Every year, Cracking the Cover compiles a list of books that make great additions to your holiday library. All synopsizes are provided by respective publishers. Scroll down for the complete list or click or tap the following links to directly visit a section BOARD BOOKS • AGES 2 AND UP • AGES 3 AND UP • AGES 4 AND UP • AGES 5 AND UP • AGES 8 AND UP
BOARD BOOK
MERRY CHRISTMAS, SPOT! by Eric Hill, Warne, Oct. 8, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-3)
Spot is so excited to have the best Christmas ever with his friends! All the presents are wrapped up and put under the Christmas tree, but what did everyone get?
Readers will love guessing what each present might be with the interactive flaps that will help train their fine motor skills. This board book will spark curiosity and imagination with the gentle humor and unexpected adventure that made the original Where’s Spot? a children’s classic. —Synopsis provided by Warne
This book is a lovely companion to Where’s Spot. Large flaps are easy to open, and Spot and friends are as cute as ever.
THE CHRISTMAS STAR (PETER RABBIT), by Beatrix Potter, Warne, Oct. 8, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 1-5)
Celebrate the holidays with Peter Rabbit in this sturdy board book. Peter Rabbit and his sisters are getting ready to celebrate Christmas! This board book captures the charming nature of Beatrix Potter’s stories with beautiful illustrations and a tale that fans new and old will enjoy. —Synopsis provided by Warne
This tender picture book has more of a story than most board books, making it appropriate for kids who have moved to standard picture books.
CHRISTMAS CHEER IS EVERYWHERE, by Chronicle Books and Wednesday Kirwan, Chronicle Books, Oct. 8, 2024, Board Book, $10.99 (ages 2-4)
Hide—and find—heartwarming Christmas treats: Just turn the wheel, lift the flaps, and play!
Christmas cheer is everywhere! First, turn the wheel to hide the treat, then lift the flaps to find it in this holiday-themed activity book for curious kids.
An interactive wheel hides Christmas surprises amid a variety of spirited scenes, from the delightfully snowy outdoors to stockings hung by a toasty fire and much more. After the treat is hidden, it’s time to guess where it is. Lift the flap for the reveal in this Christmas board book, then play again and again for heaps of holiday fun. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books
Vintage-style illustrations are paired with spinning wheels and flaps to make this a truly interactive guessing book.
SNOWMEN’S TWELVE NIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner, Dial Books, Oct. 8, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 1-5)
A classic Christmas carol told with a hilarious Snowmen twist, from the New York Times bestselling creators Caralyn and Mark Buehner, now in board book!
The Twelve Days of Christmas has never been funnier or more chaotic as an energetic dog chases an elf, peeking penguins, scolding squirrels, and many more snowmen and creatures up a tree.
With a pitch-perfect and jaunty rhyme and illustrations chockful of fun details, this cumulative book from New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife team Caralyn and Mark Buehner begs to be read (and sung!) aloud over and over again. —Synopsis provided by Dial Books
This take on a Christmas classic is full of fun. Kids will love the idea of snowmen kicking up their heels and playing the night away.
WHERE’S THE REINDEER? by Ingela P Arrhenius, Candlewick Press, Sept. 10, 2024), Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-2)
A brand-new Christmas-themed title in this best-selling series. Five beautiful holiday-themed spreads include a caroler, a snowy owl, an ice-skater, and a reindeer all hiding behind bright felt flaps. With a mirror on the final page, this is the perfect book to share with very little ones. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick Press
This simple, but effective, board book that’s perfect for little hands. The felt flaps add a nice texture that will hold up to a lot of use.
ALL BY MY ELF: A FESTIVE TOUCH-AND-FEEL BOOK, by Jeffrey Burton and Nanette Regan, Little Simon, Sept. 10, 2024, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 2-4)
Little ones help prepare their homes for Santa’s arrival in this festive board book featuring an interactive element on every page, from glitter to felt.
When the Christmas breeze swirls in the air, everyone prepares to bring out their holiday best…even the kids! A cast of eager little helpers get ready for the holidays, from rolling the perfect snowman to frosting gingerbread cookies. This time of year, there’s no such thing as being too young to help! —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
Charming illustrations and different textures are the big draw with this book.
RELISH THE SEASON: A WEENIE BOOK (Weenie Books), by Katie Vernon, Little Simon, Sept. 10, 2024, Board Book, $7.99 (ages 1-4)
A loveable hot dog named Weenie gets ready for Christmas in this laugh-out-loud festive board book sure to be a holiday wiener!
Weenie loves Christmas,
but what’s the merriest part?
Can they pick just one?
Oh where should they start?
Do they play outside in the snow, or snuggle up warm and cozy? Do they wrap presents with gold or silver bowsies? On a night like Christmas Eve, the choices are endless! —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
Kids will love this silly approach to celebrating the season.
KNOCK KNOCK: MERRY CHRISTMAS!: A GOOGLY-EYED JOKE BOOK, by Rob Hodgson, Harry N. Abrams, Sept. 10, 2024, Board Book, $12.99 (ages 3-5)
Knock, knock! Who’s there?
Meet a snowman, a reindeer, an elf, and more in this interactive joke book full of holiday fun. With each knock on the door, join our cat host in asking, “Who’s There?” before turning the page to discover a different googly eyed Christmas guest and their giggle-worthy punchline. This easy-to-follow first joke book is packed with Christmas hilarity sure to make the whole family merry. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
The kid humor in this book is spot-on. Kids will think it’s hilarious and they’ll love the googly eyes.
KWANZAA (CELEBRATE THE WORLD), by Hannah Eliot and Andrea Pippins, Little Simon, Sept. 10, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 2-4)
Learn all about the traditions of Kwanzaa in this board book from the Celebrate the World series, which highlights special occasions and holidays across the globe.
Joyous Kwanzaa! On December 26th of each year, the celebration of Kwanzaa begins. Kwanzaa is an African American and pan-African holiday that honors history, family, values, community, and culture. During this time, families gather, songs are sung, and dances and stories and poetry are performed! This festive board book helps teach even the youngest of readers about the celebration and importance of Kwanzaa. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
This cheerful board book helps even the youngest of readers understand the traditions of Kwanza.
GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE: JINGLE BELLS, by Giles Andreae and Guy Parker-Rees, Cartwheel Books, Sept. 3, 2024, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 0-3)
“Jingle bells, jingle bells, join Gerald as he grooves.
He sways his neck, he shakes his tail,
he high-kicks with his hooves.”
Join Gerald and his festive jingle-jungle friends as they ring the bells this holiday season with Giraffes Can’t Dance: Jingle Bells, based on the beloved Christmas song. Kids of all ages will delight in this magical moonlit rhyme, which includes merry new illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees. Giraffes Can’t Dance: Jingle Bells is ideal for sharing and reading aloud with loved ones at Christmas. —Synopsis provided by Cartwheel Books
Kids will love acting out this rhythmic Christmas book. From the music to the dance moves, it’s a delight for kids and adults alike.
AGES 2 AND UP
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS, by Julianna Swaney, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 2 and up)
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year . . .
We unbox our decorations, unwrap ornaments and hang them. . . .
We’ll make this a shining Christmas, and a twinkly new year.
We dash home to bake our cookies then top them with yummy frosting,
Let’s share some with all our neighbors and a song while we’re here!
Inspired by the beloved song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” this heartwarming story of a family celebrating treasured holiday traditions will bring good cheer to readers of all ages. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Inviting illustrations and gentle text take readers through traditional holiday activities.
CLIFFORD’S CHRISTMAS, by Norman Bridwell, Scholastic Inc., Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $12.99 (ages 2-4)
Celebrate Christmas with Clifford the Big Red Dog in this beautiful hardcover edition of a holiday classic — featuring red fur and shiny foil on the cover!
Clifford and Emily Elizabeth are counting the days until their favorite holiday — Christmas! They build snowmen, decorate a Christmas tree, and hang their stockings. When Christmas Eve arrives, will Clifford get to meet Santa Claus? —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Inc.
You can’t go wrong with Clifford. The big red dog has been a mainstay since 1963, and this holiday adventure is in keeping with the stories everyone loves.
AGES 3 AND UP
SANTA’S FIRST CHRISTMAS, by Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith, Viking Books for Young Readers, Oct. 22, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time. —Synopsis provided by Viking Books for Young Readers
This tale will encourage little ones to involve everyone in the Christmas celebrations. It’s a great answer to the question, How does Santa celebrate?
WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT, by Jane Yolen, Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Jieting Chen, Rise x Penguin Workshop, Oct. 8, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-6)
A celebration of seven different winter holidays observed in the US and the traditions that unite them all.
Diwali, Solstice, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, and Lunar New Year are visually depicted in turn, accompanying a stunning, read-aloud text that speaks of the traditions that link them all together. The warm yet accurate imagery is explained in simple secondary text on each spread, and further in the backmatter. Beloved author Jane Yolen and daughter, author Heidi Stemple, have crafted a loving and poignant story with true reverence for our shared traditions of celebrating light, love, food, and family. An empowering, informative, and inclusive holiday book for families of all traditions. —Synopsis provided by Rise x Penguin Workshop
This book offers basic, but enlightening, information about seven different holidays. They are connected through light and family. It’s a great way to celebrate similarities.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, ZOO, by Lola M Schaefer, Lisa Eickholdt, Laura Watkins, Chronicle Books, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-5)
It’s Christmas at the zoo, and all the animals are in for a spectacular holiday surprise! Inspired by real events (yes, some zookeepers create a holiday experience for the animals!), this spirited holiday picture book takes young readers on a magical journey behind the scenes of a zoo as Santa and his helpers prepare to surprise the elephants, tigers, hippos, and more.
It’s the night before Christmas
and all through the zoo,
we’re working nonstop—
there’s so much to do!
Narrated in playful rhyming text inspired by the classic ’Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, this delightful, illustrated children’s book is sure to bring holiday cheer with its open-hearted celebration of creativity, generosity, and the zoo animals we love. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books
Inspired by The Night Before Christmas, Merry Christmas, Zoo gives kids get a behind-the-scenes look at preparations. This is a good option for kids who love animals.
SANTA MOUSE PLAYS REINDEER GAMES (A SANTA MOUSE BOOK), by Michael Brown and Robert McPhillips, Little Simon, Sept. 10, 2024, Paperback, $6.99 (ages 3-7)
Santa Mouse, Santa’s littlest helper, prepares the reindeer for their big Christmas Eve flight in this charming 8×8 holiday storybook with stickers!
With all the snow that has fallen this winter, the reindeers haven’t been able to practice flying. Will they be ready to pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve? They will with the help of Coach Santa Mouse, who trains the crew with a few reindeer games! —Synopsis provided by Little Simon
This sweet picture book brings the holiday spirit with some good-natured fun.
SOCKS: A KID’S CHRISTMAS LAMENT, by JD McPherson and Anika Orrock, Walker Books US, Sept. 10, 2024, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 3-7)
This is the worst gift I ever got!
It doesn’t beep or buzz or bop or rattle in the box!
Why’d they waste the paper on a lousy pair of SOCKS?
It’s the dawn of Christmas morning, and this child can no longer wait, furtively tiptoeing straight to the unlit Christmas tree. There lies a festive box, brightly wrapped, with their name on it. A shake for good measure, and then . . . wait, seriously? What did they ever do to deserve this? Based on the cult classic “Socks” (from his eponymous Christmas album), bluesy rock and roller JD McPherson pays hilarious homage to a stereotypically bad gift—and its disappointed recipients—in a deftly extended picture-book version of his song. Brought to energetic life in droll, retro artwork by Anika Orrock, who illustrated the album cover and liner, Socks will prove a perfect fit for anyone who has ever gotten stressed over holiday gift-giving—and everyone, big or small, who’s come to appreciate the love wrapped up in even the humblest present. Includes a QR code to the “Socks” song. —Synopsis provided by Walker Books US
Socks celebrates what some may concede as the worst possible Christmas gift ever. This humorous read is sure to delight readers.
I SPY CHRISTMAS TREATS, by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick, Cartwheel Books, Sept. 3, 2024, Paperback, $6.99 (ages 3-7)
Toddlers and preschoolers can search classic photos from the bestselling I Spy series for festive objects!
Simple picture clues and rhyming riddles guide the youngest readers through 13 interactive, fun-filled spreads. —Synopsis provided by Cartwheel Books
If you’ve ever tried any of the I Spy books before, you know how hard it is to find some of the items. This book is the opposite of that. It’s perfect for little ones who are building their vocabularies. This is a fun interactive book.
A STRAY DOG FOR CHRISTMAS: HOW SUZY WAS ADOPTED, by Jack Jokinen and Wendy Tan, Sourcebooks Explore, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 3 and up)
It’s two weeks before Christmas, and a stray dog searches for shelter in the snow. Thankfully, the door of one house is slightly ajar, welcoming her inside. But what will happen after she walks in? Will the humans send her back out into the cold? Or will they be her friend and let her stay? Will she find what she’s truly looking for . . . a forever home?
Based on the true story of podcaster Jack Jokinen and his family’s heartwarming experience with their dog Suzy, A Stray Dog for Christmas captures the essence of the holiday season. This modern classic is a perfect read for both kids and adults, reminding us of the enduring joy of family and the possibility of Christmas miracles. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Explore
THE CHRISTMAS OWL: BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF A LITTLE OWL NAMED ROCKEFELLER, by Gideon Sterer, Ellen Kalish, Ramona Kaulitzki, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Oct. 5, 2021, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-8)
A New York Times bestseller (with a special sparkly cover)! Experience the beautiful story that captivated the country about a little owl found in the world’s most famous Christmas tree.
When Little Owl’s home is cut down by people saying it will make a beautiful Christmas tree, she’s not sure she wants anything to do with Christmas, whatever that means. But then she is saved by a woman named Ellen, whose house is merrily decorated for the holiday, and filled with birds who need someone to care for them. Surrounded by kindness and helpful new friends, Little Owl begins to wonder if Christmas might not be such a bad thing after all….
Co-written by Ellen Kalish, caretaker of the real owl found inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Christmas Owl is a charming story of friendship, compassion, and the true meaning of this special time of year. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
AGES 4 AND UP
THE GIRL AND THE ROBOT HEART, by Neal Hoskins and Monika Vaicenaviciene, Thames & Hudson, Oct. 22, 2024, Hardcover, $18.95 (ages 4-8)
Gracefully told by Neal Hoskins and featuring exquisite artwork by award-winning illustrator Monika Vaicenaviciene, The Girl and the Robot Heart is a beautiful exploration of what makes us human.
Set in a sleepy town on Christmas Eve, the story begins with a conversation between a girl and her toy robot, who wants to know what’s inside a human heart.
Describing it as a series of rooms filled with storybooks, the girl sets about building the robot a heart of its own by telling stories about the quiet little town she calls home. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
This exquisite picture book is a celebration of love and imagination. It has the ability to spark stories upon stories from all who read it.
BEAM OF LIGHT: THE STORY OF THE FIRST WHITE HOUSE MENORAH, by Elisa Boxer and Sofia Moore, Rocky Pond Books, Oct. 15, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
The first piece of Judaica in the White House’s permanent holiday collection was introduced for Hanukkah in 2022. This lovely picture book tells the history and importance of its creation.
The official White House menorah is a symbol of strength and perseverance against seemingly insurmountable odds. It was created from a piece of reclaimed wood salvaged during a Truman-era renovation of the building. That beam of White House wood sat in storage for seventy years, through thirteen different presidents. It might have been destroyed, but instead it waited for its new purpose. And so, in 2022, it was transformed into a menorah that will shine its beams of light every year, celebrating the resilience and permanence of Jewish people in America and abroad. —Synopsis provided by Rocky Pond Press
Told from the point of view of a White House beam, Beam of Light is a thoughtful look at US history that people from all faiths will enjoy.
ROALD DAHL: PHIZZ-WHIZZING CHRISTMAS BOOK, by Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake, Grosset & Dunlap, Oct. 8, 2024, Hardcover, $9.99 (ages 4-8)
It’s time to celebrate the holidays with all your favorite Roald Dahl characters!
Christmas is the most fizz-whopping time of the year, filled with grand feasts, good tidings, and gifts that make you feel like you won a golden ticket. Celebrate the holidays with this delightfully festive gift book! —Synopsis provided by Grosset & Dunlap
This isn’t a story per say, but a collection of holiday thoughts and familiar characters. It’s fun nonetheless.
A MOUSE FAMILY CHRISTMAS, by Deborah Underwood and Leah Hong, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Oct. 8, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
It’s Christmas Eve, and the air is tingling with excitement. Hugo the mouse and his family are busy decorating their attic home for the most magical night of the year. But this season, the downstairs is quiet—without an ounce of yuletide cheer. Just a bare tree, with no garland, no bows, and no big sparkly star. Can Hugo hatch a plan to bring some of the joy from upstairs to the lonely man downstairs, who’s spending this holiday without his loved ones?
This little mouse family with big, brave hearts will inspire young readers to spread kindness not just during the Christmas season, but all year round. —Synopsis provided by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
This is a sweet story of family and love. Adorable illustrations make this one a joy to read.
DOLLY PARTON’S BILLY THE KID COMES HOME FOR CHRISTMAS, by Dolly Parton, Erica S. Perl, MacKenzie Haley, Penguin Workshop, Oct. 1, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-7)
In this standalone sequel to Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big, Dolly’s favorite god-dog is back with a tale about the true meaning of Christmas.
French bulldog Billy the Kid is one lucky pup. He has everything he could ever want: a place in Nashville, a great band, and even a cross-country tour. It’s all totally tail-riffic…but he can’t help but feel that something’s missing. When Billy’s band is scheduled to perform at Barkafeller Center on Christmas Day, he’ll have to decide what matters most to him: fame or family? —Synopsis provided by Penguin Workshop
CHICKA CHICKA HO HO HO, by William Boniface and Julien Chung, Beach Lane Books, Oct. 1, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
In a much-anticipated new companion to the beloved and bestselling classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, the rollicking alphabet chant gets a holiday twist.
A told B,
and B told C,
“I’ll meet you in the branches
of the Christmas tree.”
In this holiday alphabet rhyme, the crew of beloved letters gets their chance to shine as decorations on the Christmas tree! —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books
Everyone’s favorite alphabet gets ready to decorate the Christmas tree in this rhythmic read. This is a book kids will ask for again and again.
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: INCLUDES PUNCH-OUT GIFT TAGS, by Clement C. Moore and Daniel Kirk, Harry N. Abrams, Sept. 10, 2024, Paperback, $6.99 (ages 4-8)
This edition of the classic story from bestselling illustrator Daniel Kirk includes charming punch-out gift tags.
When Father Mouse is awakened on Christmas Eve by a clatter outside his window, he catches a glimpse of the one and only Santa Claus! Father Mouse can hardly believe his eyes as he watches St. Nick come down the chimney with a pack full of toys.
In this amusing twist on the classic poem by Clement C. Moore, Daniel Kirk reimagines the story from a fresh perspective—and readers of Kirk’s Library Mouse series may discover a familiar friend, too! —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
Sweet illustrations and cute mice will make this a more approachable version of the story for younger readers.
A DRAGON FOR HANUKKAH, by Sarah Mlynowski and Ariel Landy, Orchard Books, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
On the first night of Hanukkah, my parents gave me a dragon…
So begins Hannah’s holiday adventure, as she receives eight magical presents — one for each night. There’s a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns… and much more. But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she’ll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.
This inventive story celebrates both Hanukkah and the power of a child’s imagination.
Includes fun, accessible backmatter that defines key Hanukkah terms! —Synopsis provided by Orchard Books
LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN, by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and Taryn Johnson, Cartwheel Books, Sept. 3, 2024, Paperback, $7.99 (ages 3-5)
Little ones will love this energetic and fun rhyming story about an adorable little dreidel who learns to spin!
Little Dreidel, made of clay, at last is dry and ready!
She wants to whirl and swirly-spin, but she’s a bit…unsteady!
Little Dreidel is ready to spin and celebrate Hanukkah with all her older cousins. But as soon as she gets ready to whirl and swirly-spin, Little Dreidel realizes that spinning is much harder than it looks! Full of action, bouncing energy, and loads of festive fun, this is the perfect Hanukkah picture book read-aloud that will get little ones and parents excited for the holiday! —Synopsis provided by Cartwheel Books
HANUKKAH PAJAMAKKAHS, by Dara Henry, Olga Ivanov, Aleksey Ivanov, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A lively picture book celebrating holiday traditions, the patience of parenting, sibling relationships, and children’s fondness for pajamas, along with a fun, read-aloud, new book to help everyone celebrate the holiday together – in, or out, of pajamakkahs.
When Ruthie receives pajamakkahs for Hanukkah, she loves them so much she refuses to take them off―for all eight nights. But as they get smeared and stained, splattered and smudged, Ruthie’s determined to show her parents she can stay spotless. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Filled with humor and heart, this is a lighthearted look at the eight nights of Hanukkah.
THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN, by Allan Ahlberg and Janet Ahlberg, LB Kids; Illustrated edition, Sept. 1, 2001, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
The Jolly Postman rides again with more real letters, and presents, too, in his Christmas postbag.
This gorgeously illustrated, full-color classic celebrates a time before email with an interactive picture book full of real letters to read aloud. The Jolly Postman brings a batch of wonderful letters for Christmas, including notes from the Big Bad Wolf and all the King’s men. Open this book, take out the letters, and discover what favorite characters would write to each other–and reimagine best-loved tales together. —Synopsis provided by LB Kids
From its delightful illustrations to its engaging text, The Jolly Christmas Postman is the whole package. The interactive nature of this book really takes it over the top. It’s a classic.
AGES 5 AND UP
WALLACE AND GRACE AND THE GIFT THIEF, by Heather Alexander and Laura Zarrin, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Nov. 5, 2024, Paperback, $8.99 (ages 5-8)
In the fifth book in the charming Wallace and Grace series, the two owl detectives look for whooo in the forest has been stealing holiday gifts.
These best friends are partners in the Night Owl Detective Agency and work together to solve mysteries!
Two days before the Christmas party in the Big Woods, presents under the Gift Tree go missing. Whooo is stealing them? Can Wallace and Grace follow the clues to catch the thief. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
DAVID ATHERTON’S CHRISTMAS COOKBOOK FOR KIDS (BAKE, MAKE AND LEARN TO COOK), by David Atherton and Katie Cottle, Candlewick, Sept. 3, 2024, Hardcover, (ages 5 and up)
Grab your aprons and get into the holiday spirit with Great British Baking Show winner and star chef David Atherton.
Have a hankering for reindeer chocolate bark? Snowy owl cupcakes? How about Christmas sweater pizzas? David Atherton, the 2019 winner of The Great British Baking Show, follows up his first three kids’ cookbooks—Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook; Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook Vegetarian; and David Atherton’s Baking Book for Kids—with a fun and festive Christmas cookbook. With each recipe featuring easy-to-follow instructions, delightful illustrations from Katie Cottle, and tips and tricks on how to create and package delicious gifts for friends and family, this joyful celebration of the holidays has everything budding bakers need to savor the season. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
We’re big fans of David Atherton’s cookbooks at our house. They’re perfect for aspiring young bakers. There are a number of recipes my kid wants to try. The hardest part will be deciding what to bake first.
AGES 8 AND UP
LETTERS TO NEVER SEND SANTA: CONFESSIONS, COMPLAINTS, AND OUTLANDISH REQUESTS FROM THE FILES OF ST. NICK, by David Griswold and Luis San Vicente, Bushel & Peck Books, Sept. 17, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-11)
You better watch out, you better not…what?! Laugh it up with Santa as he shares some of his funniest (and oddest) letters from children sent straight to the North Pole!
Perhaps these letters should have stayed next to the fireplace near a plate of cookies. Find a cozy spot next to the tree and enjoy this collection of poems for the holidays. They left Santa wondering if some kids (and grown-ups too!) might rather be on the naughty list!
Santa decided to publish a collection of these letters, for readers to decide, called The Santa Files. —Synopsis provided by Bushel & Peck Books
This clever read is a compilation of hilarious missives to Santa. These rhythmic letters are fun to read aloud or to yourself. This book is sure to become a family favorite.
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
