11 Unique Christmas Books Your Kids Will Love

While Frosty the Snow Man and the Night Before Christmas are classics worthy of a daily read throughout the Christmas holidays, the season is also a good time to introduce your child to some new stories that will expand her thinking and broader her world views.

Today we have 11 books that will be valuable additions to your collection of holiday books. Each book has examples of diversity, a positive moral story, or a tale of holiday traditions followed by other cultures.

While each child is different, most kids between the ages of four and ten (and even older!) will enjoy all of these recommendations. 

Try reading a new book each day, and seeing what discussion it can spark around the spirit of giving and development of new holiday traditions in your family.

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Rachel Griffin

This beautiful book includes a CD containing the popular song, as well as an explanation of the history and religious significance of the song.

The artwork inside the book will especially appeal to the kids, who will find fabric, embroidery, beads, and bric-a-brac to explore. 

The author holds true to the traditional versus of the song, but throws in some nice cultural diversity with variations such as the 10 pipers piping in India and nine drummers drumming in Malawi.

Emma’s Gift by Molly Schaar Idle

Two of Emma's favorite holiday traditions are spoiled when she hears her grandma's flight has been cancelled, meaning she won't be there for Christmas, and that there's no Christmas snow in the forecast either.

To offset the disappointment, grandma allows Emma to open her Christmas gift early. 

The story that follows is a heart-warming tale of Emma's encounters with those in  need during the Christmas season, and the generosity inherent in a young girl's heart.

Emma's actions in spite of her disappointments make for wonderful lessons for all of us, big and small.

The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow and James Ransome

Set in New York City at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, this jazz-influenced retelling of the popular tale of the Nutcracker is the story of a young girl named Marie who loves the magic of Christmas, especially the singing.

Despite outside encouragement, Marie feels her voice isn't good enough to sing. But with the help of a toy nutcracker that is gifted to her, she goes on an adventure of goodwill and learns to find her voice.

The endnotes to the book provide additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance.

December’s Gift: An Interfaith Holiday Story by Ashley Smith- Santos,
 Stasie Bitton, and Sandra Salsbury

No matter what your religious beliefs are, your children will benefit from learning about both Chanukah & Christmas traditions, which are both shared in this entertaining story.

Clara has two grandmas, and enjoys spending time in the kitchen with each of them over the holidays.

At Grammy's house, they make star-shaped sugar cookies and Grammy tells the story of the star leading the three wise men to the new baby Jesus.

At Bubbe's house, they make latkes together as Bubbe shares the story of the menorah that burned for eight days on one day of oil.

Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano and Marjorie Priceman

A fun urban tale about how adversity can be tuned into unexpected festivities that brighten the hearts of even the grumpiest, this book starts with a Christmas dilemma.

Mami's bought a roast for the Christmas meal, but it's too big to fit into the oven.

 Jose and Papa search through their apartment building for a tenant with an oven big enough to fit the food, but are greeted by neighbors lacking in the Christmas spirit.

Once they hit the streets and get the roast cooking, the magical scent of the food sparks lots of holiday cheer and we watch grumpy souls transform into warm spirits with generous and giving attitudes.

Welcome Comfort by Patricia Polacco

Welcome Comfort is a foster child whose life consists of going from home to home without any permanent family. 

When the school custodian, Mr. Hamp, befriends Welcome and tries to convince him that Christmas is the best time of the year, as someone who gets no presents and is picked on by the other kids, Welcome doesn't see the joy.

That's all about to change however, when Santa makes a special visit to Welcome and brings him aboard his sleigh to help deliver presents around the world.

A World of Cookies for Santa by M.E. Forman and Susan Gal

This book tells the story of Christmas traditions around the world through cookies, and even includes some recipes for cookies you probably haven't tried.

You'll truly go around the world -- from Australia and New Zealand to Hawaii -- discovering what Christmas treats are popular in various countries and how the children greet Santa in each country.

A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora and Magaly Morales

Help your kids learn about Latino culture through this fun twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas where you'll find paper lanterns, singing donkeys, and dancing moons in place of the traditional items.

You'll learn to count in Spanish in addition to finding new items of interest on every page and pronunciations for your new Spanish words.

As another bonus, the illustrations throughout the book are colorful and vibrant and certain to hold your child's attention.

Walk This World at Christmastime by Big Picture Press and Debbie Powell

As the title says, each page of this book will walk you through a new set of countries and share their unique Christmas traditions.

And what do kids love more than anything  in a book? Flaps. A tidbit of information is found beneath each flap, and the flaps are sturdy enough for all but the smallest hands.

The Christmas Wish by Lori Evert

The Christmas Wish tells the story of Anja, a Nordic child who has long dreamed of being one of Santa's elves. 

Anja leaves a note for her family, straps on her skis, and sets out on her journey to find Santa and join his elves.

Along the way she encounters a bird, horse, musk ox, polar bear, and reindeer, all of whom help her find her way to Santa.

The illustrations will give your child a chance to see the dress and countryside of a culture unlike their own.

The Spirit of Christmas by Nicky Benson and Jason Cockcroft

Are your kids focused a little too much on receiving rather than giving this year? 

While that's completely normal, the story of Drew, who starts thinking about the other children who might not receive presents on Christmas, provides a great lesson and conversation starter about the spirit of giving during the holidays.

Drew writes a letter to Santa, who responds with a Giving Bag to Drew, allowing him to make all his Christmas wishes come true.

Most if not all of these books should be available at your local library. Start there, and then add the ones your kids are really taken in by to your permanent collection to enjoy year after year.

If you've found some good suggestions in this list, be sure to join Kids Party Characters on Facebook, where we share daily updates including our best tips and strategies for raising happy and healthy kids.

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