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! Celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas with these delightful picture books.

Catholic Picture Books for December

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!

Jesse Tree Kit by Lynn Simms and Betsy Walker

While not technically a picture book, this kit is a great companion to the Advent season. The Jesse Tree Kit goes through each day of Advent, pairing with a Bible story and an ornament for the kiddos to color, as well as Christmas songs in the back of the booklet.

Talking Eagle and the Lady of the Roses: The Story of Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe by Amy Cordova

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.

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.

The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla

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 Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan

Legends of Saint Nicholas abound, and we love this one. This checks the world history box, too!

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!

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer 

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 

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 Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie dePaola 

In 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to a humble farmer in Mexico. 

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 Real Santa Claus: Legends of Saint Nicholas by Marianna Mayer 

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 

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 

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 

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. 

Lucia: Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde 

Saint Lucia (Lucy) was a virgin martyr whose holiness shined like a beacon of light through the darkness. 

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.

 What are your favorite Catholic Picture Books for December? Drop them in the comments below!