Duck the Halls by Laura Lavoie and Teresa Martinez - OPTIONAL

Duck the Halls by Laura Lavoie and Teresa Martinez. PICTURE BOOK. Doubleday (Random House), 2026. $19. 9798217117604

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The animals and humans on the street are decorating for Christmas, but Chicken is sick and needs some cheer.  All of the neighborhood bands together to help their neighbor in need.

While I understand that this is part of a series about Duck, Duck, and Goose, the combination of humans and anthropomorphic animals seems an odd mix, when the book could have easily had just humans in it spreading cheer. Especially because the action seems to take place in a very human neighborhood, not on a farm. The rhyming text was okay, but i’m not a big fan of constant rhyming in read alouds. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

What does Santa Want for Christmas? by Sahar Shams - OPTIONAL

What does Santa Want for Christmas? by Sahar Shams. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026. $19. 9798217031085

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Young Dorim decides that he is going to ask Santa what he wants for Christmas. When he gets an answer, he and his dog brainstorm some ideas until they hit upon what they believe to be the perfect solution.

I tried to channel my inner 5-8 year old to understand and appreciate Dorim’s gift idea, but I just couldn’t do it.  I don’t get it.  Which is incredibly sad, because I really like the illustrations,  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Jingle: How the Littlest Reindeer Earned Her Bells by MacKenzie Cadenhead and Erin Kraan - ADVISABLE

Jingle: How the Littlest Reindeer Earned Her Bells by MacKenzie Cadenhead and Erin Kraan. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026. $19. 9798217120598

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Jingle is not the youngest reindeer, but she is the smallest. Each Christmas Eve, young reindeer compete in three tasks to earn their magic flying bells so that they can help pull Santa’s sleigh. Being so small, the other competitors think she has no chance at all.

Jingle is adorable and Santa’s words to her are kind and uplifting. For me this is a new Christmas classic.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Merry Christmas, Sleepy Sheepy! by Lucy Ruth Cummins, and Pete Oswald - OPTIONAL

Merry Christmas, Sleepy Sheepy! by Lucy Ruth Cummins, and Pete Oswald. PICTURE BOOK. Flamingo (Penguin), 2026. $15. 9798217041039

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

The oldest sheep of three is determined to stay up and see Santa Claus. 

Told in the rhythm of The Night Before Christmas, but breaks sometimes in odd ways.  I really like SHeep’s antics, but I do not like having to sing when I read along. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Sparrow’s Blue Christmas by Roger Hutchinson and Ag Jatkowska. - ADVISABLE

Sparrow’s Blue Christmas by Roger Hutchinson and Ag Jatkowska. PICTURE BOOK. Beaming Books, 2026. $19. 9798889834816

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Sparrow is ready to start the Christmas celebrations, but none of his other forest friends seem interested in celebrating. Maybe Sparrow can help make room for sadness at Christmas too. 

Not gonna lie - I found myself tearing up as I thought of the things that I miss at Christmas too. While children may not understand in a way they can express, they too can feel when those around them are not feeling the joy everyone keeps telling them they should feel.  Just lovely.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Elfabet ABC by Davies and Quintanilla - ADVISABLE

Elfabet ABC by Davies and Quintanilla. BOARD BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $10. 9781664352261

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Elves frolic through every letter of the alphabet, celebrating the Christmas season in their silly way.

The rhyming text hits just the right note - especially because lifting the flaps slows things down, so you don’t, as the reader, feel like you are galloping through.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

C is for Christmas by Aimee Knight and Summer Macon - ADVISABLE

C is for Christmas by Aimee Knight and Summer Macon. BOARD BOOK. TIger Tales, 2026. $9. 9781664352216

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Walk your way through the alphabet and the Christmas season.

Each word of the alphabet represents not just one, but two words - the second hiding under a flap to be discovered on every page.  The capital version of each letter in a finger-traceable but-out, too.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The First Christmas by Jeffrey Burton and Antonio Javier Caparo - ADVISABLE

The First Christmas by Jeffrey Burton and Antonio Javier Caparo. PICTURE BOOK. Little Simon, 2026. $20. 9798347112913

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Burton Intersperses verses from traditional Christmas hymns with a well-paraphrased version of the story drawn from the Bible. Caparo’s illustrations glow and together they create a beautiful Nativity story.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Year the Corgis Saved Christmas by Sherri L. Smith and Nidhi Chanani - ESSENTIAL

The Year the Corgis Saved Christmas by Sherri L. Smith and Nidhi Chanani. PICTURE BOOK. Simon and Schuster, 2026. $20. 9781665925266

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

The year the reindeer go on strike, one brave corgi wants to step in and help.  But their queen has lost her heart to help ever since her human passed away.  Three brave corgis sneak out to help Santa anyways.  but if they poop out halfway around the world, will any one (or pup) be able to step in and save them? 

I wasn’t prepared for how cute Smith’s latest book truly is. I like that sometimes it rhymes, but most of the time it doesn’t. The corgis are adorable.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

It’s Not Easy Being an Elf by Marilyn Sadler and Steph Laberis - ADVISABLE

It’s Not Easy Being an Elf by Marilyn Sadler and Steph Laberis. PICTURE BOOK. Random House, 2026 $11 (hc). 9798217122745

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Quin is a penguin in Santa’s workshop and he is not having fun. He dreams of having some more interesting job to be helpful.

I’m not sure why the elves and depicted as Penguins and the Santa is a polar bear. That’s the only reason I am not enamored with the book. Otherwise, Quin is adorably bored and earnest about trying out new jobs - and inventive when he comes to the rescue.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: According to Max! by Alastair Heim and Aristrides Ruiz - ADVISABLE

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: According to Max! by Alastair Heim and Aristrides Ruiz. Random House, 2026. $20. 9798217228072

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Max loves everything about Christmas and especially the way the Whos celebrate. When the Grinch reveals his horrid plans, Max does what he can to thwart him, but what can one scared puppy do?

Heim does a pretty good job mimicking Seuss’s rhyming rhythms for a new look at the classic tale. Max is earnest, is unsuccessful, but we knew that going in, didn’t we.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Kitty vs Christmas by Martha Freeman and Eda Kaban - ESSENTIAL

Kitty vs Christmas by Martha Freeman and Eda Kaban. PICTURE BOOK. Disney, 2026. $19. 9781368119221

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Kitty has never liked Christmas, but this year he is REALLY trying.  Unfortunately his family doesn’t seem to appreciate his efforts. When he finds out that he doesn't even get one Christmas cookie AND his favorite toy mouse disappears, kitty has had ENOUGH and he decides to wreck Christmas for everyone.

Having a kitty myself, I love his little disgruntled face! And the surprise visit from Santa, who has problems of his own, was so sweet. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hank Goes Ho Ho Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie - ADVISABLE

Hank Goes Ho Ho Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie. PICTURE BOOK. TIger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300996

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In his 4th adventure, Hank is impatiently waiting for Christmas. So impatiently that his friends are trying to distract him by having him help Santa’s elves finish the last minute gift wrapping. Hank may be a good helper, but he does have some ideas of his own.

Hank’s wry attitude is hilarious as always. Full of Christmas-y chaos with Hank’s auspicious nature at the end for good measure.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas by Jory John and Pete Oswald - OPTIONAL

Have Yourself a Cheesy Little Christmas by Jory John and Pete Oswald. PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2025. $16. 9780063437869

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Christmas can never be too big or too much for Cheese. The more the better as far as he is concerned. After a washing machine mishap, however, the party is moved over to Wedge’s house, where it is much different from what Cheese had in mind. Can he enjoy himself anyways? 

Whew! There is a lot of book here.  Cheese’s energy is quite over the top and fills a lot of the story. In fact, even after Wedge’s party, Cheese doesn’t seem to get the point. While cute, Cheese's ultimate behavior contradicts the point. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Old MacSanta Had a Farm by Katrina Charman and Georgie Birkett - ADVISABLE

Old MacSanta Had a Farm by Katrina Charman and Georgie Birkett. PICTURE BOOK. Nosy Crow, 2026. $15. 9798887772998

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Santa’s farm is busy getting ready for Christmas delivery and everyone is on hand to help.

A sweet remake of the Old MacDonald classic.  The illustrations are a delight to explore, while the new words are fairly simple in nature. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

This is Not a Christmas Book by Jory John and Pierre Collet-Derby - ESSENTIAL

This is Not a Christmas Book by Jory John and Pierre Collet-Derby. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Straus Giroux (Macmillan), SEPTEMBER 2026. $20. 9780374394011

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

The lizard is trying to educate the reader about rocks, but what is that elf doing there? And those reindeer!

I love the lizard’s commitment to his rocks - and that Collet-Derby is as accurate as they can be in their depiction. Of course it devolves into a Christmas book, but based on community and celebration, not just about receiving gifts.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Llama Llama a Gift for Mama by Anna Dewdney and JT Morrow - ESSENTIAL

Llama Llama a Gift for Mama by Anna Dewdney and JT Morrow. PICTURE BOOK. Viking Books (Penguin), 2025. $16. 9780593353264

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Christmas is coming and Llama llama wants to get the perfect gift for his mom. He makes her a fancy ornament, but then accidentally drops and breaks it. What is Llama llama going to do now? His Grandmas said that spending time with her would be the best gift, but Llama llama isn't convinced. After repeatedly asking his mom what she would like, he begins to think it is hopeless. Llama llama learns that not all gifts are things that can be unwrapped and Christmas is saved.

My daughter and I enjoyed this book because of the familiar characters. It taught a good lesson that not all gifts are the same. We liked how to show that spending time with a loved one can be the best gift of all.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Gingerbread Yeti by Dan Gemeinhart and Hugo L. Cuellar. - ESSENTIAL

Gingerbread Yeti by Dan Gemeinhart and Hugo L. Cuellar. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), SEPTEMBER 2026. $19. 9781250356765

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Ella the Elf is cooking up a giant gingerbread man for the elves to enjoy on Christmas Eve, but a mistaken extra ingredient turns him into an abominable yeti instead.  How will they be able to save Christmas? 

Gemeinhart uses the rhythm pattern of “The Night Before Christmas”, which is a little easier to read out loud than most rhyming picture book text. The story is so adorable from beginning to end. Gemeinhart even includes a gingerbread man recipe.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett - OPTIONAL

The Christmas Sweater by Jan Brett. PICTURE BOOK. Putnam (Penguin), 2025. $20. 9780593533918

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ari the pug does not like his new, over-decorated, Christmas sweater. A curious magpie helps him with that. Thankfully, the boy and pug are able to follow the remnants back to safety.

For someone who wants to add an old-fashioned feeling book to their Christmas book stash. Brett’s detailed style lends itself to study each page. 

 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker by David Ezra Stein - ESSENTIAL

Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker by David Ezra Stein. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2025. $19. 9781536207798

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

The little red chicken has promised her papa that she will not interrupt The Nutcracker performance. However, when someone is being a bully or someone is in danger, little red chicken can’t stop herself from trying to save the day.

My favorite version of The Nutcracker to date. Little red chicken is adorable in her tutu and she is so earnest about why she is interrupting. Love her. However - her antics may give your little ones some ideas about what they might do at a holiday performance - so be very cautious! 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS