4 Holiday Books That Bring Out the Child in All of Us
Whether you’re looking for Christmas picture books, early readers, or heartfelt chapter books, this guide highlights top holiday reads that bring warmth, fun, and festive magic to your home.
A good evening Christmas book brings everyone together — especially when there are a few good laughs mixed in.
Here are a few favourites for different age groups (though honestly, they can all be enjoyed by anyone) to make your family reading time extra special this season.
The Christmas Pig — J.K. Rowling
Aside from being a precious story about a boy and his love for his stuffed pig (DP), this book is packed with emotional depth and meaningful lessons.
The main character doesn’t have an easy time: divorced parents, a move, a stepdad, and a mean stepsister — but he grows through every challenge.
He shows real frustration and vulnerability, and with the help of the people (and toys!) he loves most, he finds a way to heal.
The Christmas Pig has that Polar Express nighttime adventure vibe mixed with the talking toy magic of Toy Story. Love, love, love it!
"Whatever happened to Jack, DP was there, understanding and forgiving, and carrying with him that comforting smell of home, which always came back, no matter how often Mum washed it off."
Ages 9–99.
A Porcupine in a Pine Tree — Helaine Becker & Werner Zimmermann
This Board book is the ultimate stereotypical Canadian sing along!
Everyone will be singing after a few reads. It’s fun, catchy, and the illustrations are spot-on.
I’ve had this book for many years, and it never gets old.
If you enjoy this one, Dashing Through the Snow has that same delightful sing-song humour.
"On the 3rd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: three beaver tails, two caribou and a porcupine in a pine tree!"
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! — Mo Willems
For fans of Mo Willems’ Elephant & Piggie series, this book is a fantastic addition with the same silliness intact.
Your 6 to 7 year old can read it independently, laugh at the jokes, and enjoy the ridiculous illustrations of an argumentative pigeon trying desperately to convince you to hand over Santa’s sleigh.
"Where's the clutch? The steer-y thing? The honker??"
(Would you hand over the sleigh??)
How the Grinch Lost Christmas! — Alastair Heim & Aristides Ruiz
Not to be confused with How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this new release captures the same playful spirit as the original.
The Grinch is invited to join a Christmas tree decorating competition — and of course nothing short of first place will satisfy him.
He has the Christmas spirit… he just hasn’t mastered the art of losing yet (shocking, right?).
When he slips back into his Grinchy ways, Cindy-Lou Who helps pull him back into the holiday cheer.
"His arms started itching. His legs started twitching.
Then both of his eyes started twitching and itching.
And that Christmas-filled heart?
Well, it...
SHRINK,
SHRANK,
SHRUNK!"
These are just a handful of our Christmas favourites — silly, sweet, and guaranteed to get everyone smiling.
So light the tree, grab your coziest socks, and pass the books around already!
Until next time,
Sheila
