Books recommended by Rona Sue London of the Ivy Bookshop.
There’s nothing better than sitting in front of a fire (or space heater) with a great book—and the holidays are an especially magical time to get lost in a wonderful story. Whether you’re flipping pages on the first night of Hanukkah, reading around the Christmas tree or simply skimming on a snow day, these festive finds will make any December delightful.
Holly Jolly Holiday Tip: These books are also an awesome way to introduce your children to holiday traditions different from their own.
Board Books (ages 0-2)
Hanukkah Delight! by Leslaa Newman
Learn about traditional Hanukkah rituals with a family of friendly bunnies.
My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz
This adorably illustrated book introduces the seven days of Kwanzaa.
The Itsy Bitsy Reindeer by Jeffrey Burton
A cheery Christmas-themed take on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Little Snowman: Finger Puppet Book
by ImageBooks
There’s nothing more fun than finger puppets—except maybe snow!
Picture Books (ages 2-6)
Yitzi and the Giant Menorah by Richard Ungar
Young Yitzi saves the day in this beautifully illustrated book.
Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa
by Donna L. Washington and Shane W. Evans
Can L’il Rabbit help poor Granna Rabbit enjoy Karamu?
The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story
by Kallie George and Stephanie Graegin
When Santa accidentally drops a toy from his sleigh, it’s up to four forest animals to deliver it.
Waiting for Snow
by Marsha Diane Arnold and Renata Liwska
Badger seriously can’t wait for the first snow to fall…but it’s certainly taking its time.
Early/Middle Readers (ages 6-12)
Dreidels on the Brain by Joel Ben Izzy
Twelve-year-old magician Joel is desperate to understand what’s just so “magical” about Hanukkah.
A Year Full of Stories: 52 Classic Stories from All Around the World
by Angela McAllister
This collection features a story for every week of the year—including holiday-themed December stories.
Giselle the Christmas Ballet Fairy
by Daisy Meadows
Jack Frost is determined to ruin Christmas, but Giselle has a few tricks up her stocking.
Captain Awesome Has the Best Snow Day Ever? by Stan Kirby and George O’Connor
This brand-new edition of Captain Awesome promises tons of snowy fun.
Young Adults (ages 13-18)
The Twelve Days of Dash & Lily
by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
A surprising holiday romance from the authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist.
What Light by Jay Asher
Sierra was raised on a Christmas tree farm, but her holidays are less than ideal—until she meets Caleb.
Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle
Three beloved YA authors present three unforgettable interconnected stories.
My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Various Authors
What’s better than a great holiday story? Twelve great holiday stories from 12 bestselling authors.
