Well, the holidays are upon us again, which is pretty much the best time to snuggle up with a book-or two!-and get lost in some magical tale. Whether one has tiny ones looking for colorful picture books for teenagers wanting a thrilling read, this list is sure to help sort out any age group.
So get out the blanket, get cozy with some hot chocolate, and let’s dive into some of the best books to keep your kids both entertained and inspired this holiday break!
1. For the Little Adventurer – Ages 3 to 5 years: Picture Books that Stir the Imagination
“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
– The classic tale of Peter exploring his neighborhood after it has snowed. Perfect for young readers, Keats’ pictures and short text capture the magic of a snowy day so well; hence, it’s heartwarming.
– “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers
A fanciful tale about a small boy who wishes to catch his own star. Beautifully and colorfully illustrated, this is a stirring story about determination and wonder that will surely delight children and parents alike.
– “Dream Snow” by Eric Carle
Carle’s signature artwork sparkles in this story of a farmer’s dream of snow for the holidays. Children love the interactive flaps, and its cozy feel makes this title a perfect holiday bedtime read.
2. For Early Readers Ages 6-8 First Chapter Books for Growing Readers
“Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!” by Barbara Park
This is a holiday Junie B. Jones book full of humor and real school situations. Your early readers will love Junie’s spunky personality along with her adventures around the holidays.
• “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs
This wordless picture book narrates the magical story of a boy building a snowman that gets to life. With its wonderful visuals, this book mainly encourages children to formulate their own story from the pictures and in the process builds up a strong source of creativity and imagination.
• “Bear Stays Up for Christmas” by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Bear does his best to stay awake for the holiday with the help of his friends. Sweet tale of friendship and holiday cheer-just right for beginning readers reading for themselves.
3. For Middle-Grade Readers (Ages 9-12): Jump into Enchanted Realms and Timeless Adventures
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
What better time to introduce your child to – or reintroduce them to – the world of Hogwarts than during the holiday? Filled with magic, friendship, and adventure, this series starter about Harry Potter deserves a holiday read.
– “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis
Step into Narnia, a place of talking animals, gallant children, and eternal good versus evil. This is an eternal tale of wonder at its best, a classic fantasy for the holiday seasons.
– “Greenglass House” by Kate Milford
It’s a winter mystery set in an old inn full of secrets and unexpected guests. This is quite a nice account of the path Milo has taken in unraveling mysteries and going through surprising revelations along the way. It should be more of an atmospheric read that fully captures the coziness of a winter holiday.
4. Teen Readers 13-18 years: Engulfing Young Adult Reads
• “Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances” by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
• This uplifting collection of three interrelated holiday romances interlaces love, friendship, and holiday magic. Each story can easily become an excellent holiday pick for teens-so heartwarming and relatable.
• “Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Join Dash and Lily on this wild holiday tour of New York City through a progression of dares left in a red notebook. A fun, romantic read that’s just the right size for teens to gorge on during this holiday season. Twist: in their story of love.
If your teenager likes something a little more thrilling, then The Darkest Minds is an out-and-out adventure in some post-apocalyptic world where children have some very odd gifts. Exciting, dramatic, and an ideal holiday read that is just a bit different.
5. For Family Reading Time: Books to Enjoy Together
-“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg
This Christmas fantasy follows a young boy through a memorable train ride to the North Pole. Copiously illustrated, the heartwarming story touts belief in a great read aloud family book.
– “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
This classic holiday tale of redemption and kindness really is timeless. Though it may prove to be a bit of a challenging read for young readers, it’s a great holiday tradition to read together as a family.
-“Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne
Although not, strictly speaking, a holiday story, Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends’ innocent meanderings in the Hundred Acre Wood are perfect for the season. Milne’s storytelling and fanciful characters will delight kids and be nostalgia-inducing for adults.
6. Bonus: Interactive Books and Holiday-Themed Activity Books
“Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey” by Martin Handford
Amuse your children and challenge them to find Waldo and his friends in this holiday version of the popular search-and-find book.
“The Usborne Book of Christmas Art Ideas” by Fiona Watt
Full of varied Christmas crafts from decoration-making to card-designing, this is a perfect book for kids who love craft. It is a perfect book to keep small hands busy.
Why Reading on Holidays Is Extra Special
It’s the time for slowing down, relaxing, and spending quality times with loved ones, and thus reading turns out to be the best option to connect with the family or steal some quiet time for oneself. Books take us to new dimensions, teach salient lessons, and spark creativity-just the perfect companions during cozy holiday moments. Moreover, the love of reading developed at an early age may create lifelong practices and encourage imagination at any young age.
Whether your kids are reading about a snow-filled adventure or diving into a magical world, this ultimate holiday reading list has something for every young reader in your home.
Happy reading, and happy holidays!
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