A read-aloud picture book list for Christmas curated by The Children’s Book Review in partnership with author Jill Rosen.
From shout-along refrains and spin-and-slide pages to silly stories that will have the whole family giggling, these new and recent holiday books are packed full of fun. Some invite little readers to join in, and others are just pure merry mischief, but every one is a joy to share on the way to Christmas morning.
Here are 10 joyous Christmas read-aloud picture books for your holiday shelf:
Ode to a Pug: Naughty? Who Me?
Written by Jill Rosen
Illustrated by Stephanie Rohr
Ages: 3-6 | 36 Pages
Publisher: Pug House Books (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1067397036
When a pug shreds every present under the tree on Christmas Eve, she’s sent to doggy school to learn “Leave it!” and earn her way back onto Santa’s Nice List. Kids will love yelling the commands, cheering her on as she learns a little self-control, and spotting Cat’s smug reactions in the cozy, detail-packed art.
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Merry Christmas, Dragon!
Written by Bianca Schulze
Illustrated by Samara Hardy
Ages: 3-5 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Clever Publishing (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8888674895
Dragon wants to participate in every Christmas activity all at once, and her excitement creates delightful chaos. This seventh book in the Dragon series gently nudges readers to slow down and savor the season.
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Interrupting Chicken Saves the Nutcracker
Written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Ages: 4-8 | 48 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-1536207798
At her very first ballet, Chicken can’t stop jumping onstage to rescue the Nutcracker from Fritz and the Mouse King. The fourth-wall-breaking comedy makes it a perfect read-aloud for families who love The Nutcracker, and for kids who can’t sit still.
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A Dance with Santa Claus
Written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton
Ages: 4-8 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-0316593694
A little bunny has just one Christmas wish: to dance with Santa on Christmas Eve. Based on a song from Boynton’s holiday album Cows and Holly, its bouncy verse practically begs you to get up and dance.
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Santa Loves Snow Cones
Written by Ben Okon
Illustrated by Komal Sharma
Ages: 3-6 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Flamingo Books (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8217321087
Ever wonder how Santa’s suit turned red? A sticky sleigh mishap with cherry syrup has the answer. The strong rhymes and a chatty elf who talks right to the reader make this ridiculous origin story a cheerful new favorite.
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Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas… According to Max!
Written by Alistair Heim
Illustrated by Aristides Ruiz
Ages: 3-7 | 48 Pages
Publisher: Random House (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8217228072
The Grinch’s loyal (and long-suffering) dog, Max, finally tells his side of the story. Kids who know the classic by heart will love comparing versions and laughing at Max’s take on that infamous night.
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Who’s There, Little Elf?
Written and illustrated by Teresa Bellón
Ages: 2-4 | 16 Pages
Publisher: Boxer Books (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1454799160
Clever paper engineering changes each picture with a page turn, revealing a Sparkly Star, Twinkling Tree, and finally Santa himself. It’s peek-a-boo holiday magic for the youngest readers.
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Cookies for Santa: A Spin-and-Slide Book
Written by Workman Publishing
Illustrated by Grace Habib
Ages: 0-3 | 12 Pages
Publisher: Workman Kids (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1523535231
Toddlers slide the spoon to mix, roll the dough, pull a tab to cut shapes, close the oven door, and spin the platter to fill Santa’s plate. Each page has something to do, making it ideal for busy little hands.
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Merry Christmas, Sleepy Sheepy!
Written by Lucy Ruth Cummins
Illustrated by Pete Oswald
Ages: 3-7 | 40 Pages
Publisher: Flamingo Books (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8217041039
Sleepy Sheepy is going to stay up and see Santa this year… if only his eyelids would cooperate! This rhyming Christmas Eve story is full of yawns and giggles, and any child who has fought to stay awake for Santa will relate. It also works as a gentle wind-down read on the big night.
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Merry Christmas, Snickerdoodle!
Written by J. D. Forester
Illustrated by Charlotte Love
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Tinker/Penguin Workshop (2026) | ISBN-13: 979-8217141081
Gingerbread, sugar cookies, peppermint swirls, and gumdrops come to life in this sweet holiday celebration. Its punny, rhyming affirmations and cheerful treat characters give it what Kirkus calls “adorable, over-the-top Yuletide charm.” It’s a perfect pairing for a cookie-baking afternoon.
