The Best Christmas Books for 2018

Christmas is hands-down my favorite time of year for books. There are so many beautiful books to choose from, and I love breaking out our collection every year and cozying up by the fire to read with my family. I teamed up with my dear friend and fellow bookworm, Julie Bristow, to share some of the best books to get you and your family into the Christmas spirit. Don’t forget to check out our list from last year too. Some of our all-time favorites are on there!

Kim’s Picks

A Little Christmas Tree by Anthony Merrill and Michael Bast

When I read this story to my daughter’s classroom last year, the teacher and I were both teary-eyed. It’s such a meaningful story about a little, imperfect tree that found it’s purpose, even when it seemed like he wasn’t important for a long time. This book is a new family classic and we look forward to reading it every year.

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

I love Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, and Stick Man is written and illustrated in the same charming, British way that my kids and I can’t get enough of. It’s the perfect read-aloud about Stick Man, who gets carried away from his family by a playful dog, and find his way home with Santa’s help.

Red and Lulu by Matt Tavares

I fell in love with this book last year, and it’s still a forever favorite. A beautiful story about two birds who get separated in New York City at Christmastime, and how they find each other at time. The spreads of snowy News York are stunning! This is a must to add to your collection.

Lighthouse Christmas by Toni Buzzeo

I have always had a thing for lighthouses, so I was pretty excited when I stumbled upon this book. It’s a story of a family that lives in an isolated lighthouse (as it goes with lighthouses). They worry about how Santa will make his way all the way to them. But when their father risks his life to save a man at sea, the family learns that the most important things during the holidays are family and love. (And don’t worry, Santa finds them!)

Holly and Ivy by Rumor Godden and Barbara Cooney

A sweet story about three Christmas wishes and how they all come true. This is a longer story, but perfect to read together as a family.

Mr. Willoughby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry

A light-hearted Christmas tale about Mr. Willoughby’s tree, which is just a little too tall. Every time he cuts it, the little piece becomes the perfect size for another animal family. A cute story with a nostalgic, vintage feel.

Julie’s Picks

The Little Reindeer by Nicola Killen

This is a sweet little story of a girl named Ollie who is awakened one Christmas Eve by the sound of Jingle bells! She ventures into the nearby woods racing on her sled to find out the mystery of the bells and who they belong too. This book is absolutely darling with wonderful sketch illustrations against a shimmering Christmas Eve night sky.

Clement C. Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas” illustrated by Hollie Hobbie

This telling of the classic poem has a fun little addition as the tiny toddler of the family unknowingly follows his father to see all of the magic that special Christmas Eve. The watercolor illustrations of this book are enchanting. You will want to hop right into this little Christmas scene, and cannot help feeling cozy when reading this fresh take on a classic story.

Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck & Karl James Mountford

This book is ridiculously charming, wholly imaginative, and will definitely pull at your heartstrings. Not all families get to be together at Christmas time. This is where the Reindeer Express comes in! Follow young Mia as she discovers the magic of the Reindeer Express in search of family far away. Every page is bursting with character and color complete with die cuts and lift the flap doors that make the adventure even more fun!  This story helps to remind us what is truly important, especially at Christmas time.

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht

This book has my whole heart as it brings feelings of such nostalgia of my own family picking out and decorating a tree each year. I love the focus on working together as family and friends to create and preserve a meaningful tradition. Such a fun, colorful, and rhythmic read while you watch the transformation of a bare pine tree into a magnificent Christmas tree.

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Alison Jay

I am a huge fan of crackle-glaze paintings which automatically make this book a big win for me. I love the pictures so much and Alison Jay has become one of my favorite illustrators.  In this adaption of “TheTwelve Days of Christmas”, you will follow along with a young couple who are making their way to a Christmas party. There are hidden things to find on each page which make for a really immersive and enjoyable read.

Charles Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” illustrated by Yelena Bryksenkova

This illustrated version of the Dicken’s classic is breathtaking! From it’s gilded pages, satin ribbon place holder and gorgeous pictures throughout,  it will truly become an heirloom for many years to come. I especially love the layout inside. The spacing, the creative use of fonts and text complimenting the pictures as it all flows together. This book is an absolute treasure!