30+ Best Books for Kids to Read This December
Reading books is one of our favorite ways to learn new things. We love diving into a great book together because it’s an easy way to connect and feed Emily’s natural curiosity. Great books create learning opportunities for kids of all ages.
Whether you are sharing picture books at bedtime or snuggling up with the perfect December read-aloud, there are always benefits to reading with the whole family. That’s why I’ve compiled this list with more than 30 books for December. These are books you can read together or independently all month long.
Don’t forget to grab the helpful printable list you can take to the library or bookstore as you search for new titles. Choosing books for the season or upcoming holidays is an easy way to encourage reluctant readers and get kids invested in reading this December. I like books with interesting characters, fascinating plots, and exciting new places! No matter what you like to read about, there’s something on this December book list you’ll love.
The Best Books For Every Month This Year!
Are you searching for books that will inspire your whole family to love reading? I promise these December books will spark your child’s imagination and help them fall in love with reading.
Keep reading to discover more than 30 fun picture books, charming chapter books, and interesting graphic novels to cozy up with this December. Then, grab your own printable December book list and use it to find your next favorite book at the library or bookstore.
30+ December Books for Kids of All Ages
You’ll find books for kids of all ages in this December book list. With more than 30 titles, I know there’s something for every reader. Check out books that teach geography, introduce historical figures, take you on amazing adventures, and make you laugh out loud!
A Child is Born by Margaret Wise Brown
Our favorite nativity picture book for December is Margaret Wise Brown’s A Child is Born. This book features lyrical verses that are fun to read and make it easy for kids of all ages to remember the story.
The painted illustrations by acclaimed artist Floyd Cooper are stunning! It’s also one of very few Christmas nativity books depicting a non-white baby Jesus.
A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World by M. E. Furman
This is one of our favorite December picture books! A World of Cookies for Santa by M. E. Furman follows Santa on a tasty trip around the world to sample the treats in every country. With fun recipes and heartwarming illustrations, you can travel the world and discover how Christmas is celebrated in other cultures from Asia to South America.
Then, dive deeper with Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World, our holiday unit study featuring geography lessons, recipes, and hands-on activities to go with the book. It’s a fun way to learn and make memories together this Christmas.
Bindi and the Bodhi Tree by Ramakrishna Michaels
December isn’t just the month of Christmas. Many other important holidays are happening this month too.
For example, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day on December 8. This holiday commemorates the enlightenment of Buddha. In Ramakrishna Michaels’ book Bindi and the Bodhi Tree, families can explore Bodhi Day and learn about Buddhism together this December.
Christmas Day in the Morning by Pearl S. Buck
Christmas Day in the Morning written by Pearl S. Buck and illustrated by Mark Buehner is a classic Christmas picture book you won’t want to miss. Originally published in 1955, it’s easy to see why this classic stands the test of time. Pearl S. Buck is the Nobel Prize-winning author of more than 100 children’s books and Mark Buehner’s acclaimed illustrations bring this story about the true meaning of Christmas to life for generations.
Krampus: A Holiday Message by Johnny DePalma
Have you heard of Krampus? He’s part of a very old German tradition and folktale. Krampus is Saint Nicholas’s half-goat half-man counterpart and he’s fascinating!
If you’re looking for a December picture book that’s a little bit different, don’t miss Krampus: A Holiday Message by Johnny DePalma. The illustrations, done by Kyle Brown, are top-notch. It’s an excellent read for families who want to learn more about holiday traditions around the world.
Lucia Morning in Sweden by Ewa Rydaker
In Ewa Rydaker’s book, Lucia Morning in Sweden, everyone is getting ready for the Swedish holiday of Lucia Day on December 13. This beautiful picture book tells the story of Saint Lucia through the eyes of Swedish children. It’s a marvelous way to experience the celebration in your very own living room this December.
The book includes sheet music, recipes, and sewing patterns for traditional costumes, saffron buns, ginger snaps, and holiday songs. One of the most beloved and celebrated traditions of the Swedish people, Lucia Day indicates that Christmas is getting close.
Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. It’s also known as the Festival of Lights. This year, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 25.
Celebrate the Festival of Lights and learn about Jewish traditions in the picture book Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon. Oskar, a young immigrant boy from Nazi Germany receives small acts of kindness as he explores New York City in this timeless heartwarming story. It’s easy to see why this book was chosen as the winner of the National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature in 2015.
Nutcracker by E. T. A. Hoffman
In this fantastic version of the classic ballet, author E. T. A. Hoffman and illustrator Maurice Sendak have created a beautiful holiday story for generations. Nutcracker brings the ballet to life with illustrations taken straight from the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker. It’s an intriguing story that will quickly become a favorite December book.
Talking Eagle and the Lady of Roses: The Story of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe by Amy Córdova
The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is commemorated every year on December 12. That’s when millions of pilgrims make their way to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico to sing her happy birthday at midnight.
In this story written by Amy Cordova, Juan Diego meets the beautiful lady on a hilltop in December and carries her message to the bishop. Everyone will love reading Talking Eagle and the Lady of Roses: The Story of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe this December.
The Baker’s Dozen by Aaron Shepard
It’s easy to see why Aaron Shepard’s book The Baker’s Dozen is a bestseller. It’s an inspiring tale about Saint Nicholas Day, a Catholic holiday celebrated on December 6. Saint Nicholas is the man behind the legend of Santa Claus.
If you’re searching for a Christmas read-aloud with beautiful illustrations and folklore, don’t miss this book. It’s about a baker who makes beautiful Saint Nicholas Day cookies and a mysterious old woman who curses his business. Grab this book to find out if Saint Nicholas can save the baker’s business and teach him an important lesson too.
The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman
In The Eight Knights of Hanukkah, Leslie Kimmelman crafts a humorous and moving story with wordplay and Hanukkah magic. Galia Bernstein’s illustrations for this fun holiday book will appeal to fantasy fans everywhere.
The whole kingdom has gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, but a wicked dragon won’t stop interrupting the party. Can the Eight Knights of Hanukkah save the celebration? Find out in this whimsical Sydney Taylor Notable book.
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola
How did poinsettias become the flower of Christmas? Find out in The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie de Paola. This December picture book featuring Tomie de Paola’s iconic art and masterful storytelling will quickly become a favorite in your family too.
Then, learn more about the poinsettia and other Christmas symbols in our 12 Days of Christmas Symbols holiday unit study. It’s the perfect companion for this December book.
The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg
The Polar Express by Chris van Allsburg is a must-read picture book for December. The illustrations and story are a beloved Christmas tradition! This book is full of holiday magic from hot chocolate to jingle bells and golden tickets.
The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco
If you love Patricia Polacco as much as I do, you won’t want to miss this December book! The Trees of the Dancing Goats is a moving Hanukkah tale the whole family will enjoy.
Experience Hanukkah traditions with Trisha, a young girl who loves her Babushka’s potato latkes and her Grampa’s hand-carved animals but still hopes for a Christmas tree like her neighbors. Then, one day, Trisha realizes her living room is filled with trees: the carved animals her Grampa makes. The book, based on Patricia’s cherished childhood memories, is a perfect December read-aloud.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
If you’re searching for a chapter book to read this December, may I suggest a classic? A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a timeless tale that has helped to shape the way we celebrate Christmas for generations. Meet the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future together this month as you read about Ebenezer Scrooge and the true meaning of Christmas.
Then, keep the learning going with A Christmas Carol Novel Study featuring engaging lessons for kids of all ages and hands-on activities to help you “keep Christmas all year long.” Kids can even design their own updated cover of this classic holiday novel!
A Donut in Time: A Hanukkah Story by Elana Rubinstein
The Saralee Seigel book series by Elana Rubinstein follows a girl with a super nose who can smell everything. The series has four books that all take place during important Jewish holidays. A Donut in Time: A Hanukkah Story is the third book in the story and it sends Saralee back in time for a Hanukkah adventure she’ll never forget!
Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning by William Joyce
Santa Claus and the Nativity story dominate the Christmas season, but they aren’t the only stories to explore this winter. William Joyce’s novel Jack Frost: The End Becomes the Beginning is the 5th book in his series The Guardians all about magical guardians of childhood like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. This December, finish the journey with Jack Frost as he embarks on one final quest from Father Time.
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R Tolkien
If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, you should definitely add Letters from Father Christmas to your December reading list. This festive book features letters and illustrations created by Tolkien for his children. Every December, he would send them an envelope stamped from the North Pole, a letter in special handwriting with beautiful sketches from Father Christmas.
Nicholas: The Epic Journey from Saint to Santa Claus by Jeremy Seal
Nicholas: The Epic Journey from Saint to Santa Claus by Jeremy Seal is an elegantly written, idiosyncratic biography of Santa Claus, beginning with his origin in Turkey to his current role as Santa Claus, the symbol of Christmas. This fascinating story is full of history, geography, and world cultures for families to explore and learn together this December.
Nutcracked by Susan Adrian
If you love the Nutcracker ballet and you’re a fan of mystery, add Nutcracked by Susan Adrian to your December reading list. Adrian weaves together the classic ballet with a totally new story about the magical Nutcracker prince.
Rachel Friedman and Eight Not-Perfect Nights of Hanukkah by Sarah Kapit
Another Hanukkah chapter book we’re loving is Rachel Friedman and Eight Not-Perfect Nights of Hanukkah by Sarah Kapit. It’s the second book in the Rachel Friedman series featuring a Jewish heroine for first through fourth graders. Read along as Rachel works to restore the joy of Hanukkah in spite of her brother Aaron’s “Hanukkah humbug” attitude.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
If you haven’t read Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, you definitely should! It’s easy to see why this Christmas story has been a favorite for generations once you meet the Herdmans.
This fun December chapter book will teach kids the true meaning of Christmas in a fun and sneaky way. Dive deeper with our Best Christmas Pageant Ever Novel Study for even more holiday fun together.
The Festival of Lights: 16 Hanukkah Stories by Henry Herz
The Festival of Lights is an anthology of Hanukkah stories compiled by Henry Herz. It’s ideal for children in third through seventh grade. Jewish authors have written all of the stories and poems in this book encompassing a range of experiences. Readers of all faiths can learn so much about history, culture, and empathy as they read about the magic of Hanukkah in this anthology.
Kids can read about Jewish family recipes, code breakers in England during WWII, and Jewish refugees. The stories connect families and friends across faiths and through time. The Festival of Lights is truly illuminating.
The Grumpus: And His Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan by Alex T. Smith
Do you know what a grumpus is? Alex T. Smith’s book The Grumpus: And His Dastardly, Dreadful Christmas Plan is the perfect chapter book for kids who love grinchy characters. In this book, a character that’s a little bit Krampus and a little bit Grinch learns the true meaning of Christmas. Kids will love the illustrations and hilarious Grumpus antics in this December book!
The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer
The Light at Tern Rock by Julia L. Sauer is a classic and a Newberry Honor-winning book. It’s about a boy named Ronnie and his aunt who are forced to spend Christmas tending the lighthouse at Tern Rock. It’s a moving story for upper-elementary and middle-grade readers.
Graphic novels make it easy to explore different mediums for storytelling. They’re an excellent choice for reluctant readers and quirky learners because they appeal to every learning style.
Graphic novels help kids learn to identify context clues and literary devices like onomatopoeia, helping them develop critical reading skills. Check out some of our favorite graphic novels for December and add them to your TBR list this month.
8 Tiny Reindeer by Robert Tinkler
Imagine Santa’s whole operation is automated. Machines make toys, drones bring the presents, and Santa releases the reindeer into the wild. That’s the premise for Robert Tinkler’s imaginative new graphic novel, 8 Tiny Reindeer. It’s the perfect December book for Advent with a chapter each day leading up to Christmas.
Buddha: An Enlightened Life by Kieron Moore
Buddha: An Enlightened Life by Kieron Moore brings the historical and religious figure to life just in time for Bodhi Day. This graphic novel is a whole new way for middle school readers to learn about Buddhism this December.
Shield of the Maccabees: A Hanukkah Graphic Novel by Eric A Kimmel
Eric Kimmel’s graphic novel, Shield of the Maccabees: A Hanukkah Graphic Novel is an adventurous new twist on the classic story of the Maccabee family. In this story, two friends find themselves on opposite sides as the Jews and the Greeks fight in Judea. This is a great Hanukkah book for neurodivergent readers in third and fourth grade.
The Elves and the Shoemaker: A Grimm Graphic Novel by Martin Powell
Enjoy a fun twist on the Grimm Brothers’ classic December story of the elves and the shoemaker in Martin Powell’s graphic novel retelling, The Elves and the Shoemaker: A Grimm Graphic Novel from Graphic Spin. Kids ages eight and up with enjoy this graphic novel tale about what happens when a shoemaker and his wife discover magic elves in their shop.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by Natalie Andrewson
The classic Nutcracker story is made over in Natalie Andrewson’s graphic novel, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. This book features the classic story by E. F. A. Hoffman with vibrant modern illustrations from Andrewson. It’s a fun new way to bring the story to life for the whole family this December.
More December Learning Activities
Discover even more fun learning activities in our bundle of December Homeschool Printables That Are Absolutely FREE! These printables and activities are portable no-prep ways to take learning on the go if you’re traveling for the holidays.
Do you have a favorite December book that’s not on the list? Check our list of Christmas Fun to find more books. Then, share your favorites in the comments.
We loved the book study of the Christmas Carol last year. Will you be doing any more?
We finished Charlottes Web and are currently reading the Giver.
I am putting the final touches on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever right now (it will release 11/25). And yes I have more novel studies on my to do list, we love them too!