20 Meaningful Christian Christmas Books for Kids

Ready, Set, Find Christmas by Zondervan
Seek and find different items in the illustrations showing the Christmas story in this chunky, tabbed board book. Can you find . . . a goat, the moon, a kitten, . . . and so forth? You’ll love how interactive this preschool Christmas book is.

Who Is Coming to Our House by Joseph Slate
This has been a favorite story to read around Christmas time in our home. “Who is coming to our house?” ask the animals. They prepare the barn for “someone, someone.” Will you be able to guess who it is?

Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Jane Chapman
I like this sturdy Christian Christmas board book because it makes putting baby Jesus to bed relatable —  like any other baby, squirmy and wiggly. (Only in his room there’s a braying donkey and sweet-smelling hay.) When the singing angels get too loud, mama asks them to keep it down. But there are visitors, too and it looks like baby Jesus will never get to sleep.

Lullaby for the King written by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Michelle Carlos
The animals form a caravan of creatures going to Bethlehem with gifts for the Babe. Antelope, Asiatic Lion, Camel, Donkey, Crane, Jackal, and others. Creature after a creature travels to the stable where they serenade the Babe with a lullaby. Beautiful writing and art.

Holy Night and Little Star written by Mitali Perkins, illustrated by Khoa Le
With gorgeous illustrations and evocative language, this is the story of Little Star, who is reluctant to help Maker with something exciting. But Maker asks her to be ready. When it’s time, she comforts Baby Maker when he is crying. Then she stays night after night, shining and shimmering in the sky, soothing Baby and watching the special visitors arrive.

A Savior is Born by Patti Rokus
Simple text on a black background with rocks that illustrate what’s happening in the Bible story. It’s gorgeous, unique, and memorable.

A Night of Great Joy by Mary Engelbreit
The Christmas is retold with children acting in a Nativity performance — which makes these Engelbreit illustrations even more adorable than usual. Lovely.

Nativity by Cynthia Rylant
Cynthia Rylant shares a simple look at the story of Jesus’ birth and life with gorgeous artwork.

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
Oh, my goodness, is this a sweet story. It begins with a kind ox who welcomes a stray dog into the barn because all are welcome. And on this beautiful night, another little one will be arriving and welcomed, too.

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson
We really love this story. Mortimer is a mouse who is looking for a home. He finds a barn with statues which he pushes out when he goes to sleep. However every day, the statues get put back. Then, he hears the story of baby Jesus and the statues. That’s when Mortimer lets the baby Jesus statue stay sleeping in the manger. It’s a sweet story of the real meaning of Christmas. Mortimer prays for a new house — and his prayer is answered with a gingerbread house!

Bethlehem Barn by Debra Westgate-Silva, illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski
Donkey, Cow, Sheep, Chicken, and Bird live in the barn when suddenly, Cow notices that Something that looks like a tiny human is where his food used to be! Why? Bird explains about the star. Donkey explains about the trip to Bethlehem. The animals make the baby Jesus comfortable as can be with Chicken feathers and tufts of Sheep’s wool. I love how the author tells the Christmas story as a conversation between the animals.

Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
Humphrey is a camel who helped the three wise men journey to Bethlehem. On the way, he loses his blanket and plots to get a new one. But he gives his beloved blanket to the Baby Jesus when he meets him. Selflessness!

God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by David Hohn
Little Cub is confused about what Christmas means. Mama Bear takes him outside on a journey to see God’s work and explain the meaning of Christmas, starting with Jesus’ birth. She includes the excitement of Santa as a symbol of the generosity of the season.

‘Twas the Evening of Christmas by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Elena Selivanova
The Night Before Christmas familiar poem is rewritten here with the story of Jesus’ birth. Pretty amazing!

The Christmas Story The Brick Bible for Kids by Brendan Powell Smith
If you’re a LEGO fan who celebrates Christmas — this is the picture book for you!! (GIFT??) Each page is a photograph LEGO scene reenacting the Christmas story from when Mary and Joseph were engaged to when the family returns from Egypt. We loved figuring out what sets could have been used in the creation of each scene. It’s such a fun book to read even if the photos are a little too dark.

Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You’re Never Too Little for His Love by Max Lucado
Itsy and Bitsy, two mice, don’t think they’re big enough to be loved but learn that God sent Jesus for everyone. This is a sweet story for readers who want a Christian Christmas story.

Christmas Love Letters from God Bible Stories: A Lift the Flap Book by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Rachel Clowes
This is a lovely, multi-dimensional Bible-based picture book that includes the story of Jesus’ birth starting from Isaiah’s prophecy and concluding with the Wise Men. Each section tells part of the story, shares a Bible verse, and has a lift-the-flap letter from God to you, the reader.

The Christmas Story by Robert Sabuda
You won’t find a more beautiful Christian Christmas book than this story with gorgeous white and gold pop-ups illustrating the story. It’s exquisite!! Each page is an incredible work of art! This book will be a new family favorite. (For older kids since little ones might not do so well with the delicate 3D art.)

Mouse’s Christmas Gift by Mindy Baker, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
Mouse can’t find Parson so he arranges the Nativity figures in the church all by himself. But where can Parson be? Unfortunately, he’s sick with a fever and cancels the service. Mouse hopes that by lighting the candle, people will still come to the church– and they do.