The temperature drops and we reluctantly put on our puffer coats. Hot chocolate and blazing fires are soon to be a staple in the daily routine. Below we will feature some of our favorite Catholic picture books for December!
Catholic Picture Books for December
We offer recommendations for feast days, but any of these would be appropriate to read throughout the month.
The Real Santa Claus: Legends of Saint Nicholas by Marianna Mayer
December 6
The Real Santa Claus follows the life of the Bishop of Myra, or better known as Saint Nicholas.
The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale by Aaron Shephard
December 6
Van Amsterdam is a baker who was renowned for his 'Saint Nicholas Cookies'. One day, he is approached by a woman who claims a dozen is not twelve, but thirteen!
A Special Place for Santa: A Legend for Our Time by Jeanne Pieper
December 6
Taking the legend of Santa Claus and the story of Saint Nicholas, Author Jeanna Pieper perfectly blends the aspects of life and legend together in this touching Christmas tale.
Saint Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins by Jim Forest
December 6
This book acquaints children with the real Saint Nicholas and not the fictional Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas takes into account the historical aspects of the story while still crafting an enjoyable book for old and young alike.
Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer
December 6
When parents face the question of whether or not Santa Claus is real, the usual thing is to fall back on Saint Nicholas. This book addresses the life of Saint Nicholas from a slightly fictionalized point of view but still has the core truths about the beloved saint.
The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Demi
December 6
Nicholas grew up witnessing sickness and suffering. He decided to dedicate his life to God and the poor; he later became one of the youngest men to become a bishop in the Catholic Church.
The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
December 6
Legends of Saint Nicholas abound, and we love this one. This checks the world history box, too!
Talking Eagle and the Lady of the Roses: The Story of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe by Amy Cordova
December 11
Both Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego’s feast days are during the month of December! In this story, you meet Talking Eagle, a boy born into the Great Eagle Clan. Watch as Talking Eagle grows, along with his faith, into the man and saint, Juan Diego.
The Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie dePaola
December 12
In 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to a humble farmer in Mexico.
Lucia: Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde
December 13
Saint Lucia (Lucy) was a virgin martyr whose holiness shined like a beacon of light through the darkness.
The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla
December 24
We can't get enough of this lyrical, delightful story. When Saint Nicholas finds himself sick on Christmas Eve, the other Saints rally to bring gifts to people—and people to the Gift—throughout the world.
The Wise Men Who Found Christmas by Raymond Arroyo
This picture book follows the ‘true, untold story of the wise men…’ and is written by beloved children’s author, Raymond Arroyo. Also check out The Spider Who Saved Christmas!
Spider’s Gift: A Christmas Story by Geraldine Ann Marshall
Zoologist (and author!) Geraldine Ann Marshall crafts a story about the tiniest creatures present at the birth of Our Lord, from the honeybee to the spider.
The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Della and Jim are a poor couple living in New York. Watch the tale unfold as they exchange gifts that they both sacrificed so much to obtain for one another.
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett
Taking the traditional song, Jan Brett beautifully illustrates The Twelve Days of Christmas; your kiddos will love the vibrant artwork.
Letters From Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien
Every Christmas, the Tolkiens would receive letters from ‘Father Christmas’ himself. Follow Father Christmas, the Polar Bear, and Ilbereth the Elf on their nonsensical, lovable adventures.
An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco
Every year, Frankie’s father brings oranges home for the family on Christmas. But this Christmas Eve, Frankie’s father is late. Read this touching true story about Patricia Palacco’s great uncle, Frankie.
The Christmas Mouse by Stephanie Jeffs
Watch the story unfold as a curious mouse nibbles his way through a wrapped gift under the Christmas tree. Suddenly, he falls into the gift and finds himself in a small barn in Bethlehem!
The Christmas Stick by Tim J. Myers
The prince has everything he could want for Christmas, and yet he is not satisfied. His Grandmother gives him a "Christmas Stick”. Displeased, the prince throws aside the stick, only to come back to it later and ponder what joy a stick could possibly bring.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
Jonathan Toomey is a sad, lonely widower who is best known for his woodcarving skills. One day, a widow and her young son approach him with a request that changes all their lives.
The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot
Based on a true story and written by country vet James Herriot, The Christmas Day Kitten will delight all cat-loving kiddos out there.
Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
Fans of Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, and Big Red Barn will find a familiar voice and cadence in this animal-centered tale of the nativity.
Father and Son: A Nativity Story by Geraldine McCaughrean
Told through the eyes of Saint Joseph, this luminous story tells of the night of Christmas through a unique perspective. Great for dads to read with the kids!
The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola
This Mexican legend tells the story of a young girl and how the poinsettia came to be through her selfless act.
The Shepherd at the Crib and the Cross by Patrick O'Hearn
A heartwarming story about a miracle shepherd boy who meets Jesus at two significant moments in His life.
📚 Want our full list of picture books for Advent and Christmas?
Check out our family guide to the Christmas Octave! 📚
What are your favorite Catholic Picture Books for December? Drop them in the comments below!
Ready to dive deeper?
Here are 4 ways to fill your nets...
2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.
3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.
4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!
Comments
1 comment
Thank you so much for these book lists organized by month. This is exactly what I have been meaning to do myself as a trained librarian but have been drowning in stay-at-home motherhood. Thank you. Thank you.