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I know it’s probably time for me to post a book review for adults, but to be honest I’ve really struggled getting into any new books lately! I’m not sure why, but whenever I try to start a book, it doesn’t keep my interest for very long. But what does keep my interest? All of Kennedy’s cute Christmas books! A few of them she already loves, and a few of them she won’t really be able to appreciate until she’s older. But it’s still fun for me and Chris to read them to her now! So without further ado, here’s a list of my favorite Christmas books for babies.

Where is Baby’s Christmas Present?, by Karen Katz

This sweet book is super interactive and Kennedy LOVES lifting the flaps to try to find baby’s Christmas present! There’s a lot of opportunity to name different Christmas items, such as stockings, candy canes and sugar cookies (all items that we have in our house, too). We have loved every book we own by Karen Katz, but this one is particularly cute since it’s Christmas-themed.

Merry Christmas, Little Pookie, by Sandra Boynton

We also love Sandra Boynton books in this household! This one is a sweet little tale of Pookie’s Christmas Eve. It’s short enough to keep Kennedy’s attention the entire time, and the illustrations are simple but well-done. It’s also fun to read, as it’s short and has some good rhymes!

The Itsy Bitsy Reindeer, by Jeffrey Burton

This book is a fresh holiday spin on the classic nursery rhyme, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.” You don’t have to sing it, but it certainly makes it more fun… for both me and Kennedy! This is a short little board book about an itsy bitsy reindeer as he helps Santa’s Workshop get ready for Christmas.

The Night Before Christmas, by Clement C. Moore

This is the classic children’s book that we all grew up with, but it’s a keepsake item, as it’s bound by hand in genuine leather! I love this because it will last for years and years, you could even pass it on to your child one day. We ordered this exact one and keep it out on our coffee table during the holiday season. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and the words give me a sense of calm as I remember them from own childhood.

Biscuit’s Pet & Play Christmas, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Talk about a book that Kennedy is interested in… she is OBSESSED with this one! This little board book has several touch-and-feel elements, including Biscuit’s sweater, a horse’s mane… and even Santa’s beard! I swear that she knows who Santa is because she has looked at his picture and felt his beard so many times in this book. It’s a sweet simple board book that explores some of the joys of the Christmas season.

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert E. Barry

Some of you might remember reading this book as a child… it was originally published in the 1960s! The story is told in a bouncy poetry format, and the illustrations are whimsical and fun. The story is about a Christmas tree that is “shared” quite unexpectedly by a succession of people and animals. The concept is clever and charming, as each of the families finds its “tree” just a little too big for its purposes, and has to chop off the top. I have a feeling this will always be a Christmas favorite in our family.

The Gift Shop Bear, by Phyllis Harris

Kennedy is too young to appreciate this one, but I have a feeling she will love it one day! If you ever had a beloved stuffed animal, then this one will tug at your heart strings – it brings tears to my eyes. I think even Chris was starting to get misty eyed! In this story, Bear watches from his spot in the attic all year long, waiting for the first snowflakes that signify Christmas is coming. At Christmastime, Bear gets to join his special friend, Annie, in the festivities in her grandma’s gift shop. But this year is different – the gift shop is closing and Bear’s future seems uncertain. Will Bear see Annie and Nana again? The heartwarming conclusion guarantee this one to be a Christmas classic every year!

Winter is Here, by Kevin Henkes

This is a great book to introduce winter to your little one! It’s not necessarily a Christmas book, but I find it fitting for December. I really hope we see snow this year so that I can read it on a snow day with Kennedy! It’s quite a big book and the illustrations are beautiful and huge, taking up the entire page. It doesn’t have a ton of words (great for a short attention span), but is really lovely and relaxing to read. It makes winter seem so picturesque and beautiful!

If you have any favorite Christmas books for babies, I’d love to know! I’m always looking to add to our collection. 🙂

xoxo