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Holiday Cheer

  • Coal Valley Library
  • Sep 19
  • 4 min read
Collage of festive children's book covers featuring elves, Santa, and animals. Vibrant colors with titles like "How to Catch an Elf."
Cozy Home Book Covers

Get ready to deck the halls with holiday magic! The books on this list are filled with cheerful elves, jolly reindeer, sparkly snowmen, and plenty of laughter to go around. Whether you’re planning a classroom read-aloud, a cozy storytime at the library, or snuggly bedtime reading at home, these stories will sprinkle your season with joy. Gather your kiddos, pour some cocoa, and dive into these merry and bright holiday tales!


Bear cuddles with animals in a snowy forest. "Bear Stays Up for Christmas" on the book cover. Cozy and festive mood.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson

Bear’s friends are determined to keep him awake for Christmas so he can experience the holiday cheer. They bake, sing, and decorate until Bear discovers the true joy of giving. This sweet story celebrates friendship and the magic of the season.


Crayons and a candy cane on a festive background with a red ribbon. Includes 6 envelopes with games and more. Title: "The Crayons' Christmas".
The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt

The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywalt

The Crayons are back, and this time they’re preparing for Christmas in their own colorful way. With funny letters and quirky surprises, they show that holiday celebrations can be as unique as you are. It’s a laugh-out-loud tale with plenty of festive spirit.


Cat wearing Santa hat holds gifts atop chimney. Green background with snowflakes. Text: "Pete the Cat Saves Christmas." Cheerful mood.
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by James Dean

When Santa falls ill, Pete the Cat steps in to save Christmas with his cool, laid-back style. Singing, grooving, and delivering gifts, Pete proves it’s all good. This upbeat story puts a jazzy spin on the holiday.


A pigeon in a festive hat looks curious. Text: "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!" and "You SNOW you want to." Snowflakes in the background.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems

The mischievous pigeon has his eyes on Santa’s sleigh and nothing can stop him from trying to take the reins. Packed with hilarious antics, this interactive book will have kids giggling. It’s a merry twist on a fan-favorite character.


Santa stands in snow facing a chimney under a dark, snowy sky. Text: "How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?" by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen.
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett

This funny, curious story explores the age-old mystery of Santa’s chimney magic. With plenty of imaginative possibilities, kids will love coming up with their own theories. It’s a clever holiday tale full of wonder.


Snowman in a colorful scarf juggles lights, surrounded by playful snow critters; title reads "Snowmen's Twelve Nights of Christmas."
Snowmen’s Twelve Nights of Christmas by Caralyn Buehner

Snowmen’s Twelve Nights of Christmas by Caralyn Buehner

Snowmen come alive at night to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas with silly, frosty fun. From skating to singing, their snowy festivities will enchant readers. A festive, imaginative countdown to Christmas.


A bear and mouse sit by a decorated tree against a red background. The text reads "We Disagree About This Tree" by Ross Collins. Mood: humorous.
We Disagree About This Tree by Ross Collins

We Disagree About This Tree by Ross Collins

Two friends can’t agree on how to decorate their Christmas tree, but they’re determined to do it together. Their funny squabbles turn into teamwork and laughter. A cheerful story about compromise and friendship.


Smiling cactus in a pot with Christmas ornaments and snowflakes on a pink background. Text: The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry.
The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry

The Christmassy Cactus by Beth Ferry

A little cactus wants to feel festive, but the desert isn’t exactly filled with holiday sparkle. With help from friends, she finds her own special way to shine. A heartwarming tale about belonging and creativity.


Unicorn and reindeer, smiling, in a wintery scene with snowflakes. Text: "Uni the Unicorn: Reindeer Helper" on a festive background.
Uni the Unicorn: Reindeer Helper by Christy Webster

Uni the Unicorn: Reindeer Helper by Christy Webster

Uni dreams of helping Santa’s reindeer and gets her chance one snowy night. With sparkle and heart, Uni proves even unicorns can be magical helpers. A charming holiday adventure for little dreamers.


Two cartoon dogs wearing Santa hats stand on a green background with candy canes and stars. Text: Bluey, 12 Days of Christmas.
Bluey: 12 Days of Christmas

Bluey: 12 Days of Christmas

Bluey and her family celebrate the twelve days of Christmas in their own playful way. Each day brings joy, chaos, and love. A lighthearted holiday read for Bluey fans.


Elves in festive outfits surround a circle with "20 Elves at Bedtime" text. Background is red with stars; cheerful and colorful mood.
20 Elves at Bedtime by Mark Sperring

20 Elves at Bedtime by Mark Sperring

Getting 20 excited elves to bed is no easy task! This fun counting story is filled with bedtime giggles and holiday cheer. A lively read-aloud for little ones.


Cheerful elf in green dances. Title: "Elf in the House" in red letters. Festive decor with red bows and greenery. Mood: Joyful.
Elf in the House by Ammi-Joan Paquette

Elf in the House by Ammi-Joan Paquette

A mischievous elf sneaks through the house on Christmas Eve, spreading sparkle and fun. With rhythmic text and lively illustrations, this story feels like a holiday treasure hunt. It captures the wonder of Christmas night.


A cheerful elf in green dances across a vivid orange background with text "Elton the Elf." USA flag and castle in the background.
Elton the Elf by Lisa Mallen

Elton the Elf by Lisa Mallen

Elton is a small elf with big dreams of joining Santa’s workshop. Through determination and kindness, he proves that even little helpers can make a big difference. A delightful story of courage and holiday spirit.


Book cover of "How to Catch an Elf" features candy cane letters, a playful elf with gifts, and a starry blue sky. Peppermints adorn the scene.
How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace

How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace

Traps are set all over the house, but this clever elf won’t be caught! With rhyming text and silly surprises, this book sparks giggles and imagination. It’s a fast-paced, festive romp.


A pug in a Santa hat holds a red ornament against a green background. Text reads "PIG the ELF" and "Aaron Blabey." The mood is playful.
Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey

Pig the Elf by Aaron Blabey

Pig the pug wants all the presents and won’t behave, even for Santa. But Christmas teaches Pig a much-needed lesson about giving. A hilarious and cheeky holiday story.


A green elf in red sits on yellow scroll. Text: "There's an ELF in YOUR Book." Striped background. Tag: Tom Fletcher. Cheerful mood.
There’s an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

There’s an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher

An elf pops out of the pages and invites readers to join in the Christmas fun. This interactive book gets kids giggling and moving. A joyful, playful holiday read.


Cartoon reindeer with antlers and a red scarf farts colorful lights. Text: "Fritz the Farting Reindeer" by Humor Heals Us. Snowy background.
Fritz the Farting Reindeer by Humor Heals Us

Fritz the Farting Reindeer by Humor Heals Us

Fritz has an unusual problem—but he’s determined to help Santa anyway. Kids will laugh out loud at this silly, lighthearted story. It’s full of humor and holiday cheer.


Santa and reindeer protesting in snowy scene. Reindeer hold "STRIKE" and "NO PAY NO SLEIGH" signs. Christmas tree and bird visible.
The Great Reindeer Rebellion by Lisa Trumbauer

The Great Reindeer Rebellion by Lisa Trumbauer

Santa’s reindeer go on strike, leaving him in a holiday bind. A hilarious parade of replacement animals try to take their place—with chaotic results. A comical twist on Christmas traditions.


A cute reindeer in a Santa hat smiles in a snowy village with snowmen and pine trees. Red title: "The Littlest Reindeer."
The Littlest Reindeer by Brandi Dougherty

The Littlest Reindeer by Brandi Dougherty

Dot is the smallest reindeer at the North Pole, but she has the biggest heart. Through bravery and teamwork, she earns her place on Santa’s team. A sweet, encouraging holiday tale.


Cartoon dog Olive flies over a colorful winter village. Text reads: "Olive, the other reindeer." Starry night sky with smoke trails.
Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold

Olive the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold

When Olive the dog hears a Christmas song, she’s convinced she’s meant to be a reindeer. With determination and charm, she helps Santa save Christmas. A quirky classic filled with holiday spirit.

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