JCPL Kids

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

What would a list of Christmas books be without How the Grinch Stole Christmas? In this story the Grinch, a real grumpy creature, sets his mind to ruining Christmas for all the Whos in Whoville. He makes a plan to steal every bit of Christmas from their village from their ornaments and presents to their roast beast to their holiday feast, down to the very last crumb. He is surprised to find that their spirits are still high on Christmas morning and has to ask himself what the holiday is really all about.

Small, Medium, and Large by Jane Monroe Donovan 

In this wordless story, a girl asks Santa for some new friends for Christmas and is delighted with what she finds under the tree. Her gifts include a cat, a dog, and a pony. The girl and her three friends have a wonderful time sledding, having a snowball fight, making cookies, and snuggling and she realizes they are the best Christmas gifts ever.

Stick Man by Julia Donaldson

Told in funny rhymes, Stick Man is the story of a stick who becomes separated from his stick family by a series of events. First he is stolen by a dog playing fetch, then a swan uses Stick Man to build her nest, then a kid uses Stick Man as an arm for his snowman. Stick Man feels hopelessly lost until a certain man in a red suit with a bunch of reindeer rescues him and helps him to find his family again.

What Does Mrs. Claus Do? By Kate Wharton 

Have you ever wondered what Mrs. Claus does while Santa is busy delivering presents? This story has some good ideas. She might host a Jingle Bell Ball or develop new products like broccoli candy canes and supersized stockings. Or maybe she works on Christmas tree farms on the moon! You’ll have to read it to see.

A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree by Colleen Monroe 

This book is about a tree in the forest that wants to become a Christmas tree more than anything. When he isn’t chosen to be taken home by any family, his animal friends from the woods decide to decorate him instead, showing him how much they appreciate the shelter, food, and warmth he provides for them. This story has some beautiful pictures so check it out!

The Chanukah Blessing by Peninnah Schram 

This is the story of a stranger who arrives at a house one cold night, asking for shelter and warmth. He is welcomed in by a mother and her five children, who barely have enough to eat for themselves. The stranger compliments their beautiful menorah but the children disagree , saying it is not splendid since it is made only from potatoes. In the morning there are special surprises waiting for them, though the stranger is nowhere in sight.

Letter on the Wind: A Chanukah Tale by Sarah Marwil Lamstein 

Once in a faraway village there was nearly a year without Hanukkah because the earth was too dry, and the trees could grow no olives to make olive oil to light their menorahs. Hayim, the poorest man in the village, decided to write a letter to the Almighty, though many of the other villagers called him foolish for this idea. The letter is carried by the wind to a merchant far away who delivers oil to the village. After a terrible misunderstanding is straightened out, Hanukkah is celebrated and there is never another year without olives or oil.

Zigazak: A Magical Hanukkah Night by Eric Kimmel

In this story two devils are flying over the town of Brisk one night when they spot some menorahs in the house windows. They decide to play some pranks on the villagers, causing their dreidels to sprout arms and legs, their latkes to rise out of the pan and sail around the room, and candles to explode like fireworks. The townspeople all go to visit the Rabbi who surprises the villagers with his reaction. Instead of cursing the devils he tricks them into giving them coins and then into transforming into cockroaches, saving Hanukkah from their evil.

Do you have a favorite holiday story not on this list?  Please share it in the comments!