10 Perfect Picture Books for Christmas Eve

12 Sleighs of Christmas, by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Jake Parker
Fans of Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site will love this bold peek into Santa’s North Pole garage. The elves have discovered their boss’s sleigh is seriously deficient—it requires more horsepower, wing power, and a creative paint job (and that’s just the beginning!). The toys are finished, so they undertake a complete overhaul, just a few days before Christmas. Perfect for a read-aloud, this tale will quickly become the star of your Christmas Eve tradition!

The Wish Tree, by Kyo Maclear and Chris Turnham
Charles is a firm believer in the power of the wish tree, and desperately desires to find one in the forest beyond his home. So, against the counsel of his older brother and sister, he sets out one wintry morning with his trusty companion, Boggan. They find many things along their journey, and wishes begin to come true in the most unexpected ways. You and your little readers will treasure this story for many years to come.

Presents Through the Window, by Taro Gomi
Every Taro Gomi book is a spectacular feast for the eyes, and this holiday tale is no exception. Hurry along with Santa on his route, and watch as he peeks in the window before he delivers each gift. The giggles will quickly start when you realize that the presents, which are designed to correspond with the sleeping recipient, aren’t always the right ones! Slow down, Santa! This is the perfect bedtime story for little readers who simply can’t wait for Christmas morning!

The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold, by Maureen Fergus and Cale Atkinson
Santa has a hard time believing in Harold. He’s never seen the kid, but Harold’s the one who sends him letters, leaves carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve, and sits on his knee every year around the same time. This hilarious role reversal will be the hit of your Christmas Eve celebration!

River Rose and the Magical Christmas, by Kelly Clarkson
River Rose is back, and her magical Christmas Eve adventure is not to be missed! This curious little girl and her canine pal, Joplin, have hand-written a letter to the big guy in the red suit, so it’s only natural that they hand-deliver it, right? But it’s getting late so quickly, and they can’t fight the zzz’s! Luckily, not all adventures happen when we’re awake—sometimes there’s even more magic in our dreams!

Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree, by Lori Nichols
Maple and Willow comprise one of our favorite sibling pairs in modern children’s literature. They love nature, each other, and, of course, celebrating Christmas. So when they bring home a beautiful pine and Maple starts sneezing and sniffling, they’re afraid their perfect Christmas might be just out of reach! This is a touching reminder of all the love we share around the holidays. You won’t want to miss it.

When Santa Was a Baby, by Linda Bailey and Genevieve Godbout
Santa’s mom and dad couldn’t be prouder—their son is generous, possesses a keen engineering mind, and shows an early interest in masonry. So what if he’s a little…odd?! Take a peek into Santa’s zany baby book on Christmas Eve—you won’t be sorry!

Snow Bunny’s Christmas Gift, by Rebecca Harry
Snow Bunny loves the cold, but most of her friends have to find a spot to warm up when the temperatures drop. On a lonely walk through the forest, Snow Bunny spots a shiny button in the powder—how perfect! Now she can knit some cozy gifts for her pals so they can join her at the tree-lighting! Celebrate friendship and the joy of giving over and over again with this special story!

Santa’s Magic Key, by Eric James and Simon Mendez
When a little boy attempts to send a letter to Santa on Christmas Eve with special instructions for his chimney-less house, he’s distraught to find the post office already closed. Will Santa find a way to the boy’s tree after all? If you’ve ever wondered how Santa enters homes that lack chimneys (but not Christmas spirit!), this story should shed light on your—and your little reader’s—logistical inquiries.

Rudolph Shines Again, by Robert L. May
If your family has longed for a sequel to Rudolph’s inspiring story, it’s finally been released (and it’s pure lyrical magic to boot). Rudolph is ready to lead the reindeer on their yearly trip, but, suddenly, his luminescent nose loses its glow! How dreadful! In reaching out to others through generous acts, Rudolph is reminded of his inner light, and soon he might be able to recapture his old magic. This is the perfect addition to your holiday shelf!