Best Children's Christmas Books of 2026

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems is a delightful children's book that tells the story of The Pigeon's holiday dream of driving a sleigh. With witty humor and charming illustrations, this book is sure to bring laughter and joy to kids of all ages. Mo Willems, a three-time Caldecott Honoree, has created a new holiday classic that will make a great addition to any child's bookshelf. Overall, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! is a fun and entertaining read that is perfect for the holiday season.

The Donkey Who Carried a King by Dr. R.C. Sproul is a unique and compelling children's book that offers a fresh perspective on the events of Jesus' Passion Week. The story follows Davey, a young donkey who carries Jesus into Jerusalem and witnesses the King's suffering on behalf of His people. The book emphasizes Jesus' role as the Suffering Servant and calls all believers, young and old, to follow in His footsteps. Dr. Sproul's writing is accessible and engaging for children, while also conveying deep theological truths. Overall, The Donkey Who Carried a King is a must-read for any family looking to teach their children about the importance of serving God with all their hearts.

The 5-Minute Winnie the Pooh Stories is a perfect bedtime storybook for children featuring Winnie the Pooh and his friends. The book includes 12 stories with beautiful illustrations, each meant to be read aloud in five minutes. Children can join in the fun of a birthday party, help Rabbit find his Good Mood, play with little Roo, and more. This book is a great addition to any children's short story collection and is highly recommended for parents who want to spend quality time with their children.

Cooking with the Grinch (Dr. Seuss) (Step into Reading) is a perfect holiday story for beginning readers and bakers. This simple rhymed story features the Grinch and Cindy-Lou Who, who both like to bake, but who will eat the treat they make? The book includes a simple 2-ingredient dog treat recipe printed inside the back cover, inspiring young readers to bake and share with their furry friends. The Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Overall, this book is a delightful addition to any child's holiday book collection.

The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale, illustrated by Tim Jonke, is a heartwarming children's book that tells the Easter story from a unique perspective. Through the eyes of three trees, readers witness the true significance of Christ's life and his sacrifice on the cross. With over 180 books under her belt, author Angela Elwell Hunt delivers a beautiful story that is both engaging and educational. This book is a must-have for any children's Jesus book collection and is published by the trusted brand, David C Cook.

The Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition is a beautiful hardcover book that follows the magical journey of a young boy aboard a train to the North Pole to make his Christmas wish. The book is a beloved Christmas classic and has won numerous awards, including the Caldecott Medal. The inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is showcased in this edition with a bold new jacket design and expanded interior layout. This book is perfect for all ages and makes for a great holiday tradition. Overall, The Polar Express is a must-read book for anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas.

The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool as It Gets is a continuation of Jory John and Pete Oswald's bestselling Food Group series. The book follows the story of Cool Bean, who is feeling pressure to find the perfect gift for the annual gift exchange. This hilarious and charming book includes two sticker sheets, perfect for decorating holiday cards and gifts. The book offers a solid message for young DIYers, particularly those with more time than bean-bucks. Overall, this book is a great addition to any child's bookshelf and is perfect for kids aged 4-8 who enjoy a good laugh.

Little Blue Truck's Christmas is a delightful holiday book for children. In this light-up novelty book, Little Blue Truck delivers Christmas trees to his animal friends, counting them from one to five and back again. The sturdy cardstock pages, child-friendly text, and flashing colored Christmas lights on the final page make it a perfect gift for the season. Little Blues fans will enjoy the animal sounds and counting opportunities, but it's the sparkling lights on the truck's tree that will put a twinkle in a toddler's eyes. Overall, this book is a charming addition to any child's holiday book collection.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (Disney Classic) (Little Golden Book) is a retelling of Tim Burton's classic film in a format perfect for children ages 2 to 5. The story follows Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and decides to take over the holiday. However, things don't go as planned, and Jack must learn the true meaning of Christmas. The book features the same catchy songs and quirky animation as the movie, making it a great way to introduce kids to the beloved story. Overall, this Little Golden Book is a must-have for Disney fans and collectors of all ages.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street is a heartwarming story about a family's struggle to keep their beloved home. The five siblings have only eleven days to convince their curmudgeonly landlord to renew their lease. This book is the first in a series that is perfect for fans of the Penderwicks. The engaging characters and amusing situations make it a highly recommended purchase for all middle-grade collections. Karina Yan Glasers' contemporary family narrative preserves the winsome tone and innocence of classics while updating them with a rich, modern diversity of characters, settings, and problems. The book highlights the importance of community in our busy lives.