Book picks similar to
Christmas Is Here by Lauren Castillo


christmas
picture-books
picture-book
children

Maple & Willow's Christmas Tree


Lori Nichols - 2016
      Maple and Willow love trees—and now they are getting their first real Christmas tree. It is going to be the best Christmas ever! After a snowy expedition to pick out the perfect tree, it’s time to decorate. But whenever Maple gets near the tree, she starts sniffling and sneezing. Could she really be allergic to the perfect Christmas tree? And if so, how will the girls find a way to make this the best Christmas after all?

Star Bright: A Christmas Story


Alison McGhee - 2014
    And holy moly, are their presents extraordinary. The little angel wants to give a present too, but, what could she possibly offer that is as worthy as the others’ gifts? At a loss for original ideas, she peeks over the side of her platform and spies something going on in the desert—a caravan of kings on camels, lost in the dark. And suddenly she knows she most do something, and does the only thing she can. Because the greatest gift of all? It can’t be wrapped. It can’t be bought. It can only be selflessly, joyfully given. And it ends up being the perfect gift for that little baby…the shiningest gift at all.

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas


Jane O'Connor - 2009
    Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? In this merriest of stories from bestselling duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way!

The Legend of the Christmas Rose


William H. Hooks - 1999
    William Hooks's retelling of this unusual Christmas legend transports readers back 2000 years to Bethlehem to follow nine-year-old Dorothy on her journey to see the Baby Jesus and to witness the miracle of a tiny flower delicately transforming into a beautiful Christmas rose.

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story


Sally Lloyd-Jones - 2011
    Beautifully illustrated and told from the perspective of the animals and all creation, Song of the Stars:features easy-to-read text and is perfect for ages 4–8is ideal for Advent and Christmas story timeexplores the joy, excitement, and celebration of creation and the coming of Jesusinspires discussions of why Advent is observedThis gorgeous picture book is great for Christmas-themed story times and an addition for your family library that will be treasured for many years.

The Christmas Quiet Book


Deborah Underwood - 2012
    But Christmas is sometimes wrapped in quiet: “Searching for presents quiet,” “Getting caught quiet,” and “Hoping for a snow day quiet.” Irresistibly cute, soft colored pencil illustrations of bunnies, bears, and more paint a magical holiday picture indeed.

The Bear and the Star


Lola M. Schaefer - 2019
    Acclaimed author Lola M. Schaefer’s and award-winning artist Bethanne Andersen’s breathtaking picture book explores themes of understanding, empathy, and peace, and will bring joy to any family’s holiday celebration.On a cold winter morning, Bear welcomes a new star to the sky and searches for the perfect tree—a majestic evergreen—under which to host a holiday celebration for everyone to enjoy. Bear roars to the East, the West, the North, and the South; his invitation echoing around the world. Guests start to arrive. They are feathered, furry, scaled—on the wing, on four paws, on two feet. They are young and old. They bring gifts. They bring love. They bring hope for peace.The Bear and the Star is a stunning picture book from acclaimed author Lola M. Schaefer and award-winning artist Bethanne Andersen. With a focus on understanding, empathy, and community, it’s the ideal choice for family sharing during the holiday season.

This Is the Stable


Cynthia Cotten - 2006
    The animals are gathering round. Shepherds and wise men and angels are coming from afar. All of them are flocking to see the Christ child, born this night in Bethlehem.Illustrated in the gorgeous tropical hues of the region and told in lyrical verses perfect for reading aloud, this is a retelling of the Nativity that will be treasured for many Christmases to come.

One Starry Night


Lauren Thompson - 2008
    . . little ones everywhere are watched over with care. Most special of all, Mary and Joseph watch over their newborn babe . . .and the world is filled with love.

All the Colors of Christmas


Matthew Paul Turner - 2020
    In his trademark style, Matthew Paul Turner celebrates the Christmas season, particularly the colors that infuse the holiday and all the memorable sensations and experiences--including a festive market, sledding, and nativity scene--connected to those bright hues. Matthew draws his readers into a whirling ribbon of the familiar reds and greens of Christmas, as well as other festive hues, including white, gold, blue, and brown.Christmas is RED.It's a bright shiny sled.It's candy canes, and toy store lanes.It's sprinkles on sweet bread. Christmas is BROWN It's pinecones scattered round... It's a cradle soft with hay And a donkey's gentle bray. It's God within a baby's skin on that very first Christmas Day.All the colors come together when readers are reminded that Christmas is YOU--you're a part of the story, the joy and the glory! Matthew shows us again and again that the holidays are nothing without being with the people we love, celebrating treasured traditions, and making new memories--all in vivid color.

Santa's Favorite Story


Hisako Aoki - 1982
    The forest animals are worried, but when Santa tells them the story of the very first Christmas, when Christ was born, the animals discover the true spirit of the season.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story


Thea Feldman - 2014
    Fifty years later, it has become a beloved Christmas classic—capturing the heart and wonder of generations of fans.Here is the complete story from the classic TV show, gloriously illustrated in full color and in an elegant gift book edition. Perfect for reading aloud!

The Donkey's Christmas Song


Nancy Tafuri - 2002
    The donkey wants to be the first to welcome the baby, but he is too shy. So the doves welcome him with their "Coo-coo," the cow with her "Moo-moo," and all the other animals in turn. Then, the baby welcomes the shy donkey with his own sweet smile. The donkey brays - "Hee-aw!" - and the baby laughs with joy! Then all snuggle around the baby and settle into sleep. This warm presentation of the first Christmas celebrates the wonder of a baby's birth and welcomes all into the spirit of holiday joy.

Christmas in the Barn


Margaret Wise Brown - 1952
    From the bestselling author of classics like Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny comes a Christmas story sure to delight readers for generations.With gentle, lyrical text from Margaret Wise Brown and heartwarming illustrations from Caldecott Honor-winning artist Diane Goode, Christmas in the Barn introduces young readers to the story of the first Christmas.What child is this / who is born here / Where the oxen / stomp and peer…

Twas the Night Before Christmas on Sesame Street


Lillian Jaine - 2014
    Spend quality family time baking with Cookie Monster's Sugar Cookie recipe (included in the back)!It's the night before Christmas, and Cookie Monster is dozing peacefully, until a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer land on Sesame Street. Cookie Monster is delighted to have a visit from Santa, but there's just one problem: he's already eaten all of Santa's cookies! Luckily, Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street friends are ready to help!This classic tale includes beloved Sesame Street characters: Cookie MonsterElmoBert & ErnieCount von CountAbby CadabbyOscar the Grouch