Best Christmas Picture Books for Older Kids (2026)

Christmas picture books for older kids go beyond simple rhymes, and the best christmas picture books for older kids mix humor, heart and beautiful art. We compared five holiday books on story, age fit and extras, using only what each listing publishes. One is a chapter book for independent readers; four are picture books.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Amelia Bedelia Wraps It Up	9.8/10	Buy
2	Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree	9.8/10	Buy
3	The Christmas Crocodile	9.8/10	Buy
4	Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas	9.8/10	Buy
5	Freddie The Farting Snowman	9.7/10	Buy

1

Amelia Bedelia Wraps It Up

Herman Parish·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 160-page Christmas chapter book for ages 7 to 9, Book 1 of 3.

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Pros

• 160 pages
• Ages 7-9
• Book 1 of 3

Cons

• Not a picture book
• 2020 publication
• No warranty

2

Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree

Robert Barry·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A classic Christmas picture book since 1963, 32 pages for ages 3 to 7.

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Pros

• Classic since 1963
• 32 pages
• Ages 3-7

Cons

• Short at 32 pages
• 2000 edition
• No warranty

3

The Christmas Crocodile

Bonny Becker·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 40-page Christmas story for ages 4 to 7, from a Caldecott-winning illustrator.

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Pros

• 40 pages
• Ages 4-7
• Caldecott illustrator

Cons

• 2016 publication
• No series
• No warranty

4

Dasher Can't Wait for Christmas

Matt Tavares·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 40-page Dasher sequel for ages 3 to 7, from a best-selling creator.

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Pros

• 40 pages
• Ages 3-7
• Dasher sequel

Cons

• 2023 publication
• No warranty
• Reindeer theme

5

Freddie The Farting Snowman

Jane Bexley·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 34-page funny picture book about a farting snowman, ages 4 to 8.

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Pros

• Funny
• 34 pages
• Ages 4-8

Cons

• Toot humor
• 2020 publication
• No warranty

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More picks to compare

• When Santa Wrote Back!Funny Santa letters story, 40 pages, ages 4-7Check on Amazon
• This Book Is A GiftInteractive Finn the Frog Christmas story, 44 pagesCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

20 October 2026

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs story, writing, value, age fit and extras. None of the five states a warranty; scores reflect the listing details.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best christmas picture books for older kids

Picture books

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree is a classic since 1963, 32 pages for ages 3 to 7. The Christmas Crocodile is 40 pages for ages 4 to 7, from a Caldecott-winning illustrator. Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas is 40 pages for ages 3 to 7, a sequel to the best-selling Dasher. Freddie the Farting Snowman is 34 pages of toot humor for ages 4 to 8.

Chapter book

Amelia Bedelia Wraps It Up is a 160-page chapter book for ages 7 to 9, Book 1 of 3, about a gift-wrapping business. It suits independent readers ready for longer stories.

Before you buy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is best for independent readers?

Amelia Bedelia Wraps It Up, 160 pages for ages 7 to 9.

Which is the funniest?

Freddie the Farting Snowman, with silly toot humor for ages 4 to 8.

Which is a classic?

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, in print since 1963.

Which has a sequel?

Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas, a sequel to the best-selling Dasher.

Still deciding? Our top pickAmelia Bedelia Wraps It Up

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Related lists

Browse more picture books and all kids and teens books.

More: picture book picks.