9 Christmas Picture Books - Updated

December 16th, 2024
by Morgan A. Mitchell

Christmas picture books are some of the best books out there. Not only are the stories excellent, but the pictures are beautiful. Below are some of my favorites.

Annika’s Secret Wish

Written by Beverly Lewis, illustrated by Pamela Querin

Annika wants one thing in the whole world – a black pony of her own. And she might have the chance to get it. According to Swedish Christmas tradition, whoever finds an almond in their rice pudding will have their wish come true. But her little brother Davy also has a wish; he wants to walk without a crutch. Who will find the almond and get their wish?

The Story of Holly and Ivy

Written by Rumer Godden, illustrated by Barbara Cooney

A doll wants a girl to love her. Ivy wants a grandmother to care for her. Mrs. Jones longs for a little girl of her own. All think their wish will never come true but they forget there’s always hope during Christmas time ….

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Written by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P. J. Lynch

Widower Jonathan Toomey is the grouchiest woodcarver in the valley. When Widow McDowell asks him to carve a nativity set and let her son Thomas watch, he begrudgingly agrees. But slowly the widow and Thomas warm him up and as the nativity comes together, so does Jonathan’s broken heart.

The Very Best Christmas Ever!

Written by Emilie Barnes, illustrated by Michal Sparks

Emilie Marie and her friends have decided to start a Christmas club so they can share their traditions and celebrate the season together. Part story, part craft book, and all around fun.

The Crippled Lamb

Written by Max Lucado, with Jenna, Andrea, and Sara Lucado, illustrated by Liz Bonham

Max Lucado created this story with his daughters during a game they played together. Joshua is an orphaned, spotted, crippled lamb who has no friends except Abigail the cow. Abigail assures him God has a special place for those who are left out but Joshua doesn’t believe her, especially when he gets left behind by the main herd and forced to spend the night in the stable. Then Mary and Joseph need something to keep the newborn King warm and only Joshua has the answer. One of the most unique and beautiful nativity stories.

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

Written by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Barbara Cooney

It was supposed to be a Christmas Ruthie would never forget, one of the best ever. But Papa’s away at war and this was the year he was supposed to give the village church a Christmas tree. Mama’s determined to get that tree though and one night she and Ruthie set out to find the perfect tree.

The Gift of the Magi

Adapted from the story by O. Henry, illustrated by Robert Sauber

Della is in despair when she finds she only $1.87 to use to buy a Christmas gift for her brother Jim. But she's struck with an inspiration while brushing her hair and sacrifices something she loves in order to buy the perfect gift. Little does she know that Jim is also sacrificing to give her a wonderful Christmas gift. When they each give the other their gifts, they find they've made a hysterical Christmas mistake.

The Legend of the Candy Cane

Written by Lori Walburg, illustrated James Bernardin

When the strange man begins work on a new store, people whisper and wonder what he'll put in. But Lucy is the only one curious enough to offer to help him. While helping him unpack his goods she discovers a strange J-shaped candy she's never seen before. The man explains to her and the readers the symbolism behind the candy cane. Includes a brief history of the candy cane in the back.

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola

Lucida is upset because she does not have a present for the Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. The only thing she can find for Him are a handful of weeds. But when she lays them at the manger, a Christmas miracle happens before her eyes and those of the village.

What are your favorite Christmas books? Tell me in the comments below!

Posted in Recommendations
Posted in Christmas, Books