Kids Picks
The holidays are magical … and a little bit hectic! Between wrapping paper and cookie crumbs, everyone deserves a quiet moment. A good book can be your ticket to peace, or the perfect gift for someone else. Here are some heartwarming reads to help you soak up the holiday spirit.
Ages 3-5
“Harold Loves His Woolly Hat” by Vern Kousky
Harold the bear adores his woolly hat. It’s his signature look and he wears it everywhere: to school, to bed, even in the bathtub. But when a mischievous crow swoops in and steals it, Harold suddenly feels a little less like himself. Determined to get it back, Harold tries every trick in the book including bribes of berries, worms, and shiny treasures, but nothing works. Then he discovers why the crow needs the hat: It’s keeping a nest of baby crows warm. With gentle humor and tender illustrations, this story reminds readers that who we are matters far more than what we own.
“Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue” by Dev Petty
When Santa catches a terrible cold just days before Christmas, Mrs. Claus insists he take a well-earned tropical break. But someone has to keep things running at the North Pole! Santa taps Elmore the Moose for the job. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out … a lot. The elves are grumpy, the reindeer are restless, and Elmore quickly realizes that saving Christmas isn’t as easy as it looks. Through a flurry of funny letters to Santa, Elmore shares his misadventures and his growing determination to make things right.
Ages 6-8
“Hanukkah Pajamakkahs” by Dara Henry
What’s better than celebrating Hanukkah with family? Celebrating in matching pajamakkahs! When Ruthie unwraps her cozy new pajamas, she instantly falls in love and refuses to take them off for all eight nights of the holiday. But as the latkes fly and the jelly donuts drip, keeping those jammies spotless becomes Ruthie’s biggest challenge yet. Bursting with warmth, laughter, and a generous dash of holiday chaos, “Hanukkah Pajamakkahs” is a hilarious celebration of family traditions and festive fun. Dara Henry’s playful storytelling and the colorful illustrations by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov make this book a delightful read-aloud that perfectly captures the messy, magical spirit of Hanukkah.
“Little Red Sleigh” by Erin Guendelsberger
The “Little Red Sleigh” has a big dream to one day soar through the sky as Santa’s very own sleigh. But everyone around her insists she’s too small, too young, and too ordinary to ever make that dream come true. Refusing to give up, the determined little sleigh sets off on a magical adventure, meeting new friends and discovering that believing in yourself can make even the wildest dreams take flight. With sparkling illustrations and a message as cozy as a cup of hot cocoa, “Little Red Sleigh” captures the wonder and warmth of the holiday season. It’s a timeless tale of courage, friendship, and the magic that happens when you dare to believe!
Ages 9-12
“Let It Glow” by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy
When Aviva Davis and Holly Martin bump into each other at a holiday pageant audition, they can’t believe their eyes because they’re looking right at themselves. The two girls always knew they were adopted, but discovering they’re identical twins is the surprise of a lifetime. Aviva is all flair and ambition, dreaming of Broadway lights, while Holly is a thoughtful storyteller hoping to follow in her grandfather’s literary footsteps. Despite their differences, both are desperate to know more about the other’s life and how each celebrates the holidays. So, in true twin-swap fashion, they decide to trade places for the season. What could possibly go wrong when two near-strangers exchange families, traditions, and holiday plans?
“Juniper’s Christmas” by Eoin Colfer
When 11-year-old Juniper Lane meets a mysterious man living deep in the local park, she’s sure he’s more than he seems … maybe even Santa himself. What begins as a curious encounter soon tumbles into an extraordinary adventure filled with magic, mayhem, and more Christmas spirit than Juniper ever imagined. Along the way, she’s joined by a quirky mix of allies: a neighbor who never stopped believing, a reindeer still finding his wings, and a villain determined to steal Santa’s magic for himself. With Colfer’s trademark wit and warmth, “Juniper’s Christmas” sparkles with heart, humor, and holiday wonder. Paired with lively, festive illustrations, this enchanting tale reminds readers young and old that belief, bravery, and a little bit of magic can make any season shine.
