11 Christmas Chapter Books
Christmas picture books are all the rage at this time of year. I see beautiful shelves or baskets filled with them on my social media pages, but I do not see a lot of Christmas chapter books! When my daughter was young, I also had a basket of Christmas picture books hanging out in our living room throughout the entire month of December. She would bring me books throughout the day, and I am guessing I would read at least a half dozen a day to her! It is a great way to bring Christmas magic into the house and to create lasting memories and enhance the bond we had as a family.
Sadly, kids grow up and the asking for picture books dwindles… BUT I AM NOT READY TO GIVE UP! I still want to bring Christmas magic to the house and there are so many great Christmas chapter books to be read! I have gathered the chapter books that we have in our personal library and am excited to share them with you!
Dog Diaries: Happy Howlidays!
James Patterson has written SO MANY amazing middle grade series (as well as adult series) and the Dog Diaries is no exception. This specific book is the second in the series but can be read out of order. The book is written in the perceptive from the dog durning the holiday season and of course he gets a few things wrong. First there is a mishap with the turkey on “fanggiving” and then a tree suddenly appears in the house! The silliness of the story will get most kids laughing and even I laughed at this one! It is perfect for kids who like reading silly books!
Magic on the mountain
What would you do if you were tasked with helping to save Santa?! Alex and Noah receive a letter from Santa that their help is desperately needed. They must go to North Point Ski Resort and bring the magic crystal. The list of characters includes the oldest living elf talking animals, and even a Yeti! What more could you want in a fantasy Christmas story?! There are two books in this series so far (plus an activity book) and the first ends on a cliffhanger…. It will definitely bring some magic to Christmas time!
Whitehouse white out
A to Z mysteries are some of my favorite early chapter books and I even love some of the spin offs like calendar mysteries. This book is from the A to Z special edition series which makes it a little longer at 144 pages. Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose meet the presidents daughter while visiting the White House. The problem is that while it is being decorated for Christmas the presidents dog goes missing! Can the group find the dog before the snowstorm hits?! The word are each to read and the story moves along quickly allowing for early readers to be able to read it on their own or for it to be quick read for older elementary kids. I personally like to have a variety mo mysteries on our bookshelves because they help to develop critical thinking skills! Definitely grab this book for your early element readers this Christmas season!
White House Christmas Mystery
Also set in Washington DC, this book is for older elementary readers due to its more difficult words, smaller print and detailed story. This book is also under 150 pages making it not too intimidating for kids to read on their own or as a read aloud. It’s the night before Christmas and a blizzard hits while there is something strange going on at the White House. A group of four kids follow the clues and visit the Oval Office to help solve the mystery. A bonus for this book is it has some vocabulary that my daughter had to look up. She is a very avid reader and has a strong vocabulary but I am always encouraging her to look up the words she does not know to help her to continue to learn. This would be a fun “next step” from the A to Z mystery or even for an older sibling.
The Girl Who Saved Christmas
This is a whimsical tale about Ameila, the first person to receive a Christmas present. Her Christmas spirit was the extra boost that Santa needed to make his first trip around the world. Sadly, the magic is dwindling at the North Pole and Santa must find Ameila and bring her Christmas joy back in order to save Christmas! We are reading this book right now for our book club and it has been a great way to bring the holiday spirit into the house. D’s birthday is two weeks before Christmas and I TRY to wait till after her birthday to decorate so we can have a distinction between the two events, so our house is pretty unmagical right now. This book makes me want to change that though! It is a touching story perfect for boys and girls 8-12.
The Poet’s Dog
This short book has beautiful poetic language that helps to provoke strong feeling for the reader. Two lost kids are found during a storm in the woods by a dog. But not just any dog, he can talk to kids and poets. He leads them back to his cabin where he lived with his old owner who has pasted. As they bond and for a special family memories are brought to the surface about the poet and the children and dog help each other heal from their losses and insecurities. It is a very warm-hearted story that is not necessary Christmas related but a beautiful story for the winter season.
The True Gift
Written by the same author as The Poet’s Fog (and Sarah, Plain, and Tall), the True Gift is a sweet story about a little girl who visits her grandparents for Christmas every year. This year they find a white cow alone in the meadow and the compassion and love that is shown will warm any persons heart! This is a quick read for older kids but still a wonderful story teaching the meaning of love and compassion. It’s a perfect holiday time book to read as a family.
Mr. Poppers Penguins
This classic was written in the 1930 has is still a perfect story to read and enjoy! Mr Popper and his wife were sent a male penguin from his aunt…. Soon he ends up with an additional female penguin and 1p little penguins. What could possibly go wrong?!?! Some of the vocabulary is a bit out dated but I personally Peter when books do not change the writing to “keep up with the times”. It’s a fun read that kids and adults can enjoy.
Mr. Poppers Penguin Rescue
Techniquelly, not written by the same author as Mr. Poppers Penguins, this book is a sequel to the first. It’s been a long time since Mr. Poppers penguins lived in the town and the town has gone all out with the penguin theme. Well, tourist has whened and new families have moved in. One finds two eggs in their basement… penguin eggs! This is deftly more modern with a fun updated feel.
Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King
Before Santa there was St. Nicholas. He is one of the guardians of the galaxy (yes, like the movie) who while on his mission accidently released Pitch, the Nightmare King. It is an action-packed story where the characters are relatable as they try to become the best versions of themself. I have heard this book compared to the writings of Hans Christan Anderson and the illustrations are vintage inspired. The book is slightly over 250 pages but with the fast action of the story, the pages fly by! A great book for kids 8-12.
