The Children’s Book Review | November 26, 2018
Fun activities are a great way to get into the cheerful Christmas spirit. And who’s kidding? Sometimes we need something to keep our kids busy while we shop, wrap, cook, clean, and manage life in general. The following activity books will appeal to a multitude of ages and interests, and all, for sure, will bring Christmas cheer.
Written by Drew Daywalt
Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Publisher’s Synopsis: A brand-new Crayons book from the #1 New York Times best-selling duo Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers, just in time for the holidays. This special book has letters, games, ornaments, a poster, and even a pop-up Christmas tree!
‘Tis the season for all of us to write our holiday wishlists. But everyone–even the crayons–know the best presents are the ones that you give. In this unique book, readers get to see how Duncan, the crayons, and their families celebrate the holidays. With real, folded letters from the Crayons that you can pull from their envelopes and read, games, punch-out ornaments, a poster, and a pop-up tree, this book is the perfect gift for fans of The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home.
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Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Penguin Workshop | October 15, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0525515746
Created by
Publisher’s Synopsis: Inspired by the animated special based on a beloved classic, this treasure trove of activities, fun facts, and more than a hundred stickers is the perfect gift for a magical time of year.
There’s so much to make, do, and discover in the countdown to Christmas! Whether kids like staying indoors to make crafts or stepping outside to explore, they’ll find plenty of ideas in this gem of a book. Would you like to create a wreath, design your own cards, or make a special cake for the birds? How about learning some seasonal jokes, looking for winter creatures, or completing a Christmas tree calendar with stickers? With easy-to-follow instructions, charming illustrations, and plenty of holiday spirit, this hands-on guide to making the most of the season will keep children entertained and inspired.
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Ages 3-7 | Publisher: Candlewick | September 10, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1536211382
Illustrated by
Publisher’s Synopsis: Filled with merry-making activities these colorful pages of MERRY MAZES FOR THE HOLIDAYS invite young readers to solve holiday-themed maze challenges
- Each activity features a fresh new scene and different things to discover
- The mazes vary in difficulty levels so they challenge and entertain every reader
- Children will sharpen their logical thinking skills as they explore the North Pole a Christmas tree lot and many more wintry surprises!
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Ages 5-9 | Publisher: Clever Publishing | October 22, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1949998238
Created by
Publisher’s Synopsis: Building instructions for 16 clever Christmas ornaments that can be built from standard LEGO parts that fans are likely to have in their collection. These small and uncomplicated ornaments are quick to build and a joy to display.
Readers can build 16 classic Christmas designs including a gingerbread house, Santa, reindeer, a snowman, a wreath, a poinsettia, and traditional shapes like baubles and modern geometric swirls. With easy-to-follow instructions and stunning full color photography, The LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book, Volume 2 will help you spread some holiday cheer with LEGO in no time!
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Ages 7+ | Publisher: No Starch Press | October 23, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1593279400
Created by
Publisher’s Synopsis: Yikes! Santa’s in his underpants! It’s almost time for Santa Claus to deliver presents, but he can’t find his suit! Quickly detach and choose from among the 50 accessories and outfits provided. Total rock look, coat and red cap, or even the Easter Bunny . . . You choose, stick, take off, and start again to find the best outfit before Christmas!
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Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Schiffer Kids | September 28, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0764358296
Written by Deborah Diesen
Illustrated by Dan Hanna
Publisher’s Synopsis: The star of the New York Times bestselling series is back, celebrating the Christmas season in this new 8×8 paperback of Pout-Pout Fish: Christmas Spirit from Deborah Diesen and illustrator Dan Hanna.
Mr. Fish can’t find his Christmas spirit! How can he get it back? Can his friends help him recover it? At an affordable price point, and with two pages of stickers, this new format is fun and accessible for Mr. Fish’s fans and newcomers alike.
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Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux | September 10, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-0374310486
Created by
Publisher’s Synopsis: From The Metropolitan Museum, this Christmas treasury of stories, poems, recipes, and songs is sure to light up the holiday season.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and this richly illustrated treasury celebrates everything there is to love about the holiday season! It’s filled with favorite Christmas stories, such as “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas” and “Little Women, A Merry Christmas,” and songs as well as original poems from Lee Bennett Hopkins, Naomi Shihab Nye, and others; original recipes from Erin Gleeson, Yvette van Boven, and Yotam Ottolenghi; and other holiday trappings. All the artwork is from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, ranging from religious paintings depicting the Nativity, to 20th-century illustrations showing Santa Claus, to wintry scenes of snowy landscapes and ice skaters. With beautiful art and joyful text, this is a wonderful book for the entire family to share.
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Ages 8+ | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | October 15, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1419737497
The article 7 Fun Christmas Activity Books For Kids was curated by Bianca Schulze. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Activity Books, Christmas Books for Kids, and Holiday Gift Guide Kids Books.