Best Twelve Days of Christmas Book (2026): 5 Picks

When a young reader asks for the partridge song again, the best twelve days of christmas book makes the carol a read-aloud ritual. We compared illustrated editions by reading age, page count, format and edition, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	12 Days of Christmas by Brett	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	12 Days of Christmas (Hawthorne)	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Lift-the-Flap Tab by Priddy	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	12 Days of Christmas by Haidle	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	12 Days of Christmas by Beckett	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

12 Days of Christmas by Brett

Jan Brett·9.7/10 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 richly illustrated carol retelling for family read-alouds, with folk-motif art.

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Pros

• Folk-motif art, eleven languages
• Widest stated age range: 3 to 11 years
• 32 pages, Puffin Books, 1997

Cons

• 1997 reprint, oldest edition here
• Reading age from customers
• Longer sit for toddlers at 32 pages

2

12 Days of Christmas (Hawthorne)

Lara Hawthorne·9.7/10 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 ›

An illustrated carol book from The Christmas Choir series for preschool read-alouds.

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Pros

• Book 2 in The Christmas Choir series
• Reading age 2 to 8 years
• 32 illustrated pages, 2020 edition

Cons

• Reading age from customers
• Series has only two titles
• No reading guidance beyond the age range

3

Lift-the-Flap Tab by Priddy

Roger Priddy·9.7/10 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 tabbed board book with gold foil for toddlers learning to count.

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Pros

• Tabbed pages with gold foil
• Youngest range: 1 to 5 years
• 24 pages, Priddy Books US, 2018

Cons

• Reading age from customers
• Suits toddlers over older readers
• Grade level only Preschool and up

4

12 Days of Christmas by Haidle

Helen C. Haidle·9.7/10 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 ›

An illustrated book on the Christian symbolism behind the carol.

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Pros

• Christian symbolism behind the carol
• Reading age 4 to 7 years, grade 1 to 2
• Ideas for Celebrating page included

Cons

• 2011 edition, older than others here
• Faith-based focus; check the reader
• No series book stated

5

12 Days of Christmas by Beckett

Sheilah Beckett·9.6/10 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 Little Golden Book adaptation of the carol for young readers.

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Pros

• Little Golden Book, detailed artwork
• Reading age 2 to 5 years
• 23 pages, a short read

Cons

• 1993 edition, oldest publication date
• No grade level stated
• No series book stated

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More picks to compare

• The Twelve Days of Christmas by Randallfor ages 3 to 7 who want a modern illustrated carolCheck on Amazon
• Twelve Days of Christmas Board Bookfor small hands, a portable board book of the carolCheck on Amazon
• Disney Baby: Twelve Days of Christmasfor babies to age 3 with Disney and Pixar charactersCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 24 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Every pick lists a reading age, so the age score reflects exactly what each listing states. How we pick explains the weights.

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 twelve days of christmas book

Match the reading age to the reader

Start with the listed reading age and grade level together. The Priddy board book lists 1 to 5 years for the youngest readers, while the Jan Brett edition lists 3 to 11 years for a wider range. See our best Christmas books for toddlers list for more.

Format and edition

A board book survives toddler hands: the Priddy pick has tabbed pages with gold foil. The Haidle edition adds the story behind the carol, while the Hawthorne edition is Book 2 of The Christmas Choir series. See our best picture books about Christmas list for more.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date on the listing: editions here range from 1993 to 2020.
• The Hawthorne book is Book 2 of The Christmas Choir; the series order is stated on the listing.
• Reading ages marked “from customers” are buyer-submitted, not publisher guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is a Twelve Days of Christmas book for?

Reading ages here run from 1 to 5 years up to 3 to 11 years; match the listed age to the reader.

Which edition should I buy?

For toddlers, the Priddy board book lists 1 to 5 years; for a classic gift, the Jan Brett edition lists 32 pages.

Are these books part of a series?

The Hawthorne book is Book 2 of 2 in The Christmas Choir series; the others state no series.

Still deciding? Our top pick12 Days of Christmas by Brett

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Related lists

See every picture book list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: first Christmas books for babies, classic Christmas books for kids, YA Christmas books, and middle grade Christmas books.