Favorite Children’s Books for Christmas and Winter

Written by Lori Toney, English teacher, educational writer and mother of three school children

When the kids are home from school and the snow is falling outside, there’s just something magical about curling up on the couch with a good book. And what better way to share the cozy, wintertime vibes than by reading winter-themed books with your children? This holiday season, make precious new memories with your kids by stocking up on Christmas, New Year, and wintertime children’s titles that are perfect for ages 3-7. And when reading doesn’t have to end for the night, turn on the TV to watch your child’s favorite tales come to life on the screen. 

Five of Our Favorite Festive Titles

Below are some titles that have become favorites in my family’s household over the years. So, warm up the hot cocoa and keep reading to discover the best books to add to your family’s bookshelf:

1. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems

Who doesn’t love the adorable pigeon in many of Mo Willems’s popular books? These were always a hit with my children, who loved the friendly humor, easy-to-read speech bubbles, and of course, The Pigeon’s silly antics.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh is the ninth title in his pigeon series, and naturally, The Pigeon is back, trying to drive Santa’s sleigh and be a part of a magical Christmas miracle. With a funny, well-known character, simple language, and vibrant illustrations, this story is a delight for the youngest readers and listeners.

2. It’s Christmas, David! By David Shannon

Elementary kids are crazy about the No, David! series by David Shannon, whose character is a curious and mischievous, yet lovable little boy who is always getting himself into hilarious situations.

This festive Christmas tale presents David with holiday temptations as he struggles to stay patient while waiting for his gifts. This lighthearted story tackles big, relatable emotions, all while being funny and entertaining.

3. Bear Stays up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

Bears usually hibernate in the winter, but Bear’s friends in this adorable book want to wake and keep him up to experience the magic of Christmas. This beautifully illustrated book features a heartwarming tale of friendship and kindness that children of all ages will love.

4. Pete the Cat: Snow Daze by James Dean

Do you have a budding new reader who would like to read to you? If so, Pete the Cat: Snow Daze is the perfect choice with it being an early reader that can be shared by both adults and elementary-aged kids!

The Pete the Cat series was a favorite amongst all my children, with this title being one of the most memorable. In it, Pete enjoys a day off from school with snowball fights, hot cocoa, and many more exciting, wintertime activities. However, when school is cancelled for too many days in a row, he comes to realize that while snow days are special, he misses his teacher and school. This charming tale teaches kids that all good things are great in moderation.

5. Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller

The holiday season doesn’t only include Christmas, but also New Year’s Day! In this book, Squirrel wants to learn what New Year’s resolutions are and struggles to make her own. So, she travels through the forest to find out, helping her friends along the way with their resolutions before finally coming up with one of her own. 

Best of all, this cute story effectively teaches kids about making and fulfilling New Year’s resolutions through clear, kid-friendly examples and a truly heartwarming tale.

Books with Screen Adaptations

 6. The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats

This well-loved classic and Caldecott Medal Winning book is a longtime favorite of children since 1963. One snowy day, a little boy named Peter walks out of his house and into a winter wonderland. This is timeless tale that perfectly captures the wonder and awe of winter. In addition, it was adapted into a short film, viewable for free with an Amazon Prime membership on Amazon Prime Video.

 7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney

If you have an older child, they likely love or would love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! Cabin Fever is the sixth book in the series, and it follows Greg’s story after he gets in trouble for damaging school property; unfortunately for him, he is trapped at home during the holidays due to a blizzard and must try to avoid punishment all while being stuck at home. This title was also adapted into a short film, which can be viewed with your Disney+ subscription.

With school being out, Kids Academy knows there are bound to be some down time in your child’s daily routine over the next few weeks. In between the holiday books and films, it’s important to keep learners busy with worthwhile activities that are lighthearted, fun, but also educational. Keep your child’s skills sharp using this Interactive Christmas Lesson, which includes a festive song, coloring and tracing pages, and a worksheet on Santa’s fashion sense.

For more educational games, worksheets, and more, head on over to our website at www.kidsacademy.mobi!