Unwrap Joy with These 50+ Christian Christmas Books for Kids

The First Christmas Lift-A-Pop by Holly Berry-Byrd

Share the story of the first Christmas with your little one as Mary and Joseph travel to the town of Bethlehem where baby Jesus is born. This board book is perfectly sized for little hands and fingers to open and close the flaps and its chunky, sturdy flaps are extra strong so your little one can open and close the durable pop-outs repeatedly.

Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck

The gentle beauty of the story of the first Christmas is now available as a board book. With a simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is perfect for the youngest child to be a part of the wonder of the Nativity.

Who Is Coming To Our House by Joseph Slate

As Pig makes room, Lamb cleans up, Goose stacks the hay, and Duck lines the crib with eider, Mary and Joseph are on their way by donkey. All the animals are eager to welcome the baby Jesus to their home.

“Who is coming to our house?”

Someone, someone,” says Mouse.

J is for Jesus by Crystal Bowman

Everyone loves a candy cane-but it’s easy to overlook the meaning of this familiar Christmas tradition in all the hustle and bustle of the season. This sweet story reminds little ones that the candy cane represents Jesus’ birth and the gospel message too.

The Story of Christmas by Patricia Pingry

Here is the story of the Nativity told simply enough for a toddler to understand. From the Annunciation by the angel through Jesus’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the journey of the wise men, the Christmas story is presented in its most traditional form. Vibrant illustrations are paired with classic text to bridge the connection between the biblical story of Jesus’s birth and today’s Christmas celebration.

M Is For Manger by Crystal Bowman

As children turn the pages and follow the letters of the alphabet, the events surrounding the birth of Jesus unfold before their eyes.

The story is told in chronological order, helping young minds understand how and where Jesus was born. They will learn why Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem and how so many of the events of Jesus’ birth fulfilled prophecies in the Bible.

Bible verses are included with every letter so readers will know where the events or prophecies can be found in Scripture.

Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcomb

Does it sound like falling snow or a kiss on your cheek? Ellie Holcomb explores this question through a delightful collection of Christmastime scenes, leading up to the discovery that joy sounds like the angels singing that Jesus had been born.

God Bless Our Christmas by Hannah Hall

This is a rhyming holiday celebration every little one will love. The sweet story features snuggly snow animal families enjoying all the blessings and traditions of Christmas – especially Jesus, God’s best gift.

The Christmas Story: Brick Bible for Kids by Brendan Powell Smith

Every year, children of all ages revisit the scene in Bethlehem with Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, the angels and shepherds, and the baby Jesus, swaddled and lying in a manger. Kids will love seeing the story of Christmas played out using their favorite toys.

Brendan Powell Smith, author of The Brick Bible for Kids series–beginning with Noah’s Ark–creates a magical “brick” world around the simplified text of the Immaculate Conception, the census, the guiding star high above Bethlehem, and the promise one little baby brings to the world.

Itsy Bitsy Christmas by Max Lucado

When Itsy and Bitsy, two charming little mice, hear that a King is coming to Bethlehem, they set off with great enthusiasm to find Him. Along the way, others discourage them saying they are too little and unimportant for any king. Just when Itsy and Bitsy begin to believe they really aren’t big enough for the new King, they learn that Christ the King has indeed come for everyone.

The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund

“Let there be peace on Earth.” A timeless message of how peace can spread from one person to another, ideal for Christmas time, and throughout the year.

Long ago a special child was born, and the animals heard a song of blessing and good will for all the creatures of the earth. But now the birds wonder why no one sings the song anymore. And so they fly far and wide, singing the song of joy and peace. Here is a beautiful story about the powerful role we all play in passing on the timeless message: “Let there be peace. Peace on Earth.”

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson

Mortimer the mouse discovers the family’s nativity scene. He decides to move in and, in turn, moves everyone else out so that he can have the comfy manger all to himself. When he hears the family telling the Christmas Story he learns that the baby in his comfy manger is Jesus. He decides that Jesus deserves his place in the manger and moves everyone back into the nativity scene.

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado

Follow the story of Joshua, a lamb with a crippled leg who feels left out because he can’t run and play like the other lambs. But God has a special plan for Joshua’s life, as He does for all who feel alone. Readers will feel a gentle tug on their hearts as the little lamb’s prayers are answered in an amazing way on Christmas Day.

The Animals Speak: A Christmas Eve Legend by Marion Dane Bauer

Long ago and even today, the story is told of how all the animals in the world, at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, speak. With their newfound power of speech, the animals rejoice at the birth of Jesus, born humbly in a manger and surrounded by animals. Singing in treetops, braying in stables, barking in yards–the animals all rejoice and proclaim, “The Child is come.”

Long Ago On A Silent Night by Julie Berry

Long ago, in a dusty barn, a mother took a child in her arms, wrapped him snug, made his bed in the hay. He was her gift that Christmas Day. There’s no sweeter gift than a life so new. My best gift, little one, is you.

In this poignant and lyrical story the miracle of Christmas and the promise in every new child comes together in a luminous celebration of unconditional love and hope.

Christmas Begins With Christ by Gina Kirkland

This rhyming concept book introduces how Jesus is always in our lives. Beautiful illustrations show Christ’s supportive spiritual light around us. When we share God’s light through acts of love and joy, it creates a ripple effect. Children will learn their numbers by counting how happiness grows from the true spirit of Christmas.

A Savior Is Born: Rocks Tell The Story of Christmas by Patti Rokus

This unique and unforgettable picture book uses rock art and simple text to tell the story of the miracle of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. Through the arrangement of a few rocks and powerful words directly from Scripture, the entire Christmas story is told in A Savior Is Born: Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas.

Small Camel Follows The Star by Rachel W. N. Brown

Wise Balthazar is going on an important journey; he is following a brilliant star and looking for a baby king! Small Camel and his mother are going, too, and Small Camel is carrying a special bundle tied to his hump. What is in the bundle?

Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt

“When my mother, Angela, was six years old, she felt sorry for the Baby Jesus in the Christmas crib….” 

Six-year-old Angela looks at the naked baby Jesus in her local church in Limerick, Ireland, circa 1912, and thinks he looks cold. She wonders why his mother, or one of the shepherds, doesn’t put a blanket over him. She decides to take him to her bedroom and wrap him in her own blanket. The journey home is a bit difficult and when the disappearance is discovered, the whole parish is very, very upset. But Angela does carry the baby back to church, and all turns out well.

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Steigemeyer

This picture book presents a shortened, somewhat fictionalized version of the life of Saint Nicholas, explaining that Nicholas was a servant of God and that, through him, God’s love was reflected to others. The story touches on the ministry of Nicholas and his generous gift of a dowry to three young girls as a response to God’s love in Jesus. And it brings application to our own lives as we, too, respond with grateful hearts to God’s great gift of love to us.

Combining museum-quality artwork and family-friendly language, this book clearly articulates how God showered His love upon us through Christ and helps children see that our own gift-giving is a grateful response to the sacrificial gift of God’s Son.

A Baby Born In Bethlehem by Martha Whitmore Hickman

This beautiful retelling of the traditional Nativity story captures all the drama and joy, beginning with the angel’s amazing announcement to Mary.

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Little Cub asks who invented Christmas and Mama’s answer only leads to more questions. “Is God more important than Santa?” So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama’s gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that Jesus is the best present of all.

This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

A Fruitcake Christmas by Max Lucado

It’s Christmastime in the garden and Hermie and his friends are hustling and bustling to prepare for the big day. But more than anything, they all eagerly anticipate the crowning moment of the holiday season: the arrival of Grannypillar’s scrumptious fruitcake. Suddenly Christmas is hijacked when Iggy and Ziggy Cockroach – the meanest, greediest bugs in the garden – steal Grannypillar’s fruitcake. How will Christmas survive?! But deep in the hearts of the garden’s youngest, the true meaning of Christmas shines. Hailey and Bailey, through an act of unheard generosity, together remind the garden that the celebration of Christmas is nothing about fruitcake, but about God’s gift to us all, through His Son, Jesus.

The Missing Christmas Treasure by Gale Sears

Gather young ones around to enjoy this delightful rhyme of one child’s search for his favorite Christmas treasure. Could it be something yummy to eat or something warm to wear? Is it outside with the snowman or up in the pear tree or in Santa’s sack? Children will love the guessing game that concludes when the boy finally finds the treasure and fits its pieces together, creating a beloved scene that brings comfort, joy, and the true meaning of Christmas to his heart, a scene that will do the same thing to you as well.

Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer

We’ve all heard the story of the three wise men who brought their gifts to Baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. Humphrey has lost his blanket and schemes to acquire a new one. When the party reaches its destination, Humphrey is so drawn to the love surrounding Baby Jesus that he finds himself selflessly giving his new blanket to the Christ child. 

This Is The Stable by Cynthia Cotten

This Is a Stable is a retelling of the Nativity. Wondrous things are happening in this humble little stable. The animals are gathering round. Shepherds and wise men and angels are coming from afar. All of them are flocking to see the Christ child, born this night in Bethlehem.

Twas the Evening of Christmas by Cynthia Cotten

‘Twas the Evening of Christmas echoes the familiar language and rhythm of Dr. Clements’ ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, but instead of focusing on Santa, it focuses on the baby Jesus, who is, after all, the true hero of Christmas. All families will delight in this simple retelling of the most famous story ever told. With a cover that comes alive with foil and sculpted embossing, this book is sure to become a Christmas classic.

The Legend of St Nicholas by Dandi Daley Mackall

The Legend of St. Nicholas tells the story of a man who spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.

Readers will learn:

• How to become cheerful givers by learning about the original St. Nicholas
• Christmas traditions from other countries across the world
• How to embody the spirit of giving all year long

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell

In the stable next to an inn, Kind Ox is just settling in for the night when Old Dog comes into the stable. Kind Ox makes room for Old Dog, who in turn makes room for Stray Cat, who then makes room for Small Mouse. Each time, the larger animal says to the small, “There’s always room for a little one here.” Finally, Tired Donkey comes by, carrying Joseph and Mary, who asks “Where will my child be born?” Kind Ox replies, “There is always room for a little one here.” And so, Jesus is born in the stable with the animals all around Him.

A Birthday Party for Jesus by Susan Jones

This book is a heartwarming reminder to children that Christmas isn’t about Santa or asking for presents; it’s about celebrating Jesus’s birthday. This inviting, full-color, illustrated picture book tells a story of forest animals preparing for a big and exciting event. Each page provides another clue to young readers that somewhere in the forest, one special animal knows the true meaning of Christmas and wants to share it with the rest of his forest friends.

By the final page of the story, kids will better understand that the greatest joy of the Christmas season is in celebrating the life of Jesus with their family and community.

Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Families will treasure this fresh perspective on the nativity for years to come. Beautifully illustrated and told from the perspective of the animals and all creation, Song of the Stars explores the joy, excitement, and celebration of creation and the coming of Jesus.

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

One dark November night, a stranger rides into a small prairie town. Who is he? Why has he come? The townspeople wish he were a doctor, a dressmaker, or a trader. Then a young girl named Lucy befriends the newcomer. When he reveals his identity and shares with her the legend of the candy cane, she discovers fulfillment of her wishes and the answer to her town’s dream. Now will she share what she has learned?

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

With gentle, lyrical text and heartwarming illustrations Christmas in the Barn introduces young readers to the story of the first Christmas.

The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell

A long, long time ago so long that it’s hard to imagine God promised a new King. He wasn’t any ordinary king, like the ones we see on TV or in books. This King would be different. He would be a new King; a rescuing King; a forever King! 

This book helps children discover exactly how God kept His Christmas Promise.

Lift The Flap Nativity by Alison Mitchell

With flaps to open on every page and surprises under each one, children will delight to discover the events leading to Jesus’ birth. The charming text and illustrations bring the nativity to life.

The Last Straw by Frederick Thury

Everyone has heard the Christmas story before, but The Last Straw is a unique and unforgettable new telling. Voices roll across the desert sands to Hoshmakaka, a curmudgeonly old camel, whispering that he has been chosen for the great responsibility of carrying gifts to the new baby king. With reluctance, Hoshmakaka accepts his task.

Every day in the heat crossing the desert his pack grows ever more burdensome as the crowds of people, anxious to welcome the new king, give him their gifts to carry. He is as strong as ten horses as he proudly tells the younger camels. But, oh, his gout! Oh, his sciatica! Nevertheless, Hoshmakaka plods on until he reaches Bethlehem. In the end he realizes the great honor of his task and never again is there a burden too heavy for him to carry.

The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park

The three wise men, or the three kings, are familiar figures in the Christmas tradition. In The Third Gift we meet a boy who is learning his father’s trade; a man who gathers resin from certain trees; a merchant in the marketplace; and three strangers in brightly colored robes who are shopping for a gift for a baby. This simple, moving tale of ordinary people involved in an extraordinary event brings new resonance to the well-known gift list of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Jesus Storybook Bible: A Christmas Collection by Sally Lloyd-Jones

This picture book not only highlights the significance of the Nativity and reaffirms the spiritual meaning of God’s most precious gift, it does what few other Christmas or Advent books do. It shows that even the Old Testament stories pointed to a Rescuer. It is a complete celebration of the holiday season, which doesn’t end on Christmas morning with Jesus’s birth.

Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas by Sarah Young

Shares the Christmas story with your children by starting at creation and showing that Jesus has always been present and that God has always had a plan for Christmas. Each page features Bible verses and Jesus Calling devotions as it explores the true meaning of the nativity story.

The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

As Mr. Butterfield carves a Jesse Tree in an old dusty church, a curious young boy distracts him, asking about the various symbols on the tree. Against his better judgment, the old man finds himself retelling the familiar Biblical tales that trace the lineage of Christ, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ birth. Under the carpenter’s skilled hands, the Jesse tree grows — and an unlikely friendship begins to take root as well.

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking by Rick Osborne

Peter has saved up for a special boat at the toy shop. But when it looks like his dad won’t be home in time for Christmas with the money his family needs for gifts, he hears the story of how a man named Nicolas secretly gave all his gold to three poor girls. Peter then has to decide what to do with money he’s saved.

Inside the pages of this book you’ll discover:

• How the Christmas stocking was inspired by the life of Saint Nicolas, and why it became a way to give to those in need
• Why giving is better than receiving, and the joy that comes when we give someone a present
• Why we still hang stockings on the mantel today

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He’s thinking about his Christmas list, anticipating holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift—a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others.

On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family’s good deeds. Sam’s parents explain that the things that they’ve been doing for others are, in fact, a gift for Jesus—for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes. Includes a glitter-coated fold-out Sparkle Box!

One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham

This is the story of a mountain boy who is injured in a snowstorm and seeks refuge in a cabin. While he waits out the storm, the woman who lives there tells him the Christmas story. In a magnificent blend of a contemporary setting with the history of God’s redeeming love, Ruth Graham created a wonderful and unique version of the Christmas story.

One Wintry Night is the perfect gift for the young and the young-at-heart that will fascinate both those who have heard the Bible story many times and those who know only a few details.

Christmas Crossroads by Elizabeth Raum

Christmas Crossroads puts you in control of the story as three children set out to visit Jesus on the first Christmas. The trip is perilous, and your decisions shape the outcome. Join your favorite Christmas story characters on an adventure to the City of David. When one journey ends, a new one awaits.

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle. 

Voices of Christmas by Nikki Grimes

Gabriel “paced the halls of heaven” as he memorized God’s message to Mary. He wondered what she would say. The Christmas story unfolds, as never before, through the voices of those who witnessed the Messiah’s birth. Listen to Joseph’s struggle. Rejoice with Elizabeth and Zachariah. Worship with the magi. Hear the fear in Herod’s voice. Receive the blessing of Simeon and Anna. And, like the shepherds, shout for joy!

Home By Another Way by Barbara Brown Taylor

This enchanting Christmas story follows the three wise men on their world-changing journey to Bethlehem. In this beautiful retelling of their adventure, Taylor captures the power of one very special star and gives readers a new perspective on the three wise men and their encounters with King Herod, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. 

Ishtar’s Odyssey by Arnold Ytreeide

Ishtar’s Odyssey follows the ten-year-old son of a Persian wise man as their caravan follows a star across the desert. Ishtar would just as soon stay in the comfort of the palace, but slowly he learns that there’s much to see, do, and learn in this world that can’t be experienced in school. He eventually meets Jotham, Bartholomew, and Tabitha as he follows his father and uncles in their search for a newborn king.

Paper Bag Christmas by Kevin Milne

When Molar Alan and his older brother, Aaron, fill out their Christmas wish lists front and back, the Santa at the mall informs the boys they won’t be getting anything they asked for. Instead, he says, they will receive everything they never wanted. This isn’t your garden-variety Santa, he’s Dr. Chris Ringle, a pediatric oncologist. He enlists the brothers as Santa’s elves at the children’s ward for the holidays.

Each boy is charged with a very special assignment. Aaron will befriend Madhu, a fast-talking boy on an organ transplant list. Though not Christian he has an insatiable curiosity and wants to learn all about the holiday. Madhu is determined to be a wise man in the hospital pageant, despite the objections to his interpretation of the role. 

Molar’s task is considerably harder, as he attempts to help a lonely little girl named Katrina. Katrina’s surgery has left her scarred, and she has shut herself away from everyone. But it is through her that the true spirit of Christmas will touch the lives of all those around her in a way none of them would have foreseen. 

No Room by Peter Riddle

Kindness brings its own rewards, and sometimes more, as the family in No Room discovers when a stray cat appears on their doorstep one snowy Christmas Eve. The oldest boy wants to take the cat in, but there is a problem. “We haven’t got room,” Father said, “for another. We already have seven pets, and your brother.” 

Just before bedtime, the children gather around to hear their father read the beloved Christmas legend about Mary and Joseph being turned away from a crowded inn on the eve of Jesus’ birth. What happens next can only be described as a miracle. 

The Seed of Faith: A Christmas Miracle by Daniel Petronelli

It’s Christmas Eve, and the small foothill village of Shiloh was suffering from a severe drought. Aside from not having water for their crops, the people had no Christmas trees.

A father retells the story to his young daughter that took place forty years ago. A story that no one in the village of Shiloh will ever forget.

This parable of faith chronicles the spiritual journey of a group of young boys who hatched a plan to secretly climb over the mountain in search of a beautiful, living Christmas tree. The did not know that a fearsome blizzard was on its way.