Smol Book Club: Our Favorite Christmas Books for Kids
There are few things better than putting on cozy holiday jammies, snuggling under a big, fuzzy blanket by the fireplace, and reading magic-filled Christmas books as a family. Add festive mugs full of hot chocolate and marshmallows and you have a Santa-approved evening.
As a team, we are completely obsessed with children’s books. The sweet storylines and beautiful illustrations. Many are a work of art, and our bookshelves are jam-packed with our favorites–and our kids’ favorites, too.
Find out which titles are at the top of each Smol team member’s list. One book appeared on three people’s lists, so we’re dubbing it the “Team Favorite.” Plus, find a number of bonus books, just because we love ya.
Team Favorite
Amber, Kendra, and Alexis had this book on their favorites list!
MR. BODDINGTON'S 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Mr. Boddington's Studio delivers a stylish and modern illustrated reimagining of the most iconic Christmas picture book story using the words of Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas."
You’ll love the fresh take on the artwork using a sophisticated and modern color palette. Children and parents alike will delight in revisiting this classic holiday tale with the iconic and fresh Mr. Boddington's style.
Alexis' Favorite
LAST STOP ON THE REINDEER EXPRESS
Christmas is coming but Mia has no time to send the card she made for Grandpa. But when she stumbles across a magical mailbox, Mia finds herself inside the Reindeer Express and is whisked away on an exciting voyage over many exotic lands, reaching Grandpa just in time. Young readers will love opening doors that lead into the next page, peeking through holes into the next scene, and opening the card that Mia made for Grandpa.
Kendra's Favorites
POP CLASSICS HOME ALONE & HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK
If you love the movies, you’ll love the books just as much. They’re worth reading for the illustrations alone!
The books follow the movies perfectly in a kid-friendly way. (We’re looking at you, Buzz.) Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister wished his family would disappear. He never thought his wish would come true! Can he keep a couple of crooks from entering his house? And will his family return in time for Christmas?
In the beloved sequel, Kevin is separated from his family again, but this time in New York City. Kevin goes sightseeing, checks into a hotel, and enjoys limo rides, all courtesy of his dad’s credit card. But then he makes a shocking discovery: the burglars who tried to rob his house last year are back, and this time they plan to rob a toy store on Christmas Eve! Can Kevin stop them and save Christmas with the help of some new friends?
Brooke's Favorite
Part of the magic of the Christmas season stems from the traditions that families and friends take part in every year: hanging up stockings; putting lights in the windows; and, one of the most important of all, picking out and taking home the Christmas tree. This book evokes all the rituals of decorating the tree — digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.
Cassie's Favorite
THE STORY OF GOLDIE AND THE MAGIC CHRISTMAS ELF
As the first day of December unfolds, Goldie explores Christmas town, looking for the perfect Christmas gift. While she enjoys the beauty and wonder around her, she finds her gift in an unexpected place.
Sierrah's Favorite
As the worst snow storm of the year rolls in, one family hunkers down together in a cozy blanket fort for the night. A little girl makes a wish on a snow globe and, in the morning, the sun rises on a winter wonderland. What if, on this snow-filled day, families shake their busy lives and everyone goes out to play? Find out in this lyrical holiday story about wishes and community and lots and lots of snow.
Bonus Kids’ Christmas Books
This spectacular lift-the-flap Christmas alphabet story is a book, a fold-out play-scene, and a beautiful festive frieze to decorate your room—the perfect Christmas gift! And after you read the rhyming story, lift the flaps to learn the letters of the alphabet and seasonal words. Then flip the book and have fun with the giant snowy concertina play-scene on the reverse!
When a jingling sound wakes her from her sleep, a little girl’s dreams come true when she meets a lost reindeer in the forest. They set off on a magical adventure and it becomes a Christmas never to forget. This enchanting Christmas story about a magical yet unlikely friendship between a little girl and a lost reindeer surprises readers with delightful red foil highlights and interactive die cuts.
CAT FAMILY CHRISTMAS ADVENT BOOK
Sold by Anthropologie, this book gives a nod to nostalgic Victorian advent calendars. This charming tale includes more than 140 tiny flap doors on each page to reveal hidden details and surprises. Every page is delightful!
CLARIS: THE CHICEST MOUSE IN PARIS, HOLIDAY HEIST
A sweet little mouse takes on a cheeky cat burglar with holiday cheer! Can Claris and Monsieur save the day – the New York way? The best-selling Claris series follows an adorable mouse who moves to Paris to follow her fashion dreams.
Happy reading and happy holidays, Smol friends!
