Discover the Best Kids Christmas Books from Raincoast Books

The holiday season is approaching, bringing with it the annual quest for the perfect gift. We all want to find something truly special—a present that transcends the fleeting joy of a toy and offers a spark of inspiration, wonder, and lasting memory. If you are looking for a powerful way to inspire the young readers in your life this season, look no further than the curated collection of kids’ Christmas books available through Raincoast Books. As an award-winning Canadian book distributor, Raincoast brings together a wide selection of titles that are sure to bring cheer, excitement, and a touch of literary magic to the little ones.

Books are not merely gifts; they are portals to imaginative worlds, tools for connection, and cherished artifacts that withstand the test of time. While other gifts may be forgotten by Boxing Day, a beautifully illustrated story read aloud becomes an immediate tradition, a bonding experience, and a foundational memory of the most wonderful time of the year.

From heartwarming tales that champion kindness to fantastical adventures that redefine classic Christmas concepts, there is a perfect title for every child in your life. This year, prioritize the gift of shared imagination and wonder.

 The 12 Sleighs of Christmas – A High-Octane Holiday Adventure for the Young Creator

For the child who loves the roar of an engine, the sheer power of a big rig, or the futuristic design of a motorcycle, we highly recommend adding The 12 Sleighs of Christmas to your reading list.

This festive picture book comes from Sherri Duskey Rinker, the undisputed master of vehicular storytelling and the celebrated bestselling author of the phenomenal Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series. Rinker has successfully taken the familiar countdown structure of Christmas and infused it with the exciting, messy energy of the shop floor—a guaranteed hit for mechanical enthusiasts.

Revving Up the Rhyme and Imagination

The premise is immediately engaging: Disaster strikes when the elves discover that Santa’s time-honored sleigh is in a terrible state of disrepair. Determined to save Christmas, the elves are given free rein to let their imaginations soar. What follows is a brilliant and hilarious showcase of innovation. Told in spirited rhyming text, the story details the elves’ attempts to invent the perfect replacement.

The elves’ creations are designed to outdo one another, resulting in an array of vehicles far more outlandish than Santa’s traditional ride. Children will giggle at the sight of sleighs inspired by massive big rigs, sleek motorcycles, majestic zeppelins, and even a flying saucer! This celebratory spirit of invention encourages children to think creatively and understand that sometimes, the most challenging problems inspire the most fantastic solutions.

While the story is packed with fun, the conclusion delivers a sweetly satisfying message regarding true utility and appreciation. Though Santa admires the inventiveness of the wild designs, he ultimately relies on his classic sleigh—repaired and lovingly maintained by the smallest, most unassuming elf. It is a gentle reminder that sometimes, the simple, reliable, and classic choice is the best one.

The 12 Sleighs of Christmas is dramatically enhanced by Jake Parker’s cartoon-like illustrations. They are vibrant, action-packed, and perfectly capture the chaos and excitement of the workshop. While the provided feedback notes that the story is lengthy and some of the rhyming schemes might be slightly uneven to an adult ear, rest assured: young readers, immersed in the energy and the spectacle of the competing sleighs, won’t notice or mind. They will simply enjoy the ride. This is the perfect choice to entertain and delight during a cozy winter afternoon read-aloud.

 Penguin’s Christmas Wish – Finding Joy in Connection, Not Consumption

In the flurry of holiday consumerism, it is vital to pause and refocus on what truly matters: shared time, connection, and the beauty of the season. For a book that delivers this essential message with unmatched charm, we highly recommend Penguin’s Christmas Wish.

This book is the sixth installment in the beloved Penguin series from the talented author-illustrator Salina Yoon. Yoon’s characters have captivated families worldwide, and this latest adventure provides a deeply meaningful and beautifully illustrated addition to the holiday catalogue.

The Magic of Unexpected Moments

In this installment, Penguin is brimming with excitement, eagerly awaiting the chance to celebrate Christmas with his closest family and friends. However, as often happens during the holidays, things don’t go exactly as planned. When expectations are unmet or circumstances divert the intended celebration, Penguin embarks on a quiet journey that leads him to discover holiday wonder in the most unexpected, quiet corners.

This is where Penguin’s Christmas Wish truly shines. Salina Yoon gently yet powerfully conveys to both children and adults that the true magic of Christmas is not found under the wrapping paper or in the perfect execution of a plan. Instead, the magic resides in the act of sharing time, appreciating the simple beauty around us, and extending friendship to others, even those “far and wide.”

For existing fans of the Penguin series, this book carries the extra delight of familiarity, as many cherished characters from previous stories reappear to share the holiday spirit. But even if a child is meeting Penguin for the first time, the important message and the characteristic endearing illustrations will captivate them immediately. Yoon’s artwork is charming and soothing, making this book a comforting read that encourages contemplation and gratitude. Gifting Penguin’s Christmas Wish is gifting a lesson in resilience and the ultimate value of connection over commodities.

Give the Gift that Lasts: Inspire Wonder with Raincoast Books

This holiday season, make a conscious choice to give a gift of enduring value. Books are an investment in a child’s imagination, vocabulary, and emotional intelligence. Unlike single-use plastic toys or temporary tech gadgets, a children’s book becomes a treasured tradition, pulled out year after year, reinforcing the joy of reading and the memories of the time spent together.

Raincoast Books offers the ease, efficiency, and curated quality you need to find these perfect literary treasures. Whether your young reader needs the high-energy fun of The 12 Sleighs of Christmas to fuel their engineering dreams, or the heartwarming peace of Penguin’s Christmas Wish to remind them of the true spirit of the season, these books from Raincoast are destined to become treasured favorites. Their engaging stories, vibrant illustrations, and timeless messages are designed to be read, shared, and enjoyed for years to come.

Let the magic of Christmas come alive through these delightful reads that bring intellectual stimulation and heartfelt joy to your family’s holiday rituals. Visit your local bookstore or browse online today to discover the wide array of inspiring titles available through Raincoast Books.

Join the Conversation

We want to hear from you! What are some of your family’s most loved Christmas books that you pull out every December? What are some books you remember reading as a child that still hold a special place in your memory? Share your traditions in the comments below!

About Raincoast Books

Raincoast Books is an award-winning Canadian book distributor based in Vancouver, British Columbia. We’re a fast, friendly, and efficient company with a unique west-coast sensibility, dedicated to bringing the best titles from around the world to Canadian readers.