It’s time to break out the NEW holiday books! 2024 brings us some truly entertaining tales that will make readers giggle along with tender stories about family and community that will warm hearts. Grab some hot coco and enjoy this round of new books for the holidays!
CHRISTMAS BOOKS
L
etters from the North Pole by Annie Atkins, illustrations by Fia Tobig, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This entertaining epistolary story features a group of children from around the world who write to Santa with their Christmas wishes and questions. Readers will delight in finding Santa’s responses in the form of real letters they can remove from the book. Full of charming details, this magical tale is one children (and adults) will want to revisit again and again.
Tamales for Christmas by Stephen Briseño, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
“Her kitchen is the heartbeat of our familia.” A grandmother’s unwavering love for her family radiates from the pages of this stirring story as a matriarch works for months preparing thousands of tamales to sell to purchase gifts for her children and grandchildren. Sonia Sánchez’s cozy, radiant illustrations beautifully capture the warmth and tenderness of this tale, making it a true feast for the soul.
Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface, illustrated by Julien Chung, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
The beloved classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom gets a festive twist in this jaunty new story. Rollicking rhymes follow a group of letters up and down a Christmas tree as they introduce readers to a variety of shapes.
Christmas Forever Escape to the North Pole by Elysa Dutton, illustrated by Manu Montoya, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Tired of being stored away most of the year, a group of ornaments band together to flee to the North Pole where they can experience Christmas all year long. Full of adventure, humor, and a heartwarming ending, this charming Christmas caper has it all!
Bunnies in the Sleigh by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Ben Mantle, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
With its rolling rhymes and repetitive refrain, this energetic holiday romp is such a joy to read aloud! Struck by a sudden stomach bug, the elves in Santa’s workshop can no longer prepare for Christmas, Luckily, a group of zany bunnies come to the rescue with hilarious results.
We also recommend the first two books in the series Bunnies on a Bus and Bunnies in a Boat.
Elmore the Christmas Moose by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Elmore, a moose full of the Christmas spirit, excitedly applies for the position of replacement reindeer. Through a series of comical letters, Elmore makes the case for why he deserves the job. The expressive illustrations perfectly capture the playful tone of this giggle-inducing story.
Mr. Santa by Jarvis, 2024
When a young girl finds Santa in her room, she asks him a barrage of questions getting to know him better while also sharing her world with him. This is such a delightful tale that could also be a great discussion or writing prompt to inspire kids to come up with their own inquiries for Santa.
A City Full of Santas by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Thai My Phuong, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
A young girl excitedly prepares to meet Santa at a large department store in this cute Christmas book. When she travels into the big city, however, she finds Santas everywhere. Readers will delight in the variety of Santas and the girl’s determined search for the real one.
Socks: A Kids’ Christmas Lament by JD McPherson, illustrated by Anicka Orrock, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This absolutely hysterical book captures every kid’s worst nightmare; getting socks for Christmas instead of toys. It is almost impossible to read without giggling at the humorous illustrations and rhymes.
Merry Christmas Zoo by Lola M. Schaefer and Lisa Eickholdt, illustrated by Laura Watkins, 2024
Inspired by true events, a group of zookeepers help the creatures in their care feel part of the Christmas spirit with special treats and decorations. Animal lovers are sure to appreciate this adorable holiday tale.
A Stray Dog for Christmas by Jack Jokinen, illustrated by Wendy Tan
(Ages 4 and up)
Inspired by a true story, this rousing tale follows a stray dog who discovers her forever home through a Christmas miracle. With its message of kindness and compassion, this endearing adoption tale will pull at readers’ heartstrings.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore, illustrated by Jane Chapman, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Jane Chapman brings her signature charm to the classic poem in this beautifully illustrated gem starring a variety of adorable animals.
Everett Green The Not-So-Christmas Tree by Freddy Wexler, illustrated by Fanny Berthiaume, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Everett Green is a small plastic palm tree with big dreams of becoming a real Christmas tree like the one in Rockefeller Center. Convinced that he must travel to NYC to make his wish come true, he prepares to fly to New York only to be delayed by a storm. Inspired by a young girl, Everett finds his Christmas spirit and helps spread joy to all around him. Filled with comical puns, this is one unique holiday tale you won’t want to “leaf” behind.
I Love You Jingle Bell Baby by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Petra Brown, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
As warm and cozy as hot coco, this sweet story full of doting rhymes shares the love felt between a parent and child during the holiday season. Eye-catching illustrations follow a little bunny and their parent basking in festive fun like baking, playing in the snow, decorating, and singing carols.
Santa Mouse Finds a Furry Friend by Michael Brown, illustrated by Robert McPhillips, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This series keeps getting cuter and cuter! Once again Santa Mouse is assisting Santa Claus travel the world delivering gifts. This time, however, they encounter a little lost kitten who they pick up along the way. I just adore the quaint illustrations that give this new story a classic feel.
Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present by Reese Witherspoon, illustrated by Xindi Yan, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
The exuberant Betty is back and this time she is trying to raise money to buy her family the perfect gifts. Always the creative thinker, Betty transforms her lemonade stand into a Christmas cookie stand to find more funds for her shopping. It’s hard not to smile at Betty’s kindness and enthusiasm.
The Gingerbread House Jack’s Family Ate by Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Nate Wragg, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Jack’s family excitedly builds a gingerbread house for Santa, but they can’t stop eating it! This quirky tale is such a fun festive spin on the classic nursery rhyme The House That Jack Built.
A Stickler Christmas by Lane Smith, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Stickler, a fantastical creature made of sticks spreads joy and cheer throughout the woodland he inhabits. When he finds his fir tree friend upset at being decorated as a Christmas tree, the kind Stickler comes up with a creative solution.
Santa’s First Christmas by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Sydney Smith, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Mac Barnett continues to amaze me with his unique stories! While Santa spreads joy to millions on Christmas Eve, he never gets to experience a real Christmas himself,,, until now. His loyal elves have bounded together to help Santa participate in his very own Christmas celebration. This original tale is full of charm and wit!
Christmas by Annette Whipple, 2024
A trio of children share several beloved Christmas traditions with readers. Instructions for a craft and a recipe are included.
Merry Christmas, Dear Mars by Penny Parker Klostermann, illustrated by Estrela Lourenco, 2024
This space-themed edition of The Night Before Christmas is out of this world. A family of aliens must help rescue Santa when he crash lands on their planet.
The Days After Christmas by Maggie C. Rudd, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
(Ages 4 and up)
With so much lead up, it’s easy to feel disappointed when Christmas is finally over. This new book is here to remind readers that there is still so much fun to look forward to after the holidays come to an end.
HUNUKKAH BOOKS
Eight Sweet Nights by Charlotte Offsay, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This tender tale beautifully blends fascinating Hanukkah facts with a touching story about honoring old family traditions while creating new ones. It perfectly captures the warmth of family bonds and the joy of celebrating a meaningful holiday. I’m a big fan of Charlotte Offsay’s work and also highly recommend Challah Day as another fantastic Hanukkah gift option!
Hanukkah Pajamakkahs by Dara Henry, illustrated by Olga Ivanov and Aleksey Ivanov, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Upon receiving special pajamas on the first night of Hanukkah, Ruthie wants to wear them all eight nights. Unfortunately, with each nightly celebration, her pajamas get dirtier and dirtier. This unique Hanukkah story is sure to resonate with many who can’t get enough of their own loungewear.
Little Dreidel Learns to Spin by Rebecca Gardyn Levinton, illustrated by Taryn Johnson 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Little Dreidel can’t wait to spin with her big cousins, but quickly discovers it’s harder than it looks. With uplifting rhymes and a relatable story about wanting to keep up with older family members, this is sure to become a new holiday hit.
Hannukah by Leslie Newman, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
A Jewish boy named Lior introduces readers to many special traditions surrounding the Festival of Lights.
A VARIETY OF HOLIDAYS
We Celebrate the Light by Jane Yolen, Heidi E. Y. Stemple illustrated by Jieting Chen, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Gorgeous artwork accompanied by simple, moving text highlights seven winter holidays. This beautifully inclusive book is perfect for home or classroom libraries to teach children about a variety of celebrations. Backmatter includes additional information on each holiday.
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