Top 5 Children’s Books for October

The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse: All children have an inner artist, and this expressive new book helps them to discover it. The book centers around an artist who paints the world just as he sees it – just as a child would. His unique paintings include a bright red crocodile, an orange elephant, a violet fox and donkey dotted with polka-dots. Chock full of creative, bright and bold illustrations, this book will help children to see that art can come in many forms. The text is simple and short, but has quite an impact and will help to bring out the inner artist in every child.

M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual): A celebration of moms everywhere, this clever and unique book is a manual that teaches kids that moms are people too. It explores the many things moms do everyday that their kids may not take the time to recognize, and shows kids little things they could do that would help their moms to better do their job. This lighthearted book gives warning signs of “mom-pattern-crankiness” to help children identify when their moms might be on their way to being overwhelmed, and what they can do to keep that from happening. This is a book that appeals to moms as much as it does to kids.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star:Most parents are familiar with the children’s lullaby this lavishly illustrated book is based on, but they’ll be impressed by the new heights this book achieves. The bright, dreamlike watercolor drawings are as much a part of this book as the story line is, which focuses on a chipmunk with childlike curiosity, who leaves the comfort of home to stare in wonder at the night sky. After becoming mesmerized by the twinkling stars and the glistening dewdrops fallen on a spider’s web, he begins a fantasy filled adventure to literally reach for the stars and discover more about the world around him.

E-mergency!: Oh, no – the letter “E” has taken a tumble down the stairs, and now she’s stuck in the hospital. In order for her to get her rest and come back, everyone must stop using this important letter. The other letters in the alphabet hold a meeting to discuss who could possibly replace her. “Z”? No, “Z” is too tired. “P”? No, “P” spends too much time in the restroom. “Y”? No, “Y” is just too inquisitive! But here comes “O”, to take “E”’s place and give her the rest she needs. This book is smack dab full of both visual and verbal puns.

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature: Like several other children’s picture books on this list, this book celebrates the inner artist in everyone. Written by an accomplished poet who’s both a Caldecott medalist and a winner of the Newbery, Swirl by Swirl teaches children about the importance and beauty of spirals. Through a close analysis of spirals that appear in nature, such as those found in rushing rivers, budding flowers, and the inner ear, the author helps children to see these shapes in every day objects. This is a book that’s both simple and complex, as it examines the usefulness of the spiral.

Other Great New Children’s Picture Books

Lots of Bots!: A Counting Pop-Up Book : This is the first book in a just launched series of pop-up books. Parents who are familiar with the author’s previous children’s picture books, like Horton Hears a Who Pop-Up!, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go Pop-Up!, will certainly find some recognizable methods being used here. This book helps beginners learn to count from 1 to 10, and more advanced kids to count all the way to 55. These pop-ups aren’t just visual – they are interactive as well. Children will have plenty to look at, and plenty of things to turn, bounce, pull and spin.

Miss Lina’s Ballerinas and the Prince: This sequel to the beloved Miss Lina’s Ballerinas continues on the theme of teaching children the love of dance, but this time the girls have a new challenge- a boy! The girls are initially overjoyed at the idea of having a boy join their class and perform with them in the end of the year show. In fact, they are so overjoyed that they overwhelm him with their pink pirouettes and their constant attention, and the blushing boy becomes shy and dances right out the door. This is a simple read that’s designed as nothing more than a fun and fanciful book about dancing.

The Snow Angel: In contrast to other books on this list, The Snow Angel is a story that’s full of very deep and sometimes even depressing situations. Rachel Price has only one happy memory from her childhood, and that is of playing outside with her father on a cold, winter day – which was very different than the abusive father she typically saw. Now Rachel is an adult with a daughter of her own, and she has unfortunately fallen into many of the same patterns she learned from her parents. Then a phone call comes from an friend, and it seems that everything is about to change.

Happy Pig Day!: Gerald the elephant and Piggie have been the best of friends for many years, but when Pig Day comes along, Gerald feels left out. He watches all his pig friends have the grandest of times, and he wishes he could be a pig – or at least be welcomed to the pig party. When Piggie eventually realizes that her beloved friend is gone, he sets out to find him. Hijinks ensue as these friends seek to find common ground. Told with the same hilarious, slightly absurd voice as the rest of the Gerald and Piggie books, this book is sure to be a classic.

The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy: Kids who love superheros will love this hilarious and unique tale of Sam and Bumblebee Boy. When Sam realizes that he needs help, he turns into Bumblebee Boy to fight off the pirates, defeat dragons, and settle down the saber-tooth lions. His younger brother Owen shows up, and initially Sam is quite perturbed – who needs a little kid ruining his adventure? But when Bumblebee Boy is faced with his scariest situation yet, a slew of aliens, he’s thankful for the goggled, towel-cape-wearing Owen. This is a book that’s big with imagination, and that explores the relationships between siblings.

How the Dinosaur Got to the Museum: Dinosaur loving kids will adore this fascinating journey that begins 145 million years ago, and follows the Diplodocus longus through to its present day home in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Through the course of transporting the dinosaur’s fossil from its discovery in Utah to the Smithsonian, children will learn about the many jobs that go into something as simple as moving a pile of dinosaur bones. This book covers the entire process, from the paleontologists and museum curators who get the most attention, to the excavators and movers who got the bones to their current spot, and down to the welders and cleaners who helped create the display.

Jumanji 30th Anniversary Edition: It’s hard to believe that Jumanji came out 30 years ago, but this classic book is as enjoyable now as it was at its release. The special anniversary edition comes with a nice addition – a CD with celebrated actor Robin Williams reading this timeless treasure. Fans will remember that Mr. Williams starred in the movie adaption of this famous book, which follows Peter and Judy as they discover the game of their lives: Jumanji. The instructions that accompany that game clearly state that when the game is started it must be finished, or it will continue indefinitely. This is an exciting, fast paced book about adventure.

Mustache: The handsome King Duncan should spend more time ruling his people, and less time admiring his gorgeous face. Even as his kingdom crumbles around him, and his people come to him begging help, his only reaction is to build even more statues and tributes to his handsome face. Finally, his subjects are fed up – and ready to take a stand! And they come up with the perfect idea to get out of their hairy predicament. This energetically illustrated book is full of whimsy, good humor, and a clueless king. Children will giggle from beginning to end as they follow this troublesome tale.

Never Forgotten: Some of the best children’s picture books are lighthearted and whimsical, but some of them take another route, which is to teach children about their history through easy to understand words, and illustrations that cut to the heart of the matter. This book is the latter. Written by a 3 person team who’ve collectively won numerous awards for their children’s book, this story is set in West Africa, and tells the tale of a young African boy who is stolen from his family and sold into slavery. This is an important book that helps children to understand their own history, and to learn the importance of strong family bonds.

Bear in Long Underwear: This silly, funny book is the story of a bear who’s lost everything but his underwear. In the same vein as the authors previous books Bear in Underwear and Bear in Pink Underwear, Bear and his pals are excited to romp outside and play in the freshly fallen snow. Bear wants his snowman to look his best, and so he sheds his own clothes to dress it – which leaves him not in his usual tighty-whities but in long underwear. His friends like what they see, and want a pair of their own. Kids will love the delightful whimsy of this very simple book.

Recently released children’s books range from the reissue of classic tales, to historical books that are important for every child, and silly romps that will bring a smile to every child’s face. No matter the subject matter, the books on this list are sure to bring delight to children and parents alike.

Grandpa Green: “Grandpa Green” is an artistic masterpiece and a captivating storybook for young children. Author Lane Smith explores the beautiful relationship between family members as he passes down his memories and shares his experiences with his great-grandson. In this children’s picture book, you will take a journey through the enchanting garden that Grandpa Green has built. In it, you will find a collection of manicured shrubs that represent his memories as a farm boy, a soldier, a husband, and a father. This is one of the best children’s books of the year, and your children and grandchildren will enjoy this enthralling tale with its wonderful illustrations for many years to come.

Llama Llama Home with Mama: Author Anna Dewdney has added another installment to her beloved Llama Llama series. In this short picture book, Llama Llama wakes up with the sniffles, and he has to stay home with his mama. Llama Mama tends to little Llama as best she can, and after a nap, he starts to feel better. Then, Mama starts to come down with the sniffles and sneezes herself. Who decides to take care of Mama? Little Llama Llama. The illustrations provide the perfect background for the unfolding of this sweet story.

Bear’s Loose Tooth: Author Karma Wilson and illustrator Jane Chapman have put together a wonderful book for children with “Bear’s Loose Tooth.” Of the many new children’s books on the market, this one is perfect for children that are ready to lose their first tooth or have already lost a tooth. This winning storyline brings the characters to life in a whole new way and gives parents and children a fun way to learn about what to do when a tooth becomes wiggly and wobbly. This book teaches children that losing teeth is natural and exciting, and it gives an interesting twist with the animated imagery and the melodic rhythm of the story.

Fancy Nancy: Our Thanksgiving Banquet: Jane O’Conner has released another addition to the New York Times Bestselling Series “Fancy Nancy.” Our Thanksgiving Banquet is a happy tale of all things to be expected at Thanksgiving?a grand turkey and all the fixings included. In this series of children’s picture books, Fancy Nancy has a fun-filled Thanksgiving that she shares with the whole family. Complete with an activity sheet and stickers, this book is a great addition to any child’s book collection. If you are a fan of the Fancy Nancy series, this is a must have for the holiday season.

The Happy Book: Written by Diane Muldrow and illustrated by Patti Ann Harris, this delightful little book will leave your kids feeling happy and joyful. Filled with simple pleasures and cute rhymes, “The Happy Book” will be sure to leave your children feeling carefree. This book is great for cheering up your kids when they are feeling out of sorts, and it can help them appreciate the little things in life. Children’s picture books like “The Happy Book” will help you and your children dance through life with a smile on your face. The colorful illustrations help bring life to the happiness in the text. This is the perfect book for a toddler or a young child.

Red Plane to the Rescue: In the exciting “Red Plane to the Rescue” written by Melissa Firth and illustrated by Cheryl Orsini, your kids will be able to get a feel for what it’s like to fly high through the sky. This adventurous children’s book will take your imagination through an array of twists, turns, and dips as you fly through the pages. In this book, children are able to understand what it’s like to soar through the sky. All of the actions that the plane takes are described in great detail so kids can really get the sense that they are taking off themselves. The brightly colored illustrations are a wonderful addition to an adventurous book.

Mad About Minibeasts: Giles Andraeae has created a wonderfully explosive book that is sure to excite young children. The illustrations are a joy to behold, and the rhymes make this book a delight for all. In “Mad about Minibeasts,” your children will be taken into a world of beetles, butterflies, and other crawling creatures. The flowing rhymes make this a great book to read aloud to your children, and this is especially good for young children that like creepy crawly creatures.

The Tiger-Skin Rug: “The Tiger-Skin Rug” is another brilliant creation by Gerald Rose. It is sure to inspire and delight your children. Another addition to the new children’s books, this is a wonderful story of a lovable tiger enjoying a luxurious life while he pretends to be a rug. At one point, burglars break into the mansion and the tiger has to decide whether to keep his secret or save the family. This is a joyful tale of a tiger’s courage, and it is one of the best children’s books on the shelves today. This is a classic and a must-have for all parents who enjoy the heartfelt story of the tiger.

Let’s Go Baby-o: Energetic children and parents alike will love this adventurous tale of a little boy and her cousin planning their day of adventure. In “Let’s Go Baby-o,” Janet McLean has taken a little boy for an adventure that is sure to be memorable. Romping through the garden, dancing, singing, and a jumble of animals working outside the window make this delightful story a great book to be read aloud. The bouncing rhymes make this story unforgettable, and the illustrations add to the enchantment. This book encourages children to find fun things to do and learn about the world all the while having a great time.

The Road to Goonong: In David Cox’s “Road to Goonong,” the illustrations are prolific and inspiring. “The Road to Goonong” is a story about a road that has been traveled by many people but lays forgotten. At the end of this road is Goonong, a farm that beautifully reveals the freedom of farm life and the joy that accompanies it with blue skies blanketing the sprawling grasslands filled with horses and cattle. This is an epic tale for children that will help them learn the wonders of farm life. As a twist, this book also tells of the trials that people faced in the Great Depression. This is a wonderful book with captivating illustrations and an interesting storyline.

The Bernstein Bears Show Some Respect: Mike and Jan Bernstein have created another masterpiece in the Bernstein Bears series. In this book, the bears learn that even the best cubs can pick up some very unbecoming habits. In this book, the Sister and Brother are found not showing their parents the respect that they deserve, and Mama and Papa are just as guilty with the way they treat their parents. Gran and Gramps call the family to order and explain how important it is to treat your parents with respect, love, and gratitude.

Ten Little Caterpillars: In “Ten Little Caterpillars,” Bill Martin Jr. and Lois Ehlert created a book that will be sure to excite and inspire parents and children alike. In this book, ten little caterpillars set off for an adventure in the great big world, and you never really know what will turn up. To make this story even better, the illustrations have been enhanced with watercolors and gorgeous collages, making it a beautiful book to share with the whole family. In this book, you are not only able to absorb the story as it unfolds, but there are also helpful labels on each page to point out certain fruits, plants, and other insects to help children learn.

These new children’s books are all great choices for your collection, and some of these are destined to be classics. You can uncover some of the best children’s books by exploring some of these children’s picture books at home with your children.

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters: This cute story, with its colorful illustrations, maps out a day in the life of little monsters. These fun loving creatures start their day at Cree. P Elementary for a busy day of monster learning and end it tucked away in their snug beds.Don’t let the title fool you as there is nothing scary about these colorful monsters. Some are striped, some are furry, and some have wings. But just like human kids, they go to school, play at the park, and even eat after-school snacks. They are rambunctious too and don?t like to go to bed. Families will identify with these sweet little monsters as they follow them from sun up to sun down.

Too Many Frogs: A perfect bedtime story, Too Many Frogs spins a tale about Rabbit, who contently reads a book every night by the fire. One night, his reading is interrupted by Froggie who wants to hear the story. Froggie comes every night to Rabbit’s house to hear him read a story. This begins a nightly visit where Froggie makes himself at home by fixing snacks and lying around on a pile of pillows.Froggie takes advantage of Rabbit one night and brings his whole family to story time but Rabbits says, Too many frogs! Too much fuss!? Rabbit begins to read by himself again only to realize he likes Froggie’s company and invites all of them back into his house for story time. This Preschool-grade 2 reading is a perfect addition to any family’s bedtime reading collection of children’s books.

Too Purpley: On her quest to find an outfit for school, this little fashionista finds a problem with everything she tries on. She builds a pile of discarded clothes that are too purpley, too baggy, or too bright. In the end, she isn’t being too choosey on purpose; she only wants to be comfy. Her pet turtle goes through all of the wardrobe changes with similar attire.The rhyming text is as fun as the illustrations in these picture books. As each of her garments change, her watercolor surrounding transforms to emphasize the silliness of her latest choice. Too matchy makes her dress the same color of a chair, and ?too plaid? changes the room to plaid. Ages 2 and up will enjoy the chaotic world of Too Purpley!

Skippy Jones, Class Action: Written for children ages 5-8, Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese kitten with a huge imagination. The hyperactive little kitty, whose head and ears are too big for his body, wants to go to dog school but his mama won?t let him. His clever mind takes him on a doggie adventure where he turns into a superhero, saving his imaginary dog friends from a neighborhood bully.The Skippyjon Jones stories are fun and silly with rhyming phrases and little songs. The books have Spanish throughout to introduce the readers to the concept of other languages. Read this book and learn how Skippy earns the biggest gold star.

The Babies on the Bus: The Babies on the Bus takes a classic song and changes the words around to entertain the babies on the bus. Sing and clap along in this book as the babies on the bus go bumpty bump bump? and honk honk honk to the horn. Like many real school kids, by the end of this fun filled ride the babies are fast asleep.Just like The Wheels on the Bus, young children will enjoy this sing along as well as the cute and colorful babies on each page of these picture books.

C is for City: An Alphabet Book: Mister Doodles is a fun and creative way to introduce kids to the alphabet. Children ages 2-5 will love the humorous rhyming as the stick-figure makes his way from A-Z in a mix of black lines and photography. This reading offers an extra bonus as children look through the pictures in I spy fashion in search of other words that start with the same letter of the alphabet.Children will be amused as they learn their ABS’s with Mister Doodles with his rhyming text and colorful pages. A is for Art. B is for bone. C is for City, like New York or Rome?

Happy Halloween, Stinky Face: Halloween can be a scary time for many young children, but Stinky Face addresses some of those fears in these fall holiday children?s books. The little boy with the awkward nickname is back again with more of his what if questions for his mama. Unsure of which costume to wear, Stinky goes back and forth between a superhero and a firefighter and finally decides to wear his familiar ghost costume.Kids will enjoy all of the funny trick-or-treat questions Stinky Face has for Mama as well as Mama?s sweet and calm approach to the answers.

Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes: Pete the Cat rocks in his shoes through the halls of his school. Teachers and parents alike can use this book to kick off the new school year and introduce their young students to all the cool places at school; the playground, lunchroom, and library. And kids will love this interactive book as they hone their listening skills to shout-out, Goodness, no!? every time the book asks, Does Pete worry?Pete and his rocking school shoes will take the kids on an adventure of discovery and in the end realize that all is good, no matter what the situation.

Dino Pets Go to School: Kids love dinosaurs and these picture books are a parade of them as a little boy, again and again, tries to bring his dinos to school for pet day. Each dino successfully wreaks havoc and chaos at school. The tall one wrecks the bus before it even gets them to school. The lunchroom is never the same after the widest one breaks a table. And at recess, the kids discovered that the spikiest dinosaur shouldn’t play with soccer balls.The rhyming words, realistic pictures, and funny antics are a crowd pleaser for kids 3-8. In addition, the book features dino facts about these prehistoric creatures!

A Place to Call Home: Little critters grow up too and sometimes they outgrow their home. In these hysterically funny children?s books, seven brothers outgrow their dark junkyard home and set out to claim a new one. The critters are creative in constructing a home as they traverse the complex junkyard.As the critters grow braver, they venture out and explore a muddy sea, as well as ascend a colossal mountain. Kids will giggle and cheer as the critters march their way through a puzzling maze of junkyard debris. Read the book and find out if the seven brothers will ever find a place they can call home.

Maisy’s Amazing Big Book of Learning: Just like the name implies, Maisy’s Amazing Big Book of Learning is a book parents and preschool teachers can use as a resource to teach colors, sizes, shapes, and animals. With 40 interactive flaps to investigate, Maisy the mouse takes the reader on an animal counting lesson and gives them an opportunity to make loud noises, and jump around like a kangaroo. This is an excellent, colorful book that will hold any rambunctious toddlers attention. There are lots of fun things to do and learn with Maisy taking the lead!

The Elephant Scientist: After lengthy observations in the African desert the mother of all elephants?, American scientist Caitlin O’Connell discovers groundbreaking information about the way elephants communicate. Young animal lovers will appreciate the specialized knowledge of elephants taken directly from an elephant expert in another book within the Scientist in the Field series.The author Donna M. Jackson is an experienced children?s books author and science writer who has contributed to her professional works with this nonfiction documentation of OConnell’s recent discovery that elephants listen with their limbs. Investigate her findings in this newly released book The Elephant Scientist.

Apples and Pumpkins: Fall and Halloween are fast approaching and Apples and Pumpkins can help kick off the season with a multicolored trip to Comstock Farm. On her adventure, a little girl and her family visit a farm and she gets to pick the best produce from the apple trees and the biggest pumpkin from the patch.This book is family focused with activities that involve the whole family. From the trip to the farm to carving the pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern, and making pie, the book is a good example of getting the whole family involved.

My Fold Out Books Numbers: Produced as a board book, the bright yellow cover opens up to one long concertina-style page. Babies and toddlers will love the bright cover and vibrant photographs of well-known items. The durable board book construction will take a toddler?s abuse as they stretch it out on the floor to learn their numbers.The twelve pages cover numbers 1-12 with familiar objects to assist young children in building their vocabulary and developing picture recognition. With pictures on both sides and a unique folding system, little one will automatically be working on developing their motor skills. Simple and descriptive text makes this a must have for a baby’s first book.

Double Play: Monkeying around with Addition: The mathematic concept of doubling is explored through two little chimps named Jill and Jake. Using playground games like four square and jump rope, students can memorize and duplicate the math themed rhymes on their own to aid in the learning process.Jill, Jake, and the other animal classmates spend so much time playing at recess they don’t even realize all the math they are learning through play. Each page has a rhymed verse as well as a math equation displayed with large watercolor illustrations. Double Play is a fun addition to any classroom library.

Dream Away: The things your mind will let you do as you drift into dream land are endless! This special tale takes a father and son on a magical trip as they float to the sky in a paper boat. On their floating trip through the clouds, they stumble upon familiar faces as well as a wandering knight and winged horse. With a yellow balloon for a moon, Robert Goldstrom’s paintings are a whimsical addition to this sweet bedtime fantasy as the pair discovers the secret hiding places of the cosmos. This perfect night time read is especially targeted for a father to read to his children.

Introduced in July, these children’s books offer a variety of reading entertainment. Whether for learning or just plain fun, this collection has something for all to enjoy.

The Mitten: When a little red mitten suddenly appears in the forest, all the animals aren’t quite sure that it is. They do realize that it’s rather cozy inside the mitten, so one by one, they crawl inside. The mitten keeps on stretching to include more animals—even a bear! How many of them will be able to fit in there? Available in paperback, hardcover, and as a board book to suit small hands. Jan Brett’s classic tale of a lost mitten is a joy for children everywhere, especially with her delightfully colorful and highly detailed illustrations. This story may easily become a family favorite.

The Polar Express: A book that quickly became a classic (and then a movie), it’s the story of one boy whose name we never learn as he steps onto a magical train that heads straight to the North Pole. It is there he meets Santa Claus himself and learns what it really means to believe. Chris Van Allsburg’s soft illustrations and sweet story have become a classic read during that time of the year. Every child will dream about getting the chance to hop onto the train and watch the stars and meet elves and of course, Santa Claus and his amazing reindeer. In fact, a few adults might dream of it too…

A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree: A small evergreen tree stands alone in the forest, wishing to be a beautifully decorated tree for the festive holiday season. Each animal tells the tree how special it is to them, and after they decorate it with things from the forest, it realizes that not being chosen may be the best thing after all. Good children’s christmas books like this one celebrate the bonds of friendship in times of sadness. A positive book with a heartwarming story. Some children may be surprised when they finally notice that the trees have faces, as they are so well crafted into the shapes of the trees.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Everyone in Whoville celebrates the holiday season with joy and happiness, toys and feasting. Except the Grinch. His heart happens to be two sizes too small, and he’s less than excited about the coming festival. So what does he do? On the eve of the big day, he dresses as Santa and steals Christmas! Or does he? This is a classic tale by Dr. Seuss that children and adults have come to love throughout the years. Through the prickly old Grinch, Dr. Seuss shows everyone what that special time of the season really means, and it’s much more than presents and food.

God Gave Us Christmas: Cozying up the night before with a good selection of Christmas childrens books and a cup of hot chocolate always makes for a wonderful time. Now kids and adults can thank God by reading this title by Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrator David Hohn. A book meant for infants and children in preschool, a mama polar bear and her cub go through a series of simple questions and answers, the two reveal the true meaning behind that most special day of the year. A great book for parents looking to teach their children about God and why we celebrate December 25th.

Dream Snow: Eric Carle is well known for his popular books featuring caterpillars and brown bears. But what about snow? He has one for snow too! Now children can read about a farmer who works hard all day, caring for his animals and then going home to relax. One night he dreams about everything being covered in snow, and when he wakes up he finds that his dream has come true. The bright collage-like illustrations will catch readers’ imaginations and young children will be excited to push the button at the end of the story, which plays a happy little tune perfect for the celebration.

The Sweet Smell of Christmas: Mmm—the holidays certainly smell delicious! Little Bear knows that magical day of the year is almost upon them because of all the amazing scents floating in the air. From soft gingerbread men to sweet mint candy, there are so many smells to accompany the festivities; it’s hard to choose a favorite! Even if parents don’t make gingerbread cookies, readers can still smell them. The book contains six different scratch-and-sniff scents, so kids can interact with the story and smell some of the things that Little Bear smells. Parents might even bring in a few real scents to add to the fun—like candy canes and pine needles!

Bear Stays Up for Christmas: Fans of Bear and all his friends will love children’s Christmas books that feature them. Bears snooze all through winter, but the other animals of the forest want Bear to experience the joy of the holiday season. So they wake him up! For the first time, Bear stays awake and gets to bake sweets, hang stockings, and enjoy the company of all his friends. When everyone else finally falls asleep, Bear plans a special surprise of his own. The soft pictures of a big bear and all his woodland friends are certain to be a favorite with newcomers to Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman’s creations.

Christmas Remembered: Bringing his own experiences with festivities to children’s bedrooms, Tomie dePaola illustrates fifteen different memories, each one at a different time in his life. People can see how he celebrated as a child, as a teenager, and finally as an adult. From hanging stockings to feasting with friends, each memory is unique and pulled together with his signature illustrative style, using simple shapes, colors, and a collage-like approach to pull it all together. Half autobiographical for interested adults and half entertainment for young children, Tomie dePaola’s book is likely to become a quick addition to any book collection.

Santa Claus: Christmas childrens books can remind kids that Santa knows when you are sleeping and when you are awake. But few actually know what goes on in his workshop and how his reindeer are taken care of. Rod Green divulges everything on Santa Claus, from his massive mail room to how his sleigh works. Children will be fascinated with his rendition of the North Pole, and possibly even more so with the amazing illustrations by Simon Danaher and Jon Lucas. The color and detail will captivate children as they gobble up information about Santa, the elves, the reindeer, and so much more!

Nightmare Before Christmas: For children and adults looking for a different flavor when it comes to children’s Christmas books, this title should give you exactly what you are looking for. This title is based upon the popular movie by Tim Burton which puts a scary twist on the holidays. Jack Skellington is all about making Halloween spooky and fun. But after one more successful Halloween night, he starts thinking about other celebrations. When he discovers Santa Claus and the magic of presents and decorated trees, he knows what he has to do next! With plenty of freakish presents and a skeleton dressed in Santa Claus clothes, it’s going to be a spooky holiday!

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas: The lovable Fancy Nancy always parades around in the cutest things and has such a good time. Why should the season of giving be any different? When Nancy hears that it’s that time of year again, she’s more than ready. There are cookies to be made, presents to be wrapped, and a tree to be decorated. This year Nancy has bought a tree topper with her very own money. But will everything go smoothly? Will her holiday really be a splendiferous one? Jane O’Connor’s fun stories and text combined with Robin Preiss Glasser’s illustrations have become a huge hit with children all around, girls especially. Expect plenty of excitement when this title comes through the door at home.

Olive, the Other Reindeer: Many children already know Olive, a little dog with big aspirations. She’s having a good time during the celebrations, but when singing songs about reindeer, she things the line “All of the other reindeer” is actually, “Olive the other reindeer!” Convinced she must actually be a reindeer and not a dog, Olive sets out to become a part of Santa’s team, with surprising results. An uncanny story will lead to lots of giggles and great fun. Olive has been around for many years, and her enduring entertainment will make sure that she stays around for many, more—a treat for kids and parents alike.

The Christmas Miracle: Classic Christmas childrens books are always wonderful choices for the holiday season. This title by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by P.J. Lynch is about a man named Jonathan Toomey. He is the best woodcarver around, but has a sad past that no one knows about. When he gets a special request one year, it becomes a request that will change his life forever. The illustrations are truly opulent, echoing the woodcarver’s skills as each picture has a slightly etched feeling. Rich colors set the tone and the realism will have both parents and kids falling in love with them. A heartwarming tale with a miraculous ending.

The Teddy Bear: While not strictly a Christmas book, its sentiments echo that of the giving season. A little boy loses his beloved bear one day, which is then found by a homeless man. When the boy discovers his favorite toy once more, he is unable to part the man with the bear, and instead chooses to do something that will leave readers touched and hoping to give others the same compassion someday. David McPhail’s simple story of love and giving (even from the teddy bear’s point of view) is one that will endure in any family’s household for many years to come.

A Christmas Memory: A book by a man who most might not think of in the same vein as Christmas childrens books, Truman Capote brings his autobiographical story to the eyes of children. As a boy while growing up in Alabama, the holiday season is plenty of reason to celebrate, with such quotes as “It’s fruitcake weather!” and the loving bond between a young boy and an older woman as they share the joy of the season and each other’s company. It is an enduring tale that parents may remember from their childhood, and a story that children ages 9-12 will enjoy hearing every year.

Mr. Willoby’s Christmas Tree: Robert Barry’s simple tale of one man’s attempt to get a tree into his house. It’s a little big, so what will he do? The only answer is to snip off the top. But what happens to the top of the tree after that? Kids will have to read to find out what something as down-to-earth a top of a tree can provide during the giving season. Generations of children can enjoy this timeless tale. Some parents may even have memories of bringing home a tree that’s just too tall. Mr. Willoby can show everyone that it doesn’t always matter what you give, but the simple fact of giving can make all the difference.

Trouble with Trolls: Children’s Christmas books don’t always have to feature reindeer and Santa Claus. Sometimes they feature trolls! Jan Brett offers up a story not necessarily of the holiday variety, but more seasonal than anything, featuring characters that troop through heavy snow on mountaintops, wrapped up in warm clothing. The heroine Treva is out with her husky dog Tuffi when suddenly Tuffi is kidnapped by trolls. It’s up to Treva to face the trolls an rescue her beloved dog. Using old folk tale concepts, Brett provides beautiful illustration and an exciting story for any child aged 3 to 8.

How Murray Saved Christmas: Santa is suddenly knocked out by a Jack-in-the-Boxer (much more dangerous than the usual Jack-in-the-Box!). But with Santa out for the count, who will deliver the presents to all the girls and boys? Murray the deli owner! He isn’t quite sure what to do, but with an assertive elf to guide him and a little boy to believe in him, Murray is sure that he’ll be able to make miracles happen. A hilarious romp written by Mike Reiss and complete with wacky illustrations by David Catrow. One of those books that children will want read over and over while they roll over the bed with laughter.

Snowmen at Christmas: One cannot have Christmas childrens books without having a few that feature raucous snowmen! This cozy book by Caralyn and Mark Buehner (the creators of Snowmen at Night) are stuffed full of snowmen who come to life to celebrate the holiday season. Together, they have great times, caroling and even getting presents from Santa Claus himself! Snowmen certainly know how to party! Lyrical rhymes and exciting illustrations full of rich hues and expressive faces (even for snowmen!) will delight readers, young and old. In fact, after a few readings, both children and adults may not ever look at snowmen in quite the same way again.

Auntie Clause: Sophie has a unique aunt. Her last name happens to be Claus and she does a lot of peculiar things, such as serving holiday cookies year-round, she disappears for a so-called “business trip” during one certain time every year, and her tree looks fantastic every single time. What is it with Auntie Claus? This year, Sophie plans on finding out! Elise Primavera provides a cute and fun story about what it might be like to have an aunt actually related to Santa Claus. Whimsical illustrations provide a festive look at New York City, and some kids might guess who Auntie Claus is before Sophie does.

Olivia Helps with Christmas: Many favorite characters are featured in children’s Christmas books, and this time Olivia, everyone’s favorite pig is ready and set to help during the holidays. There is so much to do, from making cookies to opening presents. Olivia is ready to help with everything, but it’s a lot harder than she thought! Kids can join Olivia as she tries to make it the best celebration ever, and many might also be able to relate to her predicaments as she gets a little overzealous. Typical Olivia fashion, kids will enjoy the simple illustrations with a few dashes of color and a lot of heart.

The Little Fir Tree: Margaret Wise Brown is well known in the book world for her wonderful children’s stories, most notably Goodnight Moon. Here she pens a tale of a small fir tree, standing alone in a field. It’s one with is to be a part of the forest, or at least to be a part of something. One quiet night, a young boy and his family decorate the tree and it becomes something much more. Soft with snow, yet evoking feelings of warmth, the illustrations by Jim Lamarche delight and inspire. A good read when cozy in bed or with a cup of cocoa.

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: Ruthie and her mother set out to find the perfect tree for their home. There are so many trees to choose from, but there is one in particular they want to find. Years back, Ruthie’s father planted a little tree on a rocky cliff. While he’s away at war, Ruthie and her mother think this might be the perfect way to bring him home for the holidays. A sweet story by Gloria Houston, some kids may be able to relate to the idea of an absent parent during the holidays. Illustrations by the Caldecott Medal winner Barbara Cooney give life to a touching tale.

Mr. Christmas: Along with the other Mr. and Miss titles (such as Mr. Nonsense and Little Miss Chatterbox), is one friend for kids who is the embodiment of the holiday spirit. Santa actually gives him a call, requesting his help to deliver presents to all the Mr. Men. Amidst snow and cold, can he do it? A simple book for infants and preschoolers, it’s easy to understand and just as easy to enjoy. A great choice for teachers and parents alike, kid will quickly point out all the fun things in this book, including the fact that the hero looks surprisingly like a certain holiday tree.

Christmas Cookies: Christmas childrens books can occasionally have the power not only to tell a good story, but a sweet one! Each page is a morsel of joy as Amy Krouse Rosenthal helps to enhance children’s vocabulary even as they celebrate the seasons. Every page has a specific word on it with a definition. But the definitions aren’t dull and dry. Instead they’re filled with reason and real world meaning. For example, “Anticipation means I’ve been thinking all day about making the cookies.” Indeed, that is a perfect definition of anticipation for kids who love cookies! Done in with bright colors and full of holiday cheer, any book with cookies is a hit.

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger: Mortimer is a tiny mouse living in his cold little mousey hole. It’s not much fun, so he goes out looking for a new place to move in. Mortimer soon stumbles upon a nativity scene and decides that this could be quite a lovely place to stay. That is, until he discovers who he sharing his new house with when he hears humans outside telling the story of baby Jesus. Cute illustrations by Jane Chapman compliment the special story penned by Karma Wilson. The idea is straightforward, to tell children about the reason behind the holidays, but does so in a fun way that is unpretentious.

A Pussycat’s Christmas: Cats can celebrate too! Yet another cheery story from Margaret Wise Brown, parents and kids get to see the holidays from a cat’s point of view. The things he smells. The things he sees. He even plays in the snow and watches as people put up decorations. He knows that one special day will soon be upon everyone and is just as excited as everyone else. And no cat can resist shiny baubles! Brown uses her signature rhymes to make reading fun (or to lull sleepy children into dreams), while Anne Mortimer illustrates kitty bouncing around in the snow and sniffing up tasty scents.

A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas: Argh and shiver me timbers! Everyone can enjoy the magical season. Even pirates! Philip Yates brings a whole boatload of them into kids’ rooms, complete with presents, decorated trees, and good cheer. As colorful as any book can be (both in its illustrations as well as its snappy rhymes), these pirates get a visit not from Santa Claus, but from someone else who drives ahead of him giant seahorses! Tons of fun, the wackiness doesn’t seem to end. This title gives kids a break from the traditional stories of reindeer and Santa, and instead sends them onto the high seas for some crazy pirate antics!

Humphrey’s First Christmas: Who would ever think that children’s Christmas books could feature a camel? But indeed they can, as demonstrated by Carol Heyer. And why not? The three wise men rode in on camels as they transported gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. Humphrey is one of those camels, taking his rider to the special manger, and the story through his eyes. A unique take on the holiday spirit, Carol Heyer also does the illustrations, which will give children hours of fun, from big camel faces to the completely different setting—desert and no snow. It would be no surprise if this became a tale read every year, multiple times.

Who would ever think that children’s Christmas books could feature a camel? But indeed they can, as demonstrated by Carol Heyer. And why not? The three wise men rode in on camels as they transported gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. Humphrey is one of those camels, taking his rider to the special manger, and the story through his eyes. A unique take on the holiday spirit, Carol Heyer also does the illustrations, which will give children hours of fun, from big camel faces to the completely different setting—desert and no snow. It would be no surprise if this became a tale read every year, multiple times.