Season’s Readings: 2025 December Holiday Books
The holiday season is a wonderful time to spark joy, build community, and celebrate some of the traditions your students bring into the classroom. This year’s new holiday releases offer fresh opportunities to honor diverse cultures and invite readers into stories filled with wonder. The 2025 titles below bring poetry, adventure, global perspectives, and interactive formats that can engage your readers all December long.
The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah
By Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Leanne Hatch
Poetry l Ages 5–10
This beautifully crafted book of poetry brings Hanukkah to life through eight original poems, one for each night of the holiday. Each poem is paired with a “thought for the night,” offering a reflective idea or theme children can connect with or learn from. Fact boxes throughout the book help students deepen their understanding of Hanukkah traditions, from lighting the menorah to enjoying familiar foods. An author’s note provides additional cultural context. This is an excellent choice if you want to honor Jewish traditions with care, accuracy, and accessibility.
North for the Winter: A Christmas Graphic Novel
By Bobby Podesta
Graphic Novel | Ages 8–12
Bobby Podesta, best known for his work as an animator at Pixar, makes his graphic novel debut with North for the Winter, a heartfelt, story perfect for upper elementary and middle-grade readers. The book follows a young protagonist whose life takes an unexpected turn when a magical encounter sets them on an adventure full of courage, connection, and the wonder of the winter season. Podesta’s animation background shines through in the expressive illustrations, visual humor, and fast pacing that will appeal to reluctant and avid readers alike.
Once Upon a Kwanzaa
By Nyasha Williams and Sidney Rose McCall, illustrated by Sawyer Cloud
Picture Book | Ages 4–8
This joyful picture book introduces young readers to the seven principles of Kwanzaa through a family-centered celebration. Told through story rather than explanation, the book invites children into the sights, sounds, and traditions of Kwanzaa in a way that feels natural and engaging. Sawyer Cloud’s bold, expressive illustrations highlight moments of togetherness, reflection, and cultural pride. An author’s note and back matter provide helpful context, making this a thoughtful and accessible choice for classrooms looking to honor Kwanzaa with care and authenticity.
Jingle All the Way Home: An Advent Countdown Story
By Catherine Hapka, illustrated by Kathryn Selbert
Advent Story | Ages 6–10
This interactive holiday adventure invites readers to unwrap the story one day at a time. With 24 sealed chapters, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas, students can experience the anticipation and delight of a traditional advent countdown. The story centers on Jingle, Santa’s spirited puppy, who is accidentally left behind in the chimney of a boy named Chris. Determined to return Jingle to the North Pole before Christmas Eve, Chris recruits his big sister and her best friend for a problem-solving mission filled with heart, humor, and teamwork.
Joy to the Whole World!: A Round-the-World Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book
By Lucy Brownridge, illustrated by Sang Miao
Lift-the-Flap | Ages 3+
This interactive picture book offers a global tour of Christmas traditions, inviting young readers to explore how families and communities celebrate around the world. Each flap reveals a new detail – festive foods, decorations, songs, and customs – making it an engaging choice for early childhood classrooms. With its interactive flaps and cheerful illustrations, this book helps young readers understand Christmas traditions from around the world.
Season’s Readings to You!
As you head into the holiday season, these new books offer a little something for every reader. Poetry to savor, adventures to get lost in, and traditions from around the world to explore together. Whether you read them aloud, add them to your classroom library, or share them with families, I hope they bring a spark of joy to your classroom this December. Season’s readings and may your days be filled with stories that shine as bright as the holidays themselves!
