There’s no better time to cozy up with a good book than the holiday season!
Having a selection of books on hand during this festive season can keep your child’s literacy skills sharp and their imagination thriving. Whether you’re sharing holiday-themed stories or exploring books that promote Christian values, this guide has something for every young reader.
The Importance of Building Reading Habits in Children
Developing strong reading habits in children is essential for their academic success and personal growth. It also sparks curiosity and builds upon their creativity, enabling children to imagine new worlds and perspectives.
The holidays are an ideal time to reinforce these habits, offering a chance to bond as a family while incorporating learning. Incorporating reading into your holiday traditions can be simple and enjoyable. By doing so, you’re helping your child build a lifelong love for books and learning.
Read Also: Boost Your Child’s Literacy Skillsets: 7 Steps on How to Teach, How to Read
11 Kids Books Recommendation for the Holidays
The holidays bring a variety of stories, each with its own theme and life lessons. Whether snowy adventures or heartwarming tales of gratitude and giving, these books capture the spirit of the season while teaching values that inspire and uplift.
Christmas Books for Kids
1. “Green Is for Christmas” by Drew Daywalt
This delightful and humorous story features the beloved crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit. When Green Crayon proudly declares that green is the color of Christmas, the other crayons join in, each making a case for how their color plays a role in holiday cheer.
With charming illustrations and witty humor, this book celebrates the joy of creativity and teamwork and the importance of including everyone in the spirit of Christmas and togetherness. Ultimately, the book teaches children the value of inclusivity and collaboration, showing that everyone has a role to play in making the season bright.
2. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss
This beloved classic follows the Grinch, who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville, only to realize that the holiday spirit comes from love, kindness, and togetherness—not material things. With its memorable rhymes and timeless message, this festive favorite continues to teach the importance of generosity and the joy of community.
3. “Room for Little One: A Christmas Tale” by Martin Waddell
For a heartwarming addition to your holiday reading, consider Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell. This beautifully illustrated story takes place in a stable on a quiet winter’s night, where animals welcome a tired donkey and a special visitor soon to arrive—baby Jesus. The gentle narrative highlights themes of kindness, acceptance, and making space for others, making it a perfect story to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
If you’re looking for more books that celebrate the holidays and share Christian values, check out SPH’s holiday book list. You can also listen to SPH’s Christmas Stories playlist on YouTube for heartwarming tales to share with your kids.
Read Also: 4 Fun and Easy Preschool Learning Activities at Home
Books About Thanksgiving and Fall Holidays
When it comes to holiday seasons, there are plenty of books to choose from during the holiday season. Below are our top 3 suggestions for books to read during Thanksgiving and Fall Holidays:
1. “God Gave Us Thankful Hearts” by Lisa Tawn Bergren
God Gave Us Thankful Hearts follows a curious little cub as he learns about gratitude from his mama bear during a walk in the woods. The story features gentle conversations and beautiful illustrations where children and readers are reminded to find reasons to be thankful, even when faced with disappointment.
2. “A Pumpkin Prayer” by Amy Parker
This delightful story celebrates the beauty of autumn and the many blessings God provides. This book encourages children to reflect on simple joys—like pumpkin patches, crisp fall air, and time spent with loved ones. It also instills a sense of gratitude, teaching young readers to recognize and appreciate God’s gifts in every season of life.
3. “Thank You, God, for Blessing Me” by Max Lucado
This story by Max Lucado, a well-known Christian author, follows Little Hermie, a lovable caterpillar, as he expresses gratitude for the many blessings in his life. Through simple rhymes and charming illustrations, the book teaches children to develop a thankful heart by recognizing God’s presence in everyday moments. It conveys the important lesson of appreciating big and small blessings, fostering a spirit of gratitude and contentment in young readers.
Books About Faith
In addition to Christmas and holiday-themed stories, there is an incredible selection of faith-based books designed to teach children about love, kindness, and the teachings of the Bible. These stories help young readers grow in their understanding of God, build strong moral values, and inspire them to live with hope and faith.
1. “The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross” by Carl Laferton
This beautifully illustrated book takes children through the big picture of the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It explains how Jesus’ death and resurrection restored the broken relationship between God and humanity, making it approachable for young readers. The book teaches children about God’s love, forgiveness, and the hope found in Jesus, helping them understand the central message of the Bible.
2. “God Made All of Me” by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb
God Made All of Me empowers children to understand and appreciate their bodies as God’s creation while teaching them about personal safety and boundaries. By using age-appropriate language, the book helps children understand that they are wonderfully made by God. The story instills confidence and respect for themselves, teaching children about self-worth, boundaries, and God’s care for every part of who they are.
3. “Love Letters from God” by Glenys Nellist
In this book by Glenys Nellist, she features a collection of Bible stories written in an engaging, child-friendly way, accompanied by “love letters” from God to the reader. Each story highlights God’s love, care, and promises, teaching children about their unique value and the depth of His relationship with them. The book inspires young readers to trust in God’s plan and embrace His unconditional love.
Read Also: Foster a Growth Mindset for Learning: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
4. “The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden” by Kevin DeYoung
Tracing the story of salvation from the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ victory over sin, this story connects key moments in Scripture to reveal God’s unwavering plan for redemption. Children and readers of this book will learn about God’s faithfulness, the fulfillment of His promises, and the hope found in His ultimate plan to restore creation.
5. “God Gave Us You” by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Through a tender conversation between a mother and her child, this story gently conveys the message that every child is a precious gift from God. It teaches children about their unique value, the depth of parental love, and the comforting truth that they are cherished and purposefully made.
5 Tips for Building a Reading Routine with Your Child
To build a love for reading in your child, creating an environment that makes reading enjoyable and engaging is important. Establishing a routine will help your child develop literacy skills and strengthen your bond with them as you share special moments together.
1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Start by creating a cozy reading nook in your home. Set up a comfortable space with pillows, blankets, and good lighting to make reading feel like a special activity. A designated spot for books and quiet time can encourage children to view reading as something they look forward to.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Reading isn’t just about turning pages—it’s about engaging with the story and thinking critically about its characters and events. As you read, ask open-ended questions to spark curiosity and discussion. Questions like, “What do you think happens next?” or “Why did the character make that choice?” invite your child to think critically about the story and engage with it on a deeper level.
3. Encourage Imaginative Play
Books are gateways to imaginative worlds, and you can make reading even more exciting by incorporating play. Encourage your child to act out their favorite scenes from the story, dress up as characters, or create alternate endings. Imaginative play helps children connect emotionally to the book and enhances creativity, problem-solving, and self-expression.
For instance, after reading a story about an explorer, you might set up a pretend “adventure” in your living room, complete with maps and props. These playful activities keep the stories alive in your child’s mind long after the book is closed and make reading feel dynamic and fun.
4. Read Aloud with Expression
Reading aloud with expression is another excellent way to capture your child’s attention. Use animated voices, facial expressions, and gestures to bring the story to life, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable for both of you.
5. Be Consistent
Finally, consistency is key. Make reading a regular part of your daily routine, whether before bed, during a quiet moment after school, or even while enjoying a meal. By making it a habit, you’ll instill a lifelong love for books and the joys of storytelling in your child.
Building a Love for Reading at Home and School
While the love for reading begins at home, schools also play an important role in nurturing this habit. A school with a strong literacy program, diverse book collections, and creative language activities can encourage children to develop their reading skills and explore their curiosity.
Schools like Sekolah Pelita Harapan (SPH) support literacy through inquiry-based learning and access to well-stocked libraries. These environments help students discover the joy of reading while building essential skills for academic and personal growth.
Conclusion
The holiday season is an excellent time to slow down, connect with your child, and share the joy of reading. By introducing holiday-themed stories, exploring books with Christian values, and establishing a consistent reading routine, you’re setting the stage for lifelong learning.
Encourage your child to embrace the world of books at home, and choose a school that values literacy and nurtures a passion for reading. At Sekolah Pelita Harapan, your child will experience a holistic education that combines academic excellence with strong Christian values.
Make reading a part of your holiday traditions, and watch as your child’s imagination and love for learning flourish in an environment that inspires curiosity and builds character. Take the first step toward shaping your child’s future today by exploring the opportunities at SPH, a Christian International School Jakarta!
