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From Thanksgiving to Christmas is a busy time of get-togethers and merrymaking. As families get caught up in a whirl of activities, it’s good to wind down at day’s end with cozy reads that are in tune with the season.
Books to Be Thankful For
By Megan Litwin and Alexandra Finkeldey
As woodland animals prepare for the onset of the cold season by gathering nuts, seeds, twigs, and leaves in preparation for a winter slumber, families gather around the table, grateful for the abundance of life. But it is not just material things that we are thankful for; we are grateful for the gift of family, stories, and each other. This picture book is a great reminder of the importance of gratitude.
Candlewick Press, 32 pages, Sept. 16, 2025
‘Turkey Trot’
By Jeffrey Burton and Meg Hunt
Get the little ones ready for the turkey trot! Young readers can do their stretches and bends as they warm up for the annual footrace. This board book will get little ones wiggling and waddling their way to the finish line, just like the turkey contestants in this fun preschool book. This book is a great way to get in the mood for this Thanksgiving tradition.
Little Simon, 14 pages, Sept. 2, 2025
Hanukkah Lights Burn Bright
‘Construction Site Hanukkah Lights’
By Sherri Duskey Rinker and Shawna J.C. Tenney
The eager Trucks hurry to finish their work for the day so they can get ready to celebrate Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. Working together, they set up their outdoor menorah and light a candle. They even have their own gelt and dreidel to play with.
Part of the highly popular “Good Night, Good Night Construction Site (Holiday Lift-the-Flap Books),” this latest addition informs young readers of the many elements and aspects of Hanukkah through easy-to-lift flaps. It is an engaging preparation for the festival, which reveals its first light this Dec. 14.
Chronicle Books, 16 pages, Sept. 23, 2025
‘Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Hanukkah Party!’
By Leslie Kimmelman and Tom Brannon
On a cold, snowy night, in the Jungle of Nool, Horton the elephant hears chanting and a “wibbling-wobbling” sound, which awakens him from his sleep. He hears these for several nights, and, on the eighth night, he sees nine pinpricks of light. Horton follows the light as Who-ville celebrates the feast of Hanukkah. As beloved Dr. Seuss characters get into the spirit of things, young fans will delight in the rhymes and illustrations that make Dr. Seuss’s books a popular mainstay in home libraries.
Random House Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, Sept. 23, 2025
Advent Fun
‘The Christmas Contest: An Advent Novel’
By Maxime Gillio and Benedetta Capriotti
Santa Claus is in a predicament! With so many nice children on his list, he needs to find an apprentice to help him deliver presents—soon! He must pick someone. Creatively, he does this through a contest. Can the candidates for apprenticeship sled fast, eat an entire Yule log, or gift-wrap a present in record time?
The book is also creatively packaged as an advent calendar-type book, as each chapter is sealed at its edges. Starting on Dec. 1, readers are encouraged to break open the seals each day to reveal one chapter at a time until the story is concluded on Dec. 24. It builds suspense and anticipation as the children eagerly await the results of the competition. This book is great for independent readers.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 196 pages, Sept. 30, 2025
Animals of Christmas
By Matt Tavares
In the lead-up to Christmas, one of Santa’s reindeer, Dasher, befriends George, a polar bear. George wishes he could fly, too, but Dasher’s flying lessons do nothing to help his cause. As Christmas Eve arrives, George’s wish comes true in a way he least expects.
In a season when expectations run high, we are reminded that some gifts do not always come wrapped in a neat package. This charming picture book is the third in the “Dasher” series, continuing the winter adventures of Santa’s oldest reindeer.
Candlewick Press, 40 pages, Sept. 30, 2025
By Olivia Armstrong and Mira Miroslavova
Based on a European folk tale, a little raven spies a bright star in the sky. When it hears a celestial voice announcing the birth of the Prince of Peace, it’s tasked to rouse the other birds with this news. As the birds flutter around to give tribute to the prince—feathers for a pillow, songs to lull the babe to sleep—one little bird struggles to find something to give, and, when it does, it is blessed with a resplendent “badge of courage” which marks robins today.
A wonderful tale that no matter how small or little God’s creatures may be, each has a special gift to contribute to this world.
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, Aug. 12, 2025
By Brian Wildsmith
When a pregnant Mary and her husband, Joseph, make plans to travel to Bethlehem, she leaves her pet dog and cat with a neighbor. As the pets miss her so much, they decide to make the trek to Bethlehem to look for Mary. Along the way, they meet—and collect—a gathering of animal friends who tag along. Imagine their joy when they finally see Mary, Joseph, and the baby, not in an inn, but in a house for animals.
Written and expressively illustrated by British author Brian Wildsmith, children will enjoy the colorful illustrations of a changing landscape as they move from one scene to the next—on the “road to Bethlehem.”
Sophia Institute Press, 32 pages, Sept. 16, 2025
Christmas Classics
By John McCutcheon and Henri Sorensen
A fictional account of the Christmas Truce of 1914 is immortalized in this picture book based on John McCutcheon’s 1984 song “Christmas in the Trenches.” On a cold December night during World War I, German and British troops sit quietly in their respective trenches, waiting to see who will make the first move, when a haunting melody floats through the air. The words may be foreign, but to the English-speaking troops, the melody was poignantly familiar. It was the tune of “Silent Night,” and, for one brief moment, the two warring factions were reminded of their unity as Christians.
Beautifully illustrated, this picture book carries with it a powerful message of our shared humanity.
Margaret Quinlin Books, 32 pages, Oct. 14, 2025
‘Twelve Classics of Christmas’
By Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Brothers Grimm, et al.
Readers will be introduced to the Christmas-themed works of notable authors mentioned on the front cover of the book, as well as the works of others like L. Frank Baum, O. Henry, L.M. Montgomery, and, of course, Clement C. Moore. These short stories will provide a glimpse of Christmas as envisioned by these writers. From Baum’s kidnapped Santa to O. Henry’s gifts and finally wrapping it all up in Moore’s classic interpretation of old St. Nick, readers of all ages will be glad to get to know—or revisit—these classic Christmas tales. To complete the collection, the boxed set includes “The Nutcracker” and “The Christmas Carol.” Great for a family read-aloud or for independent readers.
Aladdin, 128 pages, Sept. 9, 2025
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