I received a variety of samples for inclusion in this gift guide. Affiliate links are used below. Opinions are my own.
Christmas morning is just not the same at our house without several books wrapped up under the tree. Not only do we devour holiday and winter books at our house during the month of December, I love to use the holidays as an excuse to do some book shopping! Here are some of my favorites to scoop up this holiday season.
Picture Books:
Rufus Goes to School
By Kim T. Griswell
Illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev
In this fun tale Rufus Leroy Williams III really wants to go to school to learn to read. The problem is there are no pigs allowed in school! Rufus must figure out a way to convince the principal that he has what it takes to be a kindergartner. A sweet tale about a tiny pig with really big dreams, this is perfect for any child who loves reading or might be nervous about heading off to school. The illustrations are absolute perfection. It is a new favorite at our house for sure. Rufus goes to school is published by Sterling Children’s Books and can be found at here. ARV $14.95
Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site
By Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
This New York Times Bestseller takes your kids through the construction site as each of the equipment trucks gets ready to turn in for the night. Any vehicle enthusiast will be thrilled to read about their favorite trucks each night as they get ready to go to sleep as well. These illustrations are gorgeous and make this book a must have in any boy or girls library! Chronicle Books offers this timeless book a with or without a personalized dedication page. It can be found here. ARV $16.99-$24.99
Sleep Train, Dream Train
By Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
From the team that brought us Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, comes Sleep Train, Dream Train. The dream train is pulling into the station and the cutest crew of animals is making sure that it is ready for whatever your child’s imagination holds. This bedtime story has the most beautiful illustrations, it is the perfect story for your little conductor. Chronicle books offers a customized version with your child’s photo and personalized dedication that makes this book a keepsake to be treasured for many years. I know this book with my sweet little boy’s photo in the front will always remind me of his train loving years! You can find the personalized and traditional version on their website here. ARV $16.99-24.99
1-2-3 Blast Off With Me! Personalized Book
This cute personalized board book is a must have for your toddler! It is personalized throughout with your child’s name and picture. It uses cute illustrations and text that lets your child practice their letters and counting they read along. My little guy loves to see his face on it’s oages and wants to read it over and over again. Its durable pages unsure that it will last through read after read in beautiful condition. I See Me offers many personalized children’s books here. Visit them on Facebook here. ARV $29.95.
The Emperor’s Nightingale and other feathery tales
By Jane Ray
In this collection of stories author Jane Ray retells 12 classic stories featuring feathered friends. Paired with beautiful illustrations, these stories will take it’s readers to far off lands and introduce them to classics like the Grimm Brothers. You are bound to find a new favorite in this great collection from Sterling Publishing. It is a great for older readers or as a read aloud, perfect for bedtime! You can find it here. ARV $19.95
Winter and Holiday Themed Books:
Brownie Groundhog and the Wintery Surprise
By Susan Blackaby
Illustrated by Carmen Segovia
When Brownie Groundhog decides it is time to snuggle in for winter, Fox has other ideas for his friend. With a little help from their new friend Bunny, Fox plans something for his grumpy, sleepy companion. This cute winter tale is witty and fun to read aloud. It’s story of friendship is sure to delight all readers. Its illustrations are playful and so fun to look at, any kid would love to catch up on Fox’s mischief! Sterling Kids brings this fun book to you here. ARV $14.95
Christmas Eve With Mrs. Claus
By M.P. Hueston
Illustrations by Teri Weidner
Santa is notoriously busy around the holidays, but so is Mrs. Claus! As she hurries around baking treats for everyone, your kids will love to help her find missing items in this fun lift-the-flap book. They will ask you to read this fun holiday story time and time again as you get excited for the holidays together. It’s pages are made of thick heavy cardstock, ensuring the flaps will stay in great shape for a long time to come. Grab this great book from Sterling Kids today here. ARV $12.95
The Gifts They Gave
By Patricia Reeder Eubank
Using a well loved Christmas song, Patricia Reeder Eubank tells the story of the Nativity. Each page is wonderfully illustrated as the animals flock to bring their gifts to the brand new baby Jesus. Patricia added a few new versus so that the song now includes the family cat and dog. My little girl loves to read this book and make the sounds of the animals on each page. Such a great way to familiarize your children with the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. This holiday classic from Sterling Kids is sure to become a fast family favorite. It can be found here. ARV $9.95.