5 Picture Books To Share With A Child In Your Life This Christmas

Photo by olia danilevich

Whether you are a mom of your own little elf, or you are the relative or friend of one, cuddling up on the couch or on the floor with some cushions in front of the fireplace to enjoy a picture book is one of the sweetest and simplest joys of the Christmas season. 

I’ve been collecting Christmas-themed picture books for my children since they were born, each year adding a book or two. But even a small curation of books can help set the mood for the coming Christmastide, and steer the hearts of our beloved littles, and ourselves, in the direction of generosity, gratitude, and wonder. 

There are many beloved and popular Christmas books out there, such as How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss and The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, but I want to offer a less well-known selection of books to round out your collection.

Below, you’ll find 5 of my family’s favorite, but less commonly known, Christmas books, any of which would also make a special gift for a little one in your life. 

01 | Winter’s Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan

I dare you to read this book and not get teary-eyed. For any horse lover out there, and even those who aren't, this sweet story is about an older gentleman who lives in the country. He recently lost his wife, and along with her, has lost the hope and joy of Christmas. Until, on Christmas Eve in a snowstorm, he discovers a wild horse that has collapsed near his house. He takes it in, and gets a surprise the next morning for Christmas Day that renews his spirit. God sees him at his darkest moment and sends him the perfect gift. 

02 | The Christmas Mouse by Toby Forward

This is a side-by-side retelling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The main characters are mice, while in the background, human Scrooge is depicted in the illustrations also experiencing his most memorable night. Ben, the mouse, has his own Scrooge-ish tendencies, until he is visited by a mouse spirit who leads Ben through a series of situations, opening Ben’s eyes to how his greed and miserly ways have affected others and isolated him from meaningful relationships.

The illustrations in this book are simply gorgeous, with the mice full of life and emotion, and the settings and clothing transporting you to Victorian England. This version rings as true as the original for the reader as to the lessons taught, but with characters that are often more engaging and language more understandable for today’s young kids. 

03 | The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado with Jenna, Andrea, & Sara Lucado

This is a retelling of the story of Jesus’s birth and the nativity, but from the point of view of Joshua, a little crippled lamb. He is left behind and left out, as he can’t keep up with the other lambs. However, one night, when the other lambs are out at pasture and Joshua is left behind in the stable, he awakens to the sound of a baby crying from the cold and the mother, who is looking around for something to keep him warm. Joshua offers himself and his thick wool, as he lies beside the baby to keep him warm. The shepherds then follow the star and return to the stable where they find their own little Joshua, in his very important role of welcoming the new king to earth. Joshua realizes that “God has a special place for those who feel left out.” 

04 | Home for Christmas by Jan Brett

Another wintertime book from the same author and illustrator as The Mitten, Jan Brett brings us the story of a young boy troll who refuses to obey his parents, do his chores, or generally care about others. He decides to leave home and go out on his own, as he’s tired of being asked to help out around the house.

He wanders through the countryside, making himself a nuisance as he looks for food, shelter, and fun by joining up with the local animals. However, he realizes that there’s no place like home, and he returns in time for Christmas, a little wiser and with the desire to be a helper.

What makes this book a real treat is, of course, the illustrations, as with every Jan Brett book. The middle of the pages have intricate and colorful drawings, but also around the edges of every page, the borders themselves are full of extra details and beauty to enhance the story. Take your time and don’t turn the pages too fast as there’s lots to enjoy!

05 | One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham

Written by Billy Graham’s wife, this is a longer picture book at 71 pages, but well worth the time. You could pop some popcorn for your listeners, or read it in a few sittings, but either way, you’ll want to position yourselves where everyone can see the illustrations.

This is the story of a boy who goes on a hike in the mountains nearby, only to get caught in a snowstorm and lost. He finds shelter inside a log cabin where a grandma lives alone. She cares for the boy and gets word out that he’s okay, but as they are snowed in for a while, he stays with her, and in the evenings she tells him the Christmas story.

She starts at the beginning, the very beginning, at creation. She recounts to him stories from the Old Testament, including the promises of a coming Savior. Then comes the story of Jesus’ birth and the events surrounding His miraculous arrival, devastating death, and glorious resurrection.

Besides being a lovely and compelling account of well-known stories from the Bible that will get everyone thinking, the illustrations in this book inspire wonder befitting the magnificence of the stories themselves. This is so much more than a picture book. 

In short…

Hopefully you get the chance to enjoy a few, if not all, of the stories on this list. May your Christmas be one of good company and great books of all kinds.