Children’s Books for the Holiday Season
December is a time for celebration, where many religions and cultures are honoring important holidays. Books are an awesome tool for parents and children alike to explore their own identity or learn about something new.
Here are some diverse books to consider reading with your young children this holiday season. For each book, we included a link to Amazon to purchase. We encourage you to link your account with Amazon Smile, so that a small percentage of your purchases go to a charity of your choice. Once you sign up, you can select the Center for Creative Education for donation.
Kwanzaa Books
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa
Ages 4-8 This Kwanzaa book featuring the kind little rabbit as well as other helpful animals explores the seven principles of Kwanzaa and the true meaning of this important holiday.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3y8JTGb
My First Kwanzaa
Ages 2-5 This simple picture book is designed to introduce young readers to the seven days of Kwanzaa. A little girl takes readers through how her family celebrates the holiday.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3EHfQro
My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa
Ages 6-8 In this festive storybook, Kevin tells us how his family celebrates Kwanzaa. He defines key terms, explores the history of the holiday, and explains how different families celebrate in different ways.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3dwPEE6
Together for Kwanzaa
Ages 3-7 Kwanzaa is Kayla’s favorite time of year. But will a big snowstorm keep her brother, Khari, from getting home in time to celebrate?
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3maDzt5
Seven Spools of Thread
Ages 5-8 This book tells the story of the seven Ashanti brothers who put aside their constant fighting in order to turn spools of thread into gold as a wish of their father who passed away.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3oClB3X
Hanukkah Books
Latke, the Lucky Dog
Ages 4-5 An adorable newly adopted puppy has been rescued from an animal shelter on the first night of Hanukkah and joins all his new family’s celebrations.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3EHceWz
Hanukkah Bear
Ages 4-8 Bubba Brayna makes the best latkes in the village, and on the first night of Hanukkah, the scent of her cooking wakes a hungry, adorable bear from his hibernation. A history section and a recipe for latkes are included in the back of the book!
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3EGIglw
Hanukkah Cookies with Sprinkles
Ages 4-8 When Sara sees a man taking free bruised fruit from the shop, it inspires her to focus on acts of charity (tzedakah). Sara and her family leave their own offerings where the man can find them, including a menorah, candles, and Hanukkah cookies with sprinkles. As they get to know him, he goes from being a poor stranger to a welcome member of their community, with his own gifts to share.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3dCLsTo
A Hanukkah with Mazel
Ages 3-8 Misha, a poor artist, has no one to celebrate Hanukkah with until he discovers a hungry cat in his barn. The lucky little cat, whom Misha names Mazel, inspires Misha to turn each night of Hanukkah into something special.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/31B2qiD
Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas
Ages 4-7 This book about a family with an Indian father and a Jewish mother blends cultural traditions. The story focuses on Sadie, a mischievous little girl whose penchant for climbing might save her family’s holiday.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3ybBuBN
Christmas Books
A World of Cookies
Ages 4-9 This book takes readers around the world to see all the sweet treats that await Santa on Christmas Eve. Recipes are included in the back of the book!
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3oGfuvP
‘Twas Nochebuena
Ages 3-5 This picture book, whose words follow the rhythm of The Night Before Christmas, showcases one Latino family’s Christmas Eve traditions, including making tamales and hanging adornos (decorations) on the wall.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/31LHB3o
Babushka: A Christmas Tale
Ages 4-8 A retelling of the traditional Russian Christmas tale in which an old woman is visited by the three travelers following a star in the East to see the “newborn king.”
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3pNB9l8
The Real Santa
Ages 4-8 One family goes on a journey to discover what Santa really looks like. This book is a celebration of identity, family, and holiday cheer.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3ycuCUx
North’s Pole
Ages 3-9 Santa’s daughter, North, helps Tess the Elf find the job that will be her perfect fit at the North Pole.Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3GuNXTW