Advent and Christmas Books for Catholic Kids and Families

Check out our first ever “Full of Grace Google Advent Calendar for Catholic Mom’s and Families.” Give yourself a hand this Advent. $5 dollars and 5 minutes to download never did you so much for you. 

 It’s about that time to start requesting Christmas and Advent books from the library, or ordering them for your bookshelves! Here are a few of my favorites and some that were recommended to me.

 

“Nativity Trail Advent Devotional” from Catholic Sprouts

This booklet has you follow the journey Mary and Joseph took to get to Bethlehem. It includes a Psalm and reflection for every day of Advent. This devotional accommodates the varied length of Advent season, and so can be used from year to year.

 

Jesse Tree Advent Study from Catholic Sprouts

This booklet includes the scripture and an explanation for every character in the Jesse Tree. What’s cool about these studies from Catholic Sprouts is that they don’t just start on December 1st; they start on the first Sunday of Advent, which can be in November, like it will this year.

 

Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide

This is a fictional story set in the time of Jesus that you read daily throughout Advent. I haven’t read it, but friends really recommend it. It is best suited for reading aloud to kids ages 7-10. It’s the first in a series, and you can read a different book each Advent. 

 

O Come, Emmanuel by Kendra Tierney

This book contains family-friendly Advent reflections on the Jesse Tree from one of our favorite Catholic bloggers. It includes the scripture for each day starting December 1st. We haven’t read it, but the reflections look short and sweet!

 

The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

This book has a story for 25 days of Advent. It’s about a carpenter repairing a church who tells the stories of the Jesse Tree to a young boy. It’s best as a read aloud (because Jesse Tree stories can be dramatic!) for preschoolers and elementary age kids. 

An Advent Hope by Madeleine Carroll   

This book follows a Catholic family as they celebrate Advent. It has beautiful illustrations and it’s really neat to read a book that features Catholic Advent traditions and family life. It’s the perfect book for the season.

 

Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck

This simple and sweet board book introduces your little ones to the nativity scene.

 

Who is Coming to Our House? By Joseph Slate

Someone is coming to the animals’ house! This one is perfect for the little ones!

 

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown  

This is a cute Christmas book by a beloved author. It’s like “The Big Red Barn” but set in old Bethlehem. 

 

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson

This adorable book features a mouse who encounters a nativity scene. It’s a must read each Christmas for us.

 

Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer 

In this hilarious picture book, Humphrey the camel complains and causes trouble for the three traveling kings. 

 

The Christmas Fox by Anik McGrory

In this sweet story, most of the animals prepare for a baby who is coming, but the little fox just wants to play. 

 

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola 

A unique Christmas story with Catholic roots, set in Mexico. 

 

The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie dePaola

Another Tomie dePaola Christmas classic, this one is set in Santa Fe and follows the story of the preparation and performance of Las Posadas in the town square. 

 

One Starry Night by Lauren Thompson 

Another book set in Bethlehem featuring the animals.

 

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell   

As the author says, “There’s always room for a little one here.”

 

There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve by Pamela Munoz Ryan  

This book tells of what it would have really been like on the first Christmas.

 

The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla

Your kids will love seeing their favorite saints in action as they help St. Nick deliver Christmas gifts.

 

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

This picture book is a bit longer, but it has gorgeous illustrations and a heartwarming message. Preschoolers will sit and listen to this one and older kids will enjoy it, too.

 

The Adventures of Nick and Sam: The Best Advent Ever by Paul McCusker

A chapter book for the older readers, this story follows a family with four kids through Advent. Plenty of good messages, humor, and a clear focus on the true meaning of Advent. Plus, it’s part of a series!

Need more Advent inspiration? Check out our new Google Advent calendar, full of digital and printable resources or our list of favorite Catholic shops for gift giving.