There’s no better way to welcome young readers to the holiday season than with wonderful Christmas books for 2nd graders.
For kids and parents alike, reading favorite Christmas books together while sipping hot cocoa is a great way to spend Christmas eve.
For teachers, holiday books are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. hand out some candy canes and work a heartwarming story about the Christmas spirit into your lesson plans!
If you’re looking for a special gift for kids this Christmas, a great book is a good choice for creating happy memories!
This collection of Christmas books for 2nd graders is divided so you can choose whichever is more appropriate for your little reader:
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Christmas Picture Books
These picture books make excellent Christmas books for 2nd graders who are in the transition phase to chapter books. This collection includes picture books with different levels of text that can fit whatever reading level you’re looking for.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas: Deluxe Edition
by Maggie Testa (Adapter), Charles M. Schulz (Author), Vicki Scott (Illustrator)
The beloved Christmas special gets a beautiful presentation in this great book. The illustrations are lovely and kids will enjoy seeing all the classic Peanuts characters. This is a lovely Christmas story as Charlie Brown tries to figure out the true meaning of the holiday.
2. Little Red Sleigh
by Erin Guendelsberger (Author), Elizaveta Tretyakova (Illustrator)
This New York Times bestseller is a heartwarming story about a little red sleigh with a big dream. She wants to grow up to be Santa’s sleigh someday, but she’s small, young, and can’t fly so it seems impossible. This inspirational book teaches kids about the importance of determination and friendship. Picture books are usually beautiful, but this one has especially gorgeous illustrations!
3. Bear Stays Up for Christmas (The Bear Books)
by Karma Wilson (Author), Jane Chapman (Illustrator)
Bear usually sleeps through the winter holidays, but in this sweet picture book, his friends are determined to keep him away. They do all sorts of things to get him into the Christmas spirit, and the magic of giving ends up being the key.
4. Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever
by Matt Tavares (Author, Illustrator)
How can a little reindeer make her dream of living in a snowy place a reality? With a daring spirit and a little luck, Dasher meets Father Christmas and makes a wish that changes her life forever as she becomes Santa’s reindeer!
5. Polar Express 30th Anniversary Edition
by Chris Van Allsburg (Author, Illustrator)
The Polar Express is a Christmas classic. A Caldecott Medal winner, this story captures the magic of the holiday on a fantastical train ride to the North Pole. Paired with the animated film adaptation, it will make children long to hear the sound of a reindeer’s silver bell this Christmas Eve. This 30th-anniversary edition includes a keepsake ornament!
6. The Night Before Christmas Board Book: The Classic Edition
by Clement Moore (Author), Charles Santore (Illustrator)
This board book is a #1 New York Times bestselling edition of the classic poem that brings Santa Claus to life. Even for children in second grade who have gone beyond board books, this is one of everyone’s favorite books and there’s nothing sweeter than spending time reading it on Christmas Eve and then putting out some cookies for Santa!
7. How to Catch a Snowman
by Adam Wallace (Author), Andy Elkerton (Illustrator)
A USA Today bestseller, this cute story is about kids who create a snowman for a contest, only to have it come to life and run away! Children will delight in the silly rhymes and hilarious scenarios as the kids try to catch the snowman but it proves more difficult than expected.
8. Fritz the Farting Reindeer: A Story About a Reindeer Who Farts
by Humor Heals Us (Author)
This fun story brings humor to the holidays. Fritz wants to be one of Santa’s reindeer, but he has a bit of a gas problem. This book is part of the Farting Adventures and is the perfect book for families, students, and teachers to laugh together this time of year.
9. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Classic Story: Deluxe 50th-Anniversary Edition
by Thea Feldman (Author), Erwin Madrid (Illustrator)
I can’t read the title of this book without getting the song stuck in my head! “All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names…” (so mean). If your kids are having a holiday show before the winter break, they’ll probably enjoy this beloved Christmas classic.
Along with Jingle Bells, the Rudolph song is everpresent at winter recitals. This sweet story teaches us that the things that make us different are often the things that make us special and can be our strength!
10. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on the Farm
by Craig Manning (Author)
For those who love the classic poem, The Night Before Christmas, this version is an adorable retelling of Christmas Eve on a farm! Young readers will enjoy all of the farm animals as they follow a little lamb through the excitement of waiting for Santa Claus.
11. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
by Robert Barry (Author)
This classic picture book about a pine tree that spreads Christmas joy is a heartwarming choice this holiday season. Having purchased a tree that was too tall for his home, Mr. Willowby cuts the top off of his tree. This tree top ends up going from home to home, spreading cheer.
12. The Snowman’s Song: A Christmas Story
by Marilee Joy Mayfield (Author), Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream Books (Editor), Tracy La Rue Hohn (Illustrator)
Snowmen can’t sing but this snowman’s biggest dream is to go caroling. This sweet story is about the power of Christmas miracles and it’s a heartwarming, inspirational book for kids to dream big.
13. The Super Tiny Ghost: A Merry Christmas Surprise
by Marilee Joy Mayfield (Author), Catty Flores (Illustrator), David M E Virgil (Illustrator)
The super tiny ghost was once very lonely because people were scared of him. One day, a family moved into his haunted home and they welcomed him into their family. This book tells the story of the little ghost’s Christmas experiences.
14. Piney the Lonesome Pine: A Holiday Classic
by Jane West Bakerink (Author)
Piney is a pine tree with a dream. A little girl planted him as a seed and he’s always wanted to grow up to her Christmas tree. He accidentally ends up very far home so he needs to go on a long journey to make his way back to her. This is a hope-filled, inspiring story that kids will love. It is based on a beloved, Emmy-nominated Christmas special.
15. The Christmas Owl: Based on the True Story of a Little Owl Named Rockefeller
by Gideon Sterer (Author), Ellen Kalish (Author), Ramona Kaulitzki (Illustrator)
Did you know that a little owl was found in the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree? The owl’s real-life caretaker wrote this book based on the captivating story of the owl that was found in one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees. The illustrations are sweet and feature little animals observing human holiday traditions.
16. Madeline’s Christmas
by Ludwig Bemelmans (Author)
It’s a Madeline Christmas! The brave and adventurous Madeline is off on a Christmas journey to help the other girls feel better from being sick. She finds a magical merchant to help and holiday antics ensue!
17. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
by Susan Wojciechowski (Author), P.J. Lynch (Illustrator)
Wood carve Jonathan Toomey is known for leading a solitary life, but they don’t know about the loss of his wife and child. When a widow and her son A complimentary download for the audio version narrated by James Earl Jones is included in this anniversary edition!
18. Jan Brett’s The Nutcracker
by Jan Brett (Author, Illustrator)
The illustrations in this classic book are wonderful! After receiving a special nutcracker from her uncle, Marie is transported into the lag of the Sugar Plum Fairy and goes on a fantastical adventure. If you’re planning on attending the beloved ballet, make sure you make this book part of the tradition!
19. Latkes for Santa Claus
by Janie Emaus (Author), Bryan Langdo (Illustrator)
This lovely book bridges Christmas and Hannukah traditions. Anna is excited to leave the perfect treat for Santa because it’s the first time he’s going to visit her house. She’s always celebrated Hannukah, but her new stepbrother celebrates Christmas. It’s delightful to watch them compete over who can leave the best treat out for Santa!
20. 5 More Sleeps ‘til Christmas
by Jimmy Fallon (Author), Rich Deas (Illustrator)
Written by #1 New York Times bestseller and tv host, Jimmy Fallon, this adorable and humorous tale capitalizes on the excitement of the days leading up to Christmas. Let the countdown begin!
21. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
by Dr. Seuss (Author)
This Dr. Seuss Christmas classic is not to be missed! Its humorous approach to the meaning of Christmas is so fun to read. Head to Who-ville to see how the Grinch steals Christmas from the town and ends up having a change of heart! The fun rhyming style of this book makes this Christmas book for 2nd graders such a great read.
22. The Muppet Christmas Carol: The Illustrated Holiday Classic
by Brooke Vitale (Author), Luke Flowers (Illustrator)
The Muppets take on the Charles Dickens classic! The Muppet ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future teach Ebeneezer Scrooge the error of his ways. Kermit and Miss Piggy play the Cratchits, with Gonzo as Charles Dickens himself! While still a picture book, this Christmas book for 2nd graders includes plenty of text to strengthen reading skills.
Christmas Chapter Books
These chapter books are ideal Christmas books for 2nd graders who have transitioned from picture books. They contain plenty of humor and adventure that’s sure to appeal to kids who are looking for a bit more depth in their holiday reads.
23. The Christmas Pig
by J. K. Rowling (Author), Jim Field (Illustrator)
This Christmas adventure story by J.K. Rowling is a wonderful tale of Christmas magic. A young boy has lost his favorite toy and embarks on a journey to recover it with help from the Christmas Pig, his new toy. This fun book is bound to entertain readers. This is a perfect Christmas book for 2nd graders who want to expand their reading skills.
24. A Boy Called Christmas
by Matt Haig (Author), Chris Mould (Illustrator)
This is one of the best Christmas books for 2nd graders and older kids. Full of wit and warmth, this book tells the story of Nikolas, an eleven-year-old nicknamed Christmas, who must journey to the North Pole to rescue his father. This is the perfect book to read for the holidays this year because it was recently adapted into a Netflix film that kids can enjoy after reading the book!
25. The Girl Who Saved Christmas
by Matt Haig (Author), Chris Mould (Illustrator)
From the same author of A Boy Called Christmas, this book tells the story of Amelia, the first child to receive a Christmas gift. Her Christmas spirit gave Santa the magic he needed to deliver presents, but after her mom gets sick and she’s sent to a workhouse, Amelia’s spirit has waned. Can Santa help her to believe again?
26. The Christmasaurus
by Tom Fletcher (Author), Shane Devries (Illustrator)
What happens when Santa accidentally gives a little boy a real dinosaur instead of a stuffed one? A hilarious Christmas adventure! This fun story is one of the best Christmas chapter books for 2nd graders to enjoy this holiday season. What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs?
27. The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Reindeer
by Bella Swift (Author)
Peggy the Pug wants to help her family have a merry Christmas but they can’t seem to stop bickering. She tries to make herself into a reindeer, and when that doesn’t work, she sets off to the North Pole to ask Santa for help.
28. Nate the Great and the Snowy Trail
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (Author), Marc Simont (Illustrator)
Nate the Great solves a winter mystery in this book about a missing present. Follow Nate as he puts the clues together to recover the present.
29. The Family Under the Bridge
by Natalie Savage Carlson (Author)
This Newbery Honor-winning book is a unique, funny, and heartwarming story. Armand lives on the streets of Paris and finds three children under a bridge on Christmas Eve so he decides to take care of them and sets out to find them a real home.
30. Junie B., First Grader: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)
by Barbara Park (Author), Denise Brunkus (Illustrator)
This #1 New York Times bestseller features hilarious first grader, Junie B. Jones as she navigates the holidays. She struggles to enjoy the holiday fun when she gets stuck with a kid she doesn’t like as her Secret Santa.
31. Ballpark Mysteries Super Special #2: Christmas in Cooperstown
by David A. Kelly (Author), Mark Meyers (Illustrator)
Perfect for baseball fans, this Ballpark Mysteries book features Mike and Katie who are awarded a sleepover at a baseball museum as a reward for doing charity work. While exploring the museum at night, they stumble onto a mystery involving a counterfeit baseball card.
32. My Weird School Special: Deck the Halls, We’re Off the Walls!
by Dan Gutman (Author), Jim Paillot (Illustrator)
This book is full of kid-friendly humor. The Ella Mentary students get up to all sorts of hijinks trying to make it to watch the kid-rapper coming to the mall for a Christmas concert. Readers will love the hilarious stories, plus the book includes 32 pages of games, trivia, and puzzles!
33. Nate the Great and the Crunchy Christmas
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (Author)
The great detective Nate goes on a Christmas adventure in this fun book. It’s up to Nate to solve a Christmas mystery and young readers will love this introduction to the mystery genre.
34. Christmas in Camelot (Magic Tree House: Merlin Missions Book 1)
by Mary Pope Osborne (Author), Sal Murdocca (Illustrator)
This bestselling classic tells the story of Jack and Annie who are invited to spend Christmas Eve in Camelot. This magical place holds more adventure than expected and the two end up going on a quest to save Camelot.
35. Amelia Bedelia Special Edition Holiday Chapter Book #1: Amelia Bedelia Wraps It Up
by Herman Parish (Author), Lynne Avril (Illustrator)
Join Amelia Bedelia for the holiday season! She may not have money to buy presents, but she’s determined to earn enough by starting a gift wrapping business. The classic Amelia Bedelia humor and shenanigans make this a funny Christmas book for kids to enjoy.
Hopefully, you found some wonderful Christmas books for 2nd graders! If you liked this, you’ll surely enjoy a blog post from the list below.
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