“Mommy, tonight is my turn to pick the book, right?” he says.

“Yes, it is Shane, and I’m so excited to see what you picked for us to read tonight.”

As my son runs to his room, our family gathers together in the living room by the fireplace with warm blankets and hot chocolate. Shane returns with the book of his choice and prepares to read to our family before we go to bed for the evening. 

This is a tradition my family and I have practiced for years: starting December 1, each member of our family takes turns picking a Christmas book to read before bedtime each night. With five kids, our family has read our share of Christmas books! This special tradition has created so many wonderful memories. For our family and our faith, it’s important that the Christmas stories that we read focus on the real meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Here at Minno Life, we want you to share in the beauty of storytelling with family and friends. So we’ve compiled a list of 10 Christ-Centered Christmas Books for your family to enjoy! Happy Reading! 

10 Christ-Centered Christmas Books for Kids

Twas the Evening of Christmas

Glenys Nellist 

In the book ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas, author Glenys Nellist presents the story of the night Jesus was born through the eyes of the animals in the stable. With the turn of each page, Nellist truly makes the characters come alive and makes the reader feel like they are in the stable witnessing the birth of Jesus Christ. Rich and vibrant illustrations by Elena Selivanova help to immerse the reader in each scene. 

Family Activity Idea: Interested in a virtual storytime with the author? Grab a blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and read along with Glenys Nellis as she shares from her book Twas the Evening of Christmas.

The Story of Christmas

Helen Dardik 

The Story of Christmas takes readers on the journey of the days leading up to the birth of Jesus. Written and Illustrated by Helen Dardik, the story makes the introduction to the Nativity Story for young children. Dardik uses bright colors throughout the book to illustrate the characters in The Story of Christmas. The book is a sturdy board book and is size appropriate for smaller children. The Story of Christmas truly reminds readers the true meaning of Christmas and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Over In A Stable

Suzanne Nelson 

Over in the Stable is a fascinating and lively book that tells the story of the night that Jesus was born. The story is told to the cadence of the classic poem “Over in the Meadow’ and features colorful illustrations from artist Aleksandar Zolotic. Over in a Stable also engages younger readers in counting, each animal and person who gathered to watch the birth of Jesus Christ is counted in a fun and rhythmic cadence in each page of the book.

Family Activity Idea: Author Suzanne Nelson invites readers over to the craft corner of her blog to make a fun popsicle stick nativity set!

Minno Laugh and Grow Bible For Kids

Phil Vischer

Written by Veggie Tales creator Phil Vischer, Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids is a wonderful resource for families to explore and read about the birth of Jesus. A chapter inside of the family bible, Born in A Barn, is devoted to educating families on the events and details of the arrival of Jesus Christ. Vividly illustrated, this bible also includes a family connection to encourage Bible study as a family. The bible also features content that helps to bridge each Bible story and gives an applicational view of the Biblical narrative. 

As a special Christmas time companion, you can download the FREE Minno Family Advent Reading Plan to journey through the Bible this season.

Jesus’ Christmas Party 

Nicholas Allen 

It was a night just like every other night, or so the Innkeeper thought. Jesus’ Christmas Party is a story that centers around the innkeeper trying to prepare for his bedtime like he does every night. However, this night, the innkeeper and his wife keep getting visitors inquiring about Mary and Joseph. Puzzled, the innkeeper begins to search the stable behind his inn, and he is in for the greatest surprise ever!  

Family Activity Idea: Want to know what it may have sounded like in the stable that evening? Based on the story Jesus’ Christmas Party, Nicholas Allen presents the Jesus Christmas Party Musical. Your family can read along to the musical and learn some fun new Christmas songs! 

Humphrey’s First Christmas 

Carol Heyer 

What’s a camel to do without his carpet blanket? Humphrey is on a search for his beloved blanket while on a journey with the Wise Men to Bethlehem. Will he find his blanket? Where is the place the Three Wise Men on such a long journey. Find out in the light-hearted Christmas story Humphrey’s First Christmas. Bold and warm illustrations are found on each page as author and illustrator Carol Heyer reminds young readers about the true meaning of Christmas.

Family Activity Idea: Make your own Humphrey along with his beloved blanket! 

Two Sides to Every Christmas Story 

George Potts Young 

Kobe has been dreaming about taking her Christmas bike for a ride. She’s been checking under the Christmas tree, double-checking her Christmas list making sure she’s done all the things she’s supposed to “do.” Finally, a box comes in the mail, but it’s very small. Kobe is sad, she knows that the box is not big enough to hold her gift! What Kobe will soon learn is that the greatest gift isn’t under the tree. Writer and Illustrator George Potts Young reminds readers about the importance of keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. 

The Christmas Baby 

Marion Dane Bauer 

News is spreading fast around Bethlehem, there is a baby on the way! But what about this baby is so special? In the story The Christmas Baby, author Marion Dane Bauer celebrates the Nativity Story. Lively and multicolored illustrations fill each page as the reader is taken on an artistic ride through Bethlehem to witness the birth of our Lord and Savior. 

Christmas In A Manger 

Nola Buck

Nola Buck’s story in poem form conveys the wonder and miracle of the night Jesus was born. Crisp and bold illustrations by Felicia Bond make the characters’ features truly pop! This book is a ‘peek and pat’ book, which allows for the reader to touch the illustrations and actually feel the texture of what a donkey would feel like, or what a ram’s coat looks like and see the actual sparkle from the wise men’s jewels! 

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story 

Sally Lloyd Jones 

All the earth is waiting in excitement and anticipation at the coming of Jesus. Written by author Sally Lloyd-Jones, Song of the Stars shares the perspective of God’s creation reacting to the miraculous birth of the Savior. Beautifully illustrated by Allison Jay, this animated and striking picture book encompasses the majesty and awe of nature as it celebrates the coming of God’s promised son.

Family Activity Idea: Author Sally Lloyd- Jones invites readers to a virtual storytime as she reads Song of the Stars. 

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Melanie Norman is an accomplished writer, educator, and entrepreneur whose experience spans across industries and fields. A graduate of the University of Memphis, Mrs. Norman served in the early part of her career as a full-time educator in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. She has been a contributor to the Long Island, NY and Memphis, TN Parent Guide Magazines, an Editor/Writer for Mommy Poppins, a leading blog catering to active moms, and as Social Media Consultant with Zondervan and Broadcast Faith delivering innovative strategies to engage audiences through social media. In her spare time, she has served as a reading coach but has her hands full as a wife and mother of five children spanning the ages of 2 to 17. Her main passion in life is to equip and encourage her children to pursue a relationship with God and to cultivate an intimacy with Him that fuels their purpose for life.