Christmas is Coming: 60 Mighty Girl Christmas Books

Santa Rex

Cordelia and her Cretaceous friends from Tea Rex are back and ready to celebrate the holidays! They'll hang wreaths, make popcorn chains, decorate the tree... and while all of that is a bit challenging with her oversized friend, Cordelia can't wait for Santa Rex to come to town. Dinosaur-loving children will be particularly thrilled with this Christmas story, but all kids will love seeing a simple seasonal story told with such wacky illustrations.

Frozen: Anna, Elsa, and the Enchanting Holiday

It's the first holiday season after the end of Frozen II, and sisters Anna, Queen of Arendelle, and Elsa, the Snow Queen, have settled into their new roles. But the holidays won't be the same if they can't be together! So Anna asks all her friends — Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf — to join her for a journey to the Enchanted Forest where they can have a magical holiday (with a little help from the spirits of nature.) It turns out that, even when the holidays are different, they're wonderful when you're with the people you love. This beautifully illustrated book, perfect for Frozen fans young and old, is all about the joys of creating new holiday traditions.

The Gift Shop Bear

Bear spends most of every year in the attic of Nana's Gift Shop, stored away and waiting for the first snowflakes to fall. When it's cold enough to snow, he knows that his special friend, the shop owner's granddaughter Annie, is coming! Every year she pulls him out of his box with a hug, and they whirl through the shop, playing, reading, and drinking hot cocoa. This year, though, Bear is worried: the gift shop has closed and his box has been moved somewhere new. How will Annie find him? Fortunately, the friends are reunited in a moment of Christmas joy that will touch your heart! Inspired by a true story, and with gorgeous, warm illustrations, this is a nostalgic story perfect for fans of The Velveteen Rabbit, Corduroy, and The Polar Express.

Uni the Unicorn: Reindeer Helper

Uni the Unicorn and the little girl are playing in the snow when she tells Uni something exciting: Santa is coming that night, bringing gifts for people around the world! And it's all thanks to Santa's reindeer, who are magical — just like unicorns. But when Uni meets a lost reindeer, it looks like the holidays may not work out as planned. Fortunately, the two of them work together to make sure that all the gifts end up where they belong! Based on the bestselling picture book, this original picture book adventure, with its colorful, cheerful illustrations, is sure to be a favorite holiday story for any unicorn fan.

Maple and Willow's Christmas Tree

The nature-loving sisters of Maple and Maple and Willow Together are back — and who better to pick out the perfect Christmas tree! After a winter expedition, they find just the right one but once they get it home, Maple starts sneezing every time she gets near it. Maple can't be allergic to the perfect Christmas tree... can she? And if she is, how are they going to make this the perfect Christmas of their dreams? Kids will love watching Maple and Willow problem-solve this tricky situation, and still celebrate the season!

Nutcracker Night

As a little girl and her father go to a performance of The Nutcracker, her world is full of sights and sounds! Her dress swishes, the taxis beep, and then, finally, the conductor's baton goes tick-tick-tick and the curtains open with a voof! By the end of this magical night, the final sound is a smooch of a kiss on her father's cheek. With richly illustrated scenes and lyrical but simple text, this exquisite onomatopoeic trip to the classic ballet is a celebration of sights and sounds. An author's note provides details about the ballet and reminds young readers that, for many, this is a child's first experience at the theater. It's a gorgeous holiday treat that's sure to leave kids eager for their own turn to attend a show.

Merry Christmas, Anne

It's Anne Shirley's first Christmas in Avonlea and she's grateful for so many things from the feathery frosts and the silvery seas to festive holiday wreaths but, most of all, for her adoptive parents Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and her bosom friend Diana! But she feels sad that she doesn't have anything to give to these kindred spirits who have given her so much and welcomed her into their hearts. On top of that, she's feeling nervous about her role in the upcoming Christmas recital. Fortunately, the creative and irrepressible Anne manages to find the perfect way to overcome her jitters and show how her kindred spirits just how much she loves them! Filled with charming artwork by illustrator Genevieve Godbout, this heartwarming picture book by bestselling author Kallie George draws on the original story of Anne of Green Gables to create a joyous holiday story perfect for celebrating the season.

Santa, Please Bring Me A Gnome

There is one and only one thing that Tess wants this year: a gnome. A real live gnome, who can play with her and go with her everywhere. She doesn't want any toys, just a gnome friend! As Christmas approaches and her anticipation builds, Tess' grandparents help her prepare: Grandpa makes some tiny furniture, Grandma makes a little blanket. On Christmas day, Tess is surprised to see a clear glass box full of sawdust... and a note from Santa, saying that Gerard the Gnome was looking forward to coming, but gave up his space for Flannel the hamster, who needed a good home and a caring friend. Funny and sweet, this book will speak to every parent who's dealt with single-minded wishes... and will remind kids that sometimes the present you didn't ask for is the one you didn't know you wanted.

Olivia Helps With Christmas

With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, is it any surprise that busy Olivia is right in the thick of things? As Olivia’s family gets the tree, decorates the house, and makes delicious treats, Olivia does her best to chip in — and stay patient as she waits for the big day. Kids will giggle at Olivia’s antics, while parents will smile in recognition of all the exasperation and fun of celebrating the holidays with an excited little one. This story, with a text full of quips and Falconer’s distinctive drawing style, is sure to be a Christmas favorite.

Eloise Decorates For Christmas

There's plenty of excitement at the Plaza! Decorators are decking the halls with trees and tinsel, deliveries of special surprises are coming every day — and Eloise wants to be a part of all of it. She decides to help trim the tree, but what she really wants to do is put the star at the very top... This Level 1 book from the Ready to Read series uses a classic character to excite emerging readers about the joys of reading. It's a marvelous addition to a Christmas library!

Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever

Dasher and her family of reindeer are trapped in a traveling circus, and spend their days under hot sun in miserably tight pens. She's sustained by her mother's stories about their cold, snowy homeland and by the kindness of children who slip carrots through the bars. When a stroke of luck allows Dasher to escape, she goes looking for the life she's been dreaming of — and meets Santa, whose sleigh is being pulled by a single, exhausted horse named Silverbell. When Dasher volunteers to help pull the sleigh, she gets her "best wish yet" — one that frees her family and ensures Santa's sleigh can always fly! Exquisite illustrations and a timeless story will make this a Christmas story to treasure. Fans of this book will love the sequel, Dasher Can't Wait For Christmas.

The Christmas Doll

It's 1939, and Susan — like thousands of other children — has been evacuated from London to keep her safe during World War II. But in the countryside, with a family she's never met, she's desperately missing home and can't imagine life getting better. Then, on Christmas Day, there's a special gift for her under the tree: a beautiful doll she names Lizzy. Lizzy helps Susan feel safe and gives her hope that she can be happy again. It's not until decades later, when Susan and her great-granddaughter bring the treasured doll to The Repair Shop, that Susan truly understands just how much that simple act of kindness changed her life. Based on a real-life story and inspired by the British TV series The Repair Shop, this is a cozy holiday read-aloud that will touch the heart of anyone with a treasured toy.

A Very Mercy Christmas

Stella Endicott is excited for Christmas, and she wants to channel her joy into singing — by going caroling! But her brother Frank doesn't like sudden changes in plans; her parents are busy attempting a fruitcake recipe; Horace is busy studying planetary movement; and Eugenia just refuses completely. Stella's beloved pig Mercy comes along, and as they walk, they meet up with a cat and a horse, too... but that's not really enough for caroling. At least, not until something with a pinch of holiday miracle happens! Fans of Mercy Watson will love this Christmas picture book, perfect for sharing with hot cocoa and well-buttered toast.

Katie's London Christmas

Beloved picture book character Katie explores the magic of London at Christmastime in this beautiful picture book! When Katie and Jack are woken on Christmas Eve but a loud sneeze, they discover a midnight visitor: Santa Claus! Soon the kids are flying above the city in Santa's sleigh, seeing the sights and helping deliver all the gifts to London children. But can they get every present delivered... and still be back in time for Christmas morning? Fans of Katie In London will love getting to see Katie's beloved city during this special holiday.

Little Red Sleigh

In the window of a Christmas shop, a Little Red Sleigh has big dreams: she wants to be Santa's sleigh! But her fellow toys tell her it's impossible: she's too small, she can't fly, and she certainly can't ever make it to the North Pole to meet Santa. The Sleigh sets off to pursue her dream, though, and even gets help from a truck and a train, who reassure her that she's got her own gifts to share with the world. On her travels, she's discovered by a little girl, and the girl and her friends spend a joyous afternoon riding the Sleigh down the snowy hills. But then the girl takes the Sleigh home, ending her quest for the North Pole. Is the Sleigh's dream over? Or could it be that she's exactly where she's supposed to be? This heartwarming picture book, perfect for fans of The Polar Express, is a reminder that Christmas dreams can come true in unexpected ways!

Auntie Claus

Sophie is desperately curious about her mysterious Auntie Claus, who lives in Penthouse 25C of the Bing Cherry Hotel, serves Christmas cookies all year round, and takes a “business trip” right before the holidays every year. So spoiled Sophie stows away in a large box and finds herself magically transported to the North Pole where she is mistaken for an elf! At first, Sophie disdains the hard work, but when she discovers that her little brother might go without a gift this Christmas, Sophie unexpectedly learns that giving is much more important than getting. Fans of the intriguing Auntie Claus will also enjoy checking out the sequels Auntie Claus: Home for the Holidays and Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas.

The Christmas Owl

Little Owl isn't even a year old when her home — a big, beautiful pine tree — is cut down by people who say it will be the perfect Christmas tree. Holding tight to her branch, Little Owl thinks to herself that this "Christmas" can't be all that great if it means destroying the only home she's ever known! But when she's discovered and sent to a woman named Ellen, whose warm home, decorated for the holiday, is full of birds who need someone to take care of them, Little Owl starts to realize that the holiday's messages of kindness and giving may be the most important part of Christmas. Co-written by Ellen Kalish, who cared for the little saw-whet owl nicknamed Rockefeller after it was found in the 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, this is a sweet story about compassion and giving.

Too Many Tamales

Maria is feeling very grown up as she helps her mother make the Christmas tamales: she’s wearing her mother’s apron, a hint of perfume, and even a tiny brush of lipstick. And when her mother takes off her diamond ring so it doesn’t get covered in the sticky masa, Maria surreptitiously slips it on her own finger. But when all the tamales are cooking, Maria suddenly realizes the ring is missing, cooked into one of the tamales! The only solution? Maria and her cousins must eat their way through 24 tamales, searching for the missing ring... before the adults realize what’s happened. This playful story with messages about forgiveness and family togetherness is sure to elicit laughs from the whole family. For another book about this special Christmas cooking tradition, check out Growing Up With Tamales / Los tamales de Ana for ages 3 to 8.

A Tuba Christmas

All of Ava's family plays music, and they're eager for her to pick one to learn so she can join them for a holiday concert — something Ava desperately wants to avoid. So she sets her sights on the tuba: surely no one will want to hear her play that! But after a few lessons with Rodney, a friendly tuba player from the high school marching band, Ava discovers she loves music and her unusual instrument... and Rodney introduces her to a very special tradition: Tuba Christmas, a holiday concert just for tubas! This charming story celebrates individuality and the joy of finding your passion.

The All-I'll-Ever-Want Christmas Doll

Christmas always comes to Nella's house, but presents don't always come with it: in the midst of the Depression, with money extra tight, gifts aren't always possible. This year, Nella and her sisters are hoping the budget will stretch to a Baby Betty doll, which all three of them want more than anything. But when Baby Betty arrives as planned — and Nella claims her all to herself — will the extra-special doll be fun on its own? Nella soon she discovers that Baby Betty isn’t nearly as much fun as her sisters. This charming story conveys an important message about the importance of people over material things.

Christmas Farm

Sometimes kids forget to think about where their Christmas tree comes from! Wilma has decided that her garden needs a new beginning, so she gathers string, scissors, seedlings — and her 5-year-old neighbor, Peter. Year after year, Peter and Wilma work together to nurture the trees, keeping track of how many they plant and how many they lose, until finally, when Peter is 10, they sell their first batch of 566 Christmas trees. And what else would they do with their proceeds but buy more seedlings! This charming story of an intergenerational friendship and business partnership emphasizes the patience and care that goes into growing our Christmas trees.

The Christmas Crocodile

When Alice Jayne finds a crocodile under the tree on Christmas Eve, the whole family is gobsmacked! The Christmas Crocodile doesn't mean to be bad, not really, but it's not long before almost everyone is fed up with him eating the dinner roast, the stove-top burner, and even the Christmas tree — and they start suggesting sending him away to an orphanage or zoo! Only Alice Jayne pleads his case, and sets her sights on the most important thing: finding the Christmas Crocodile a new home. Clever and funny, this book's apologetic refrain about not meaning to be bad is sure to resonate with kids.

Great Joy

Outside Frances’ apartment, an organ grinder and his pet monkey sleep on the cold street. Little Frances can’t stop thinking about the poor, cold man and his friend, even as she, her family, and their friends enjoy the warmth and plenty of the holidays. She invites the stranger to come to her church’s Christmas pageant, where she struggles to find the courage to speak in her role as an angel until she sees him enter the church’s warmth, and finally cries out, “I bring you tidings of Great Joy!” This touching story of compassion and kindness to the people that many don’t even notice is also a great way to talk about how even the youngest children can help change their communities for the better.

Merry Christmas, Strega Nona

Strega Nona, the "grandma witch," and her assistant Big Anthony are back! At Christmas, Strega Nona sets aside her potions and spells to make a wonderful Christmas feast — by hand — to share. But when she sends Big Anthony to town with a shopping list, he promptly forgets it! For once, Strega Nona thinks, she will end up being all alone on Christmas day... until Big Anthony shows up with all of the townspeople, carrying the feast they made for her. Joyful and sweet, this is a story that will make kids smile. Fans of dePaola's work will also want to check out his picture book retelling of The Legend of Old Befana, also for ages 4 - 8.

Tallulah’s Nutcracker

For a ballerina, the word “Christmas” goes hand-in-hand with The Nutcracker. Tallulah desperately wants to dance in this classic ballet, and when she gets a part in a professional production — even if it’s just as a mouse — she’s dreaming of glory! But on the night of the show, a misstep by Tallulah makes everything in her scene go wrong. When she flees backstage, though, Tallulah learns some surprising things about the professional dancers surrounding her. This book about the importance of perseverance and resiliency will have her dreaming of dancing sugarplums long after you’re done reading.

The Legend of the Poinsettia

With his signature bright-colored illustrations, dePaola retells the Mexican story of the origin of the poinsettia. Lucida’s mother is supposed to weave the blanket that the baby Jesus will wear in her church’s Christmas procession. When her mother falls ill, Lucida tries to complete the blanket, only to leave it tangled and ruined. But a mysterious old woman tells Lucida, “Any gift is beautiful because it is given. Whatever you give, the Baby Jesus will love because it comes from you.” And when Lucida nervously walks in with an arm full of weeds, each bursts into bloom with a beautiful red star. This lovely version of the folktale includes an author’s note about the origin and deep significance of the story.

The Princess and the Christmas Rescue

Princess Eliza loves to tinker, building incredible toys out of whatever she has at hand... but she has to admit that she's a little lonely in the snow palace. Her parents, meanwhile, believe that inventing isn't an appropriate activity for a princess — and anyway, how will she make friends if all she does is sit at home? But when Eliza does venture out, she discovers that Santa's elves are in a crunch: Santa is sick, the presents have to be made and wrapped, and their Christmas deadline is getting closer by the minute! Fortunately, Eliza's clever inventions help everything get done in time... and Santa and her new elf friends are more than happy to help show her parents just how wonderful Eliza's special talents are! Fun text and detailed drawings of Eliza's amazing contraptions will make this STEM-themed Christmas story a favorite.

Star Bright: A Christmas Story

The angels of heaven are dashing about, excitedly chattering about a baby who’s about to be born. The littlest angel knows this baby must be special, and she wants to give a gift too, but she doesn’t have anything nearly as special as the gifts the other angels are giving. When she peeks down from above and spots a caravan of kings, lost in the dark, she realizes that she does have a gift she can give, one that the whole world will enjoy! This lovely take on the traditional nativity story is spare and beautiful, showing through both text and illustrations how the simplest of things can be the most wonderful.

Christmas in the Big Woods

For young Laura Ingalls, Christmas in a log cabin in Wisconsin is full of treats, surprises, and special times with family! This book, part of the My First Little House Books series, adapts a section of Little House In The Big Woods into a picture book format for young readers. Children will be enthralled by the stories of the hard work the whole family does to prepare their house for winter and for a lovely Christmas celebration, and the excitement Mary and Laura feel at their Christmas gifts of mittens and a few pieces of candy will remind them how grateful they should be for the pleasures we enjoy at Christmas today.

The Queen and the First Christmas Tree

Queen Charlotte's Gift to England

As a child in Mecklenburg, Germany, Princess Charlotte loved being outside, and brought a yew branch indoors to decorate every Christmas. Then, when she was 17, she was married to King George III of England, requiring her to leave her home and everything she loved. To stave off homesickness, she brought one yew branch, to "make magic in her new home." Decades later, in 1800, the mother of 15 decided to throw a Christmas party for a hundred children — and a single branch didn't seem like enough. So she brought in a whole tree, and Christmas tradition was born! This charming story, with warm illustrations, will quickly become a holiday favorite.

Red and Green and Blue and White

"On a block dressed up in Red and Green one house shone Blue and White." Teresa and her friend Isaac sometimes seem very different: she loves to draw while he loves to write; her family celebrates Christmas, while his celebrate Hanukkah. But they both love playing in the snow, making cookies, and counting down to the holidays! When someone smashes Isaac's window in the middle of the night, though, his family no longer feels safe. Teresa wants to show her friend that she supports him, so she draws a menorah and puts the picture up in her window. And soon, other pictures pop up all over — in houses, stores, restaurants, and more! Based on a true story, this is an inspiring tale of a community working as one to remind everyone that we are stronger together.

Apple Tree Christmas

Katrina's favorite spot is the special branch of the old apple tree where she sits when she draws; nestled among its leaves, she pretends that she's a real artist, working in a proper studio. But just before Christmas, a brutal ice storm hits, and when it's over, the apple tree has fallen. Katrina is heartbroken, and can't believe that her father is cheerfully sawing away at the tree's branches to cut them up for firewood — even on Christmas eve. But when she wakes up the next morning, she realizes that her father has found a very special way to make sure that the apple tree — and Katrina's dreams of being an artist — will be part of the family's traditions for years to come. This book features a truly heartwarming father-daughter relationship.

An Ellis Island Christmas

Krysia has spent her whole life in Poland, but now everything will change: soldiers with guns are patrolling the streets, and her father has gone ahead to America, which her mother says will be their new home. Krysia doesn't want to leave her home and friends, and she's scared of the long journey by sea, but she rallies her courage by telling herself that she will see her father soon. And when she finally arrives at Ellis Island on Christmas Eve, having her whole family together again makes for a very special Christmas. Inspired by the author's father's immigration experience, this story is a reminder of both the importance of family and the hope that Ellis Island represented to generations of immigrants.

The Story of Holly and Ivy

This Christmas story is full of wishes: Mr. and Mrs. Jones imagine a son or daughter to share their holidays, while Holly the doll hopes for a best friend who can bring her to life. And Ivy, a young orphan, dreams of finding a grandmother she’s never met, in hopes of finally having a home. With a few twists of fate — and a little Christmas magic — all three wishes can be fulfilled. This touching story, beautifully accented by Cooney’s illustrations, has been a Christmas favorite since it was first published in the Ladies’ Home Journal in the 1950s; we’re sure your family will love it too.

The Nutcracker Mice

Beneath the famed Mariinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg, there is a world of mouse ballet fans! Esmeralda is a rising star in the Russian Mouse Ballet Company who struggles to control her tail, and she is thrilled to be cast as Clara in a ballet that's premiering that Christmas: Tchaikovsky's new ballet The Nutcracker. But there are two big problems: Esmeralda's sure her audience will hate a show where the mice are the villains — and the humans want the mice exterminated! Fortunately, one little girl, Irina, realizes that the mice are dancers, too. Perhaps she can save the mice and ensure the Russian Mouse Ballet Company's future. This charming dual story really shines when following Esmeralda, whose courage, resourcefulness, and determination will delight young readers.

Clarice Bean, Think Like an Elf

Clarice Bean knows that "Christmas cannot be Christmas without the Christmas spirit, so it is important to keep an eye on it and not let it float away." And since she loves Christmas so much, she's trying to send tidings of joy to everyone she knows. But this holiday season is proving to be a difficult one for the Tuesday family. First, Mom and Dad say they're too tired to host a big holiday party. Then, they have disaster after disaster when they decorate the tree. The family dog even eats the turkey! But Clarice is sure that, with a little hard work and some creativity, she can still make this the perfect holiday. This charming illustrated novel is a celebration of finding the holiday spirit, no matter what your circumstances.

Winterfrost

When 12-year-old Bettina's parent have to help her grandmother, who's had a bad fall, the Danish family forgets a very important Danish Christmas tradition: a bowl of rice pudding for the nisse spirits who look after the house and livestock. They're not worried, though; surely the nisse are just a legend! But when baby Pia goes missing during a nap, Bettina will have to venture into the nisse's magical world and negotiate with these helpful but mischievous folk. This charming adventure story is sure to have readers wondering if there may be world besides their own that they just don't see.

Juniper’s Christmas

New!

Ever since 11-year-old Juniper's Ghanaian father died, it's just been her and her mother, living in London near a large park. But Juniper doesn't mind: in fact, she's pretty sure the woodsman who lives in the park and helps homeless residents there might be the actual Santa Claus! When Juniper's mother disappears, she naturally turns to him for help, and discovers that he is the real Nicholas Claus, who has left the North Pole after the death of the love of his life. Although he's been grumpily avoiding children, he can't resist Juniper's pleas for help... and it turns out that Christmas magic may lead to more than one happy ending. A rollicking story and a boisterous cast of characters, plus occasional cheerful illustrations, turn this novel by best-selling author Eoin Colfer a holiday classic in the making.