December Book List: Books for the Winter Holidays

The Little Fir Tree
By Hans Christian Anderson
Illustrated by Christopher Corr
Ages 4-7, Hardcover

Deep in the forest, there lived a beautiful little fir tree who longed to see the world. When the tree is taken to town at Christmas, it feels like all his dreams have come true. But what will happen the day after? Find out in this beautifully illustrated modern retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s festive tale.

When he was surrounded by the splendor of nature, the little fir tree could only think about what he wasn’t and what he didn’t have and couldn’t see. After the initial excitement of venturing out, though, he finds that the world isn’t quite what he expected.

Winter Sleep
By Sean Taylor & Alex Morss
Illustrated by Cinyee Chiu
Ages 5-7, Hardcover

In this cozy bedtime story, follow a child and his grandma through a winter landscape to explore how the Earth goes to sleep for winter. Spot the sleeping animals as the tale unfolds, then learn about their hibernation habits from the information pages at the end.

Wish
By Chris Saunders
Ages 4-6, Hardcover

Rabbit cannot decide what to wish for, so he asks his friends Mouse, Fox and Bear what they would do if they had a wish. Being selfless and kind, Rabbit grants all three wishes to his friends. They are so grateful for his kindness and generosity, they share their wishes with him.

Silent Night
By Lara Hawthorne
Ages 3-6, Hardcover

Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world’s best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory – from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels – as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread. The world’s diversity is reflected in a cast of characters with a range of skin tones. A gorgeous book for all the family to share during the festive season.

Great Polar Bear
By Carolyn Lesser
Ages 4-7, Hardcover

Learn how this impressive animal thrives in one of the harshest — and imperiled — environments in the world. Carolyn Lesser also makes her illustrative debut in Great Polar Bear, using collage to capture the bear hunting, swimming, and playing in the far north. Great Polar Bear is a stunning one-on-one reading and sharing title.

Let It Glow: A Winter’s Walk
By Owen Gildersleeve
Ages 3-5, Hardcover

Celebrate the holiday season with this book featuring real lights that glow with every turn of the page.

Set in a winter wonderland, follow one child on his journey home through a snowy landscape. Lights are revealed by die-cuts throughout, becoming lit-up shop windows, carol singers’ candles, stars in the sky and finally a star on the tree. Told in verse, this gift book will bring the magic of Christmas into everyone’s home.

Christmas in 100 Words
By Sophie Beer
Ages 0-3, Board Book

From decorating the tree to Christmas dinner and candy cane to sleigh, this charming book introduces a range of different holiday scenes and objects. Along with the seasonal items, each scene contains one feeling word and one action word to spot, such as cheerful and ice skating – color-coded circles point them out. With a glitter-accented cover that adds visual and tactile interest, this fun book inspires a deeper knowledge of the world, introduces language skills and supports emotional intelligence.