Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay

I know people still have Halloween costumes and candy on the mind, but Christmas and Hannukah are right around the corner. It’s literally mid-October already. That is crazy to me. It seems like only yesterday the kids started back at school.

I know that many parents and grandparents love gifting their child/grandchild the “hottest” toy of the season, which is fine, but don’t overlook books. Gifting books is a great way to help a child develop a love a reading and encourage a child to make reading a part of their every day.

Reading books together is always a great way to form life long memories and promote child/parent bonding.

If you are looking for some great books to read this holiday season, or to give a a gift, check out these titles from Candlewick Press.

Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas

HC: 9781536230130 | Ages 4-8 | $17.99 ($23.99 CAN)

The New York Times best-selling creator of Dasher has crafted another delightful journey featuring everyone’s favorite reindeer doe, in a story full of giving, joy, and holiday magic.

This is a beautiful book. I knew the moment I saw the cover art that I had to see this book in person. The illustrations throughout are equally as beautiful.

This is a magical holiday story that I think even older children will enjoy. I’m an adult and I love this book. This book is one of those books that will become a family tradition. I could easily see a family reading this book together year after year.

The illustrations remind me of the Polar Express, and we all know what a timeless classic that story is.

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney

HC: 9781536223767  | Ages 4-8 | $18.99 ($24.99 CAN)

The beloved, multi-award-winning duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen tackle a perennial question.

I think most kids are curious as to how Santa squeezes himself down the chimney. I did when I was a kid. My kids wondered how Santa would be able to put presents under our tree because we don’t have a fireplace. We use a special Santa key that the kids would hang on the outside of the door before going to bed. Before they got up, myself or my husband would take the key and place it next to the half eaten cookies.

This book goes on to explore this age old question, including some new ones like when does Santa do his laundry.

Is This Winter?

HC: 9781536226270 | Ages 3-7 | $10.99 ($14.99 CAN)

What’s with all the blinking lights? With her trademark visual humor and comic timing, Helen Yoon takes a look at some odd winter traditions.

This is a cute, simply story about a cute puppy exploring the sites and sounds of winter for the first time.

The puppy cracks me up. He doesn’t look like a dog in the traditional sense. He has HUGE eyes that really adds to his expression.

You don’t need to read what he’s feeling – you can “see” his expression just by looking at his large eyes.

This is a quick read, as well as an easy reader.

Snow

Board: 9781536219845 | Ages 0-3 | $8.99 ($11.99 CAN)

Everyone’s favorite baby joins an adorable pal to revel in a seasonal adventure that will have little listeners eager to explore their own white, wintry world.

This is an adorable board book for little ones. There is not too much text, but that is okay. The pictures tell the story.

This is also a great book to teach children some sight words like snow, scarf and mittens.

I think this book might be nice for children who might not otherwise experience snow to know what playing in the snow is like and what is involved.

We Disagree About This Tree

HC: 9781536231984 | Ages 2-5 | $16.99 ($22.99)

A festive follow-up to There’s a Bear on My Chair and There’s a Mouse in My House.

This is a delightful easy reader for young children. I love the illustrations and the soft/muted colors.

Bear is trying to find a way to decorate a tree by considering large baubles and blinding lights. It’s also very silly, such as decorating with a manatee dressed like a fairy.

this is a fun rhyming book. I enjoyed reading this one because of the rhyming (very creative).

Where’s the Snowman?

Board: 9781536227833 | Ages 0-2 | $9.99 ($12.99 CAN)

An angel, a gingerbread cookie, a cardinal, and a snowman hide beneath bright felt flaps. With a mirror on the final page, this is the perfect book to share with littles.

Little ones enjoy interactive books. This book features felt flaps that children can life to discover what is hiding beneath. They’ll find a lot of things other than the snowman.

This book is also an easy reader, so beginning readers will be able to read and interact with this book independently.

I like that it teaches beginning readers some easy sight words pertaining to the holiday season.

The Christmas Doll