrations, incorporates themes of finding one’s voice, trying new things, showing kindness, and helping others. Kids (and adults) of all ages will empathize with Santa’s singing dog as she faces her performance anxiety and demonstrates that the courage to conquer our fears comes from within.
The Mouse in the Manger by Eric and Meredith Schrotenboer
Little Mouse feels small and insignificant, especially compared to all the other animals in the Bethlehem house where he lives. He wishes he had a special talent to share or an important purpose to fulfill.
Then one night, a couple named Mary and Joseph arrive looking for somewhere to stay after a long journey. The usual guest room is full, but the family members offer radical hospitality and make space for Joseph and Mary to be comfortable and warm.
That same night, Mary gives birth to a baby boy named Jesus. Little Mouse wants to do something special for the new baby, but feels like he has nothing to offer. Through the words and the illustrations, The Mouse and the Manger helps young readers learn about the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Bible.
Will Little Mouse think of a way to give Jesus a special gift?
Cody’s Crazy Christmas by Andrea Realpe
Cody and his puppy are in for a big holiday adventure!
On Christmas Eve, Cody’s plan to give his parents the most spectacular surprise turns into an unexpected journey. After hiding the present, he can’t find it anywhere. So with the help of his puppy, they go on a BIG holiday adventure in search of the missing gift.
Your kids will learn about the value of family and the true meaning of Christmas. They will also learn about friendship, teamwork, making good choices, and most importantly, encouraging children to ask for help.
Join Cody and his pup as they learn to navigate through misadventures trying to find his parent’s spectacular Christmas surprise in this loving comedic, and fun story.
Cami and Wyatt Share the Christmas Spirit by Stacy C. Bauer
Rediscover the true meaning of Christmas with this magical adventure full of friendship, love and joy.
Cami and Wyatt love Christmas. They love Santa, Christmas decorations and Christmas cookies. And they love Christmas PRESENTS! Christmas this year is looking to be the best one yet, but things change when new neighbors move in. Cami and Wyatt notice that they seem lonely and sad. Can Cami and Wyatt befriend their shy new neighbors and figure out how to share the true meaning of Christmas? Cami and Wyatt Share the Christmas Spirit is a heartwarming children’s book you’ll want to read again and again. Full of Christmas magic, this beautiful picture book will remind you that the true meaning of Christmas lies in our hearts.
Christmas is a Feeling by Carli Valentine
Rediscover the TRUE treasures of the season!
This magical Christmas picture book contains beautiful, descriptive, poetic language engaging people of all ages. It is a very heartwarming Holiday book to read as a family and will open conversations about the importance of faith, kindness, love, family and finding the TRUE beauty of CHRISTMAS! The picturesque artwork spread throughout will captivate both readers and listeners. Wonderful book to encourage children to spread kindness and love and make the season extra special. Contains a bonus page at the end with a list of ways children and families can be challenged to discover the true beauty of Christmas and discover what makes it so magical.
A Special Family Christmas by Kate Levett
Join Santa as he visits children from all types of families while you snuggle up and read the story to your own.
A heartwarming festive story showing children that no two families are the same.
Where do Elves go on Vacation? by Kim Ann
The jingle bells have stopped jangling, and now these elves want a break. Will they pick a beach or a snow-covered mountain?
Santa’s little helpers are ready for their own vacation. After a busy holiday season all around the world, the elves can’t wait to visit someplace fun. But with the whole planet at their fingertips, where will they go and what will they do?
Can you guess where the happy little helpers will end up?
Where Do Elves Go On Vacation is a fun escapade sure to delight any child. If you or your child like guessing games, rhyming adventures, and vividly illustrated scenes, then you’ll love Kim Ann’s hilarious after-Christmas caper.
A Sci-Fi Christmas by Anthony Hyslop
A fun cute story, that is sure to be a holiday favorite, this original story written in rhyme and wonderfully illustrated is about a boy on Christmas Eve night who spies Santa and a UFO!
24 Days ‘Til Christmas For Kids by Victoria Scudder
This book is a heart-warming guide in helping children understand the importance of kindness and gratitude during the Christmas season of giving. Each day of the 24-day activity journal provides a prompt meant to help kids focus on sharing, honoring, and thinking about their communities and the important people in their lives. Geared toward children of all ages, this holiday workbook can be completed independently or with adult support, and is a sure-fire way to spice up your family’s dinner time conversations!
Christmas Countdown with Jasper the Island Hopper by Audrey Lavigne
Jasper the Island Hopper is a a lively and caring dog, who adores island hopping. In each book of the series, Jasper visits an island of the Seychelles, where he meets new friends and help others in danger.
However, Jasper cannot go anywhere this time, because he only has seven days to prepare for his favorite day of the year. Yes, Christmas is near, and Jasper has a long list of things to do for his Christmas to be great. Will the seven days be enough?
Let’s join Jasper and help him during this Christmas Countdown.
From this charming, rhyming, and gorgeously illustrated Christmas book, you will learn what Christmas is like for Jasper in the Seychelles, where the sun shines throughout the whole year!
Rosie the Farm Truck by Victoria Scudder
Rosie and her friends are called to help a group of reindeer stranded in Le Grand County on the eve of a winter blizzard. Rosie is presented with a challenge that she is not sure she can accomplish on her own. Through teamwork, trust and tenacity, Rosie and her friends accomplish their mission while discovering their own inner strengths. And little do they know that their new friends are on an important mission of their own!
Beautifully illustrated in hand-painted watercolors, see Rosie and her friends come to life through the eyes of your younger ones.
Originally written for children ages 3-9 years but appealing to ‘tweens and teens, this classic story of love, patience, kindness, and tenacity will warm hearts of all ages.