Holiday Stories for Kids

Christmas is quickly approaching!  Get in the holiday spirits by reading one of these Christmas chapter books . . . .

Rover Saves Christmas by Roddy Doyle

When Rudolph comes down with the flu, it's up to Rover the dog and the Mack children to help Santa complete his Christmas deliveries.

Certain Poor Shepherds by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas

A white goat and a short-haired sheepdog, keeping watch over a flock of young sheep on the first night of winter, are compelled to follow a dazzling star on a dangerous journey to a humble manger in Bethlehem.

The Naughty List by Michael Fry

Twelve-year-old Bobbie travels to the North Pole to remove her brother from Santa's unimpeachable Naughty List in this Christmas adventure.

Father Christmas and Me by Matt Haig

It isn't always easy growing up as the only human in Elfhelm, even if your parents are Father and Mary Christmas and now it's up to Amelia to save Christmas from the jealous Easter Bunny and his rabbit army!

The Christmas Genie by Dan Gutman

When a meteorite crashes into a fifth-grade classroom at Lincoln School in Oak Park, Illinois, the genie inside agrees to grant the class a Christmas wish--if they can agree on one within an hour.

More Books --

The 12 Screams of Christmas by R.L. Stine

The 156-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths

Bah! Humbug! by Michael Rosen

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

The Christmas Tree by Julia Salamon

Clarice Bean: Think Like an Elf by Lauren Child

Jingle by Gordon Korman

Judy Moody & Stink: The Holly Joliday by Megan McDonald

Kirsten's Surprise by Janet Beeler Shaw

Mama Had to Work on Christmas by Carolyn Marsden

Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story by R.L. Stine

A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck

It's 1958 and there is a new family living next door to Mrs. Dowdel . . . a family that desperately needs her help whether they know it or not.

There's 12 year old Bob who is shy and being picked on by bullies.
There's 14 year old Phyllis who is obsessed with Elvis Presley.
There's 6 year old Ruth Ann who is looking for a larger than life role model.
And there are their parents, a young minister and his wife, who are adjusting to small town life.

As they go through the fall season from the start of school to Christmas, they'll realize just how special Mrs. Dowdel is and all the gifts she's given them.


This is a companion novel to A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder.  It continues the exploits of Mrs. Dowdel and the small town she lives in.  This is an excellent story for children, especially during the holiday season.  It's also available in audiobook for those who would prefer to listen to the story.

'Tis the Season: Books for the Holidays

The holidays are quickly approaching.  And while I couldn't find a chapter book focusing on the Kwanzaa holiday, we do have several books for both Christmas and Hanukkah.  Here are some of my favorites . . . .

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper
On his eleventh birthday Will Stanton discovers that he is the last of the Old Ones, destined to seek the six magical Signs that will enable the Old Ones to triumph over the evil forces of the Dark as they battle during the twelve days of Christmas.

Sam I Am by Ilene Cooper
Twelve-year-old Sam, the son of a Jewish father and Christian mother, struggles to understand religion and its role in his family's life during the Hanukkah and Christmas holidays.

The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab
Every Christmas in the small town of Pine River, a tree appears in the town square and people tie wishes to it, but nobody knows where the tree comes from--but this year four children are determined to solve the mystery of the Angel Tree.

The Very Best Hanukkah Gift by Joanne Rocklin
During his family's eight-day celebration of Hanukkah, eight-year-old Henry learns the pleasure of giving and overcomes his fear of dogs.

Winterfrost by Michelle Houts
Left in charge of her home and infant sibling when her parents are called away at Christmastime, Bettina disregards a family custom about leaving out rice pudding for the nisse, who make their magic known when the baby disappears.


More Holiday Reads --
Certain Poor Shepherds: A Christmas Tale by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
The Christmas Barn by D.L. Davis
Clementine for Christmas by Daphne Benedis-Grab
How I Saved Hanukkah by Amy Goldman Koss
Jake by Audrey Couloumbis
Kringle by Tony Abbott
On Christmas Eve by Ann M. Martin
Rover Saves Christmas by Roddy Doyle
A Shiloh Christmas by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
The True Story of Christmas by Anne Fine
Who Is Stealing the 12 Days of Christmas? by Martha Freeman


Check out these book on display at the Arnold Branch through December 30, 2015.