The Best Holiday Story Books for Kids

There are so many ways to make a holiday special, from decorations, to treats, to music. One of the most wonderful ways to make a holiday exciting and memorable for children is with a cherished story book. These classics that come out once a year will be the highlight of your holiday celebrations, and may even inspire your child's imagination and love of reading.

This Kid Lit list aims to share some of the best titles in children's literature, and showcase authors that continue to charm our hearts and open our minds to new possibilities. With the right books, and a dedicated reader, children can be inspired to reach the highest heights. This is a selection of some of the best holiday books for kids, from newborn to 8 years.

One of the best ways to create a spooky and memorable Hallowe'en night is to set the mood with a good ghost story. Children love to laugh and squeal along with these miniature spine-tinglers! When everyone is dressed up in their best costumes, bring out some of your favorite tales to create an amazing All Hallow's Eve!

Charles Monroe Schulz was born on November 26, 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His love of drawing began with cartoon portraits of the family dog, Spike. His first published work was a picture of Spike that was accepted by Ripley's Believe it Or Not!.

His first comic strips, L'il Folks were created and published in 1947, and were a regular appearance in the St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper. Later the strip would evolve into Peanuts and become one of the most popular cartoons of all time. It ran for 49 years, and was published in 75 countries.

"Sparky" Schulz did not wish for the comics to continue after his retirement. In December of 1999, he retired due to complications from colon cancer, and the final Peanuts strip was published on February 13, 2000, the day after his death. He was honored by 42 cartoonists later that year in a nationwide tribute to Peanuts and it's creator.

Story time is one of the most wonderful things about being a child. Whether it's fun and silly, with plenty of 'audience participation', or calm and relaxing, reading with someone you love is what makes books so precious.

When you read to a child, not only are you sharing something magical with them, but you are preparing them for all the learning they will do in their lives. Every time you sit down together with your favorite story, you encourage a love of reading - something that they will use forever.

Books are so much more than words and pictures. Each one has a message, as lesson that can help kids make good decisions and have high hopes. They are windows into other places, times and worlds, and can teach us many things.

The very next time you have the chance, read to someone close to you! They'll be glad you did.

When your little ones are too excited to sleep on Christmas night, a favorite story may be just the thing to help them drift off. After all, Santa won't come until you're asleep!

These cherished tales and holiday story books are a wonderful addition to your family's traditions, and will be remembered fondly for years to come!

Theodor S. Geisel was born in 1904, in Springfield Massachusetts. He credits his mother with his gift for rhyme. Henrietta Suess Geisel had worked in a bakery before being married, and had a habit of chanting the daily pie specials to customers. When young Ted had trouble falling asleep, she would sing these pie chants to him. Little did she know that she would inspire some of the most treasured books of all time.

He first used the name Seuss when secretly contributing to Jack-O-Lantern magazine at Dartmouth College. Later he would add Dr. as a tribute to his father, who had hoped that he would earn a doctorate at Oxford.

His first children's book, And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was published in 1937.

Dr. Seuss wrote three more, then used his talents to help the war effort. He returned to children's literature after the war, and would eventually write the books that we all know and love.

When Dr. Philip O'Hanlon dodged his daughter's question about the existence of Santa Claus in 1897, who knew that it would be the beginning of a much cherished holiday tradition?

Young Virginia O'Hanlon had been worried about whether or not the rumors were true - that there was no such thing as Santa Claus. Naturally, she asked her father, who told her to write to the New York Sun for, "If you see it in The Sun, it's so."

Luckily for Virgina, and the rest of the world, her letter was received by Francis Pharcellus Church. This editor took it upon himself to renew a young girl's faith in Santa, and inspire his readers to find hope in troubling times. Although the original editorial was near the bottom of the page, it was noticed - and loved - by so many people, that it is now a Christmas staple all over the world.

Yes, Virgina, there is a Santa Claus has been reprinted more times than any other editorial in the English language. It has inspired several television specials, books and even parodies. The original letter written by Virginia was appraised for fifty thousand dollars in 1998.

Born in New York city in 1779, Clement Clarke Moore was the son of an Episcopal bishop and scholar, Benjamin Moore. His family's legacy in New York lives on today, most notably as the Clement Clarke Moore Park, at 10th Avenue and 22nd Street. It was dedicated to the author more than 100 years after his death. His descendants include the Ogden family, including the artist Mary C. Moore Ogden, who illustrated an edition of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas".

Some historians speculate that Moore's ownership of the famous poem is false. The original Christmas rhyme was first published anonymously in the New York Sentinel in 1823. The newspaper hinted at Moore as the poems author, though he wouldn't be named for penning the work until 1837. Official ownership of "A Visit from St. Nicholas" would not pass to Clement Moore until 1844, when his children encouraged him to put his name to the now familiar Christmas poem.

Although some suggest that the poem may have been written by Henry Livingston Jr., most printings of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" credit Mr. Moore with the original concept. The rhyme and the story have both been used not only in print but in television and film many times. In 1974 the Rankin/Bass production team (Frosty the Snowman, The Last Unicorn) brought us a fun and memorable animated story that embellished on the original poem. And of course who could forget Tim Burton's dark spin-off "The Nightmare Before Christmas".

Although this might be considered by some to be a Hallmark holiday - just a way to sell cards and candies - parents and caregivers can use any occasion as a way to do something fun with kids. Valentine's day is the perfect time to learn about love and sharing, romance and caring! Have a tea party with pink lemonade, and read some fun Valentine stories!

First published in the 1980s as Four Valentines in a Rainstorm, this holiday classic has re-emerged with new illustrations. The original story remains intact, allowing new parents to share this Valentine favorite with their own children.

Everyone has a favorite holiday tradition - a movie or story that they share year after year. Which essential holiday classic do you turn to?

These special holidays for parents are the perfect time to say thank you for all of the wonderful things that moms and dads do - like reading stories! If you're an aunt or uncle, you can make a special outing with your nieces and nephews to pick out a special gift for their parent. And don't forget that these days are for grandmas and grandpas, too!

Reading one of these books with your own kids is a wonderful way to celebrate your special day together.

This special cloth bound edition of the heartwarming classic is a perfect gift for book collectors, parents and loved ones. Since the release of "Guess How Much" more than ten years ago, adults and children alike have fallen in love with the charming bunny and his Daddy who love each other so much.

Originally written as part of grief counselling after losing a child, Robert Munsch's "Love You Forever" was never meant to be a published work. Luckily for sentimental parents everywhere, it eventually made it into the hands of an editor, and is now one of the most essential books for new parents everywhere.

The wonderful illustrated stories of K.Y. Craft make an excellent give for mothers and daughters.

Born in Japan, Kinuko Craft moved to the US in 1964, and has been astounding and delighting us with her artwork ever since. While she is most well known as a fantasy artist, she has also been commissioned to create original art for book covers, magazines and opera posters. Her work can be seen on the covers of titles by Diana Gabaldon, Carl Sagan, and many more.

Ms. Craft was educated at Kanazawa Municipal College of Fine and Industrial Art in Japan, as well as the School of the Art Institute of Chigaco. In addition to her editorial and freelance work, she has published several children's books. She has also spent much time as a judge in various competitions, and is a member of the advisory board to the Norman Rockwell Museum.

K. Y. Craft's amazing works of art are done primarily in oils and watercolors, and have won over a hundred various awards.

If your favorite holiday book isn't featured on our list add it here and share your traditions!

Do you have an all time favorite holiday book? If you don't see it on this list, share it here! There's always room for more wonderful children's books!

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