24 Days of Holiday Books: A Book Advent Calendar for Kids Who Love to Read
This December, we’re skipping the sugar rush and unwrapping something even better: stories. Big-hearted, cookie-fueled, snow-dusted stories. Each day brings a new book—some loud, some lyrical, some packed with reindeer drama or suspiciously sneaky snowmen. It’s a countdown made for giggles, snuggles, and bedtime chaos.
So grab a blanket, light something twinkly, and let the stories do the rest.
🎄 Day 1 (Ages 3–7): The Gingerbread Pirates
Captain Cookie isn’t just any gingerbread man—he’s a swashbuckling hero determined to save his crew from Santa’s snack attack. A deliciously daring tale with pirate flair!
🎅 Day 2 (Ages 7–12): Santa Bruce
Grumpy bear Bruce just wants a nap, but the forest critters have other plans. Mistaken for Santa, Bruce gets dragged into holiday chaos. Dry humor and expressive art make this a hit.
🎄 Day 3 (Ages 5–12): My Friends and I: A Signed Surprise from Santa Himself
Grab a special edition of the My Friends and I book—“signed by Santa”—and give kids a peek into life at the North Pole: his favorite snacks, the songs he hums on sleigh rides, the games he and Mrs. Claus play at their kitchen table, his favorite movies, and more!
Use promo code SANTA at checkout to get $5 off + free shipping with Media Mail.
And here’s the best part: after Christmas, the book becomes theirs to fill in! Kids can jot down their own favorites, doodle in the margins, and invite family, friends, classmates, teachers, and coaches to add their signatures and stories. The result? A magical keepsake packed with laughter, memories, and the voices of everyone who makes their world awesome.
🎅 Day 4 (Ages 6–10): Hey, You’re Not Santa!
When Santa needs a sub, a cow steps in. Moo-moo-moo, Merry Christmas! A hilarious tale of mistaken identity and holiday improvisation.
🎄 Day 5 (Ages 4–8): The Candy Cane Fiasco
Sticky fingers, wild antics, and candy cane chaos! This rhyming romp is perfect for kids who love messy fun.
🎅 Day 6 (Ages 3–7): How to Catch Santa
A clever guidebook for kids plotting to meet Santa. Expect traps, riddles, and cookie bribes—plus a whole lot of giggles.
🎄 Day 7 (Ages 3–7): The Great Santa Stakeout
Freddy Melcher is Santa’s #1 fan—and he’s determined to get a chimney-fresh selfie. Trip wires, disguises, and a delightfully devious plan ensue.
🎅 Day 8 (Ages 6–10): The 12 Days of Christmas
Greg Pizzoli’s wild take on the classic song turns gift-giving into a hilarious avalanche of chaos. Elephants, llamas, and a very overwhelmed recipient.
🎄 Day 9 (Ages 4–8): The Christmas Feast
Three hungry animals invite a turkey to dinner… but he’s not on the menu. A clever twist and expressive illustrations make this one delightfully unexpected.
🎅 Day 10 (Ages 7–12): Pick a Pine Tree
A poetic celebration of tree-decorating traditions. Cozy, rhythmic, and perfect for family read-alouds.
🎄 Day 11 (Ages 3–7): Red and Lulu
Two cardinals get separated during tree transport to Rockefeller Center. A gentle, heartwarming tale of reunion and wonder.
🎅 Day 12 (Ages 7–11): The Naughty List
Two kids get sent to a North Pole reform school run by elves with serious attitude. It’s fast, funny, and full of holiday chaos—with just the right amount of rebellion.
🎄 Day 13 (Ages 3–6): Snowmen at Christmas
What do snowmen do when we’re asleep? They party! Rhyming text and whimsical art make this a snowy delight.
🎅 Day 14 (Ages 6–9): Bear Stays Up for Christmas
Bear’s friends help him stay awake for Christmas—and he discovers the joy of giving. Sweet and snuggly.
🎄 Day 15 (Ages 3–7): Olive, the Other Reindeer
Olive the dog mishears a lyric and joins Santa’s sleigh team. Quirky, clever, and full of charm.
🎅 Day 16 (Ages 6–10): Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
One too-tall tree gets trimmed and passed down through animals. A classic tale of sharing and cheer.
🎄 Day 17 (Ages 4–8): The Christmas Pig
Jack loses his beloved toy—but the Christmas Pig leads him on a magical journey to get it back. Heartfelt and adventurous.
🎅 Day 18 (Ages 7–12): The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Herdmans are the worst kids ever—but they crash the holiday play and change everything. Funny and surprisingly moving.
🎄 Day 19 (Ages 3–6): The Christmasaurus
A boy and a dinosaur team up to save Christmas. Whimsical, musical, and packed with heart.
🎅 Day 20 (Ages 6–10): North Pole Ninjas: Mission Christmas
A stealthy squad of kindness-doers spreads cheer through secret missions. It’s action-packed, heartwarming, and perfect for kids who love helping with a side of ninja flair.
🎄 Day 21 (Ages 3–7): The Snowman
A wordless classic where a snowman comes to life and takes a boy on a magical flight. Quietly powerful.
🎅 Day 22 (Ages 6–9): Comet the Unstoppable Reindeer
Comet’s determined to deliver gifts—even if the sleigh is stuck and the other reindeer are out cold. Bold, bonkers, and full of unstoppable holiday spirit.
🎄 Day 23 (Ages 3–6): The Little Reindeer
A girl hears bells and meets a reindeer in the snow. Quiet, magical, and beautifully illustrated.
🎅 Day 24 (Ages 6–10): Dasher
Dasher dreams of snow and stars—and her wish leads her to Santa. A stunning origin story for Santa’s sleigh team.
The Coziest Kind of Countdown
And just like that, 24 books later, your December is officially wrapped in storytime magic. Whether you read them by flashlight under a blanket fort or with cocoa dribbled down your chin, these books are meant to be shared, giggled over, and remembered.
You don’t need perfect wrapping paper or matching pajamas. Just a little time, a little warmth, and a story that makes someone say, “Read it again.”
Happy reading, merry mischief, and may your holiday be full of books that jingle all the way.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema