Book List

25 Picture Books To Share This Holiday Season

  • CHILDREN'S

    THE MEXICAN DREIDEL

    OCT. 3, 2023

CHILDREN'S

THE MEXICAN DREIDEL

by Linda Elovitz Marshall & Ilan Stavans ; illustrated by Maria Mola

A heartwarming story celebrating friendship across cultural lines. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    HANUKKAH UPSIDE DOWN

    SEPT. 19, 2023

CHILDREN'S

HANUKKAH UPSIDE DOWN

by Elissa Brent Weissman ; illustrated by Omer Hoffmann

A reminder that holiday celebrations are fun, no matter when, no matter where. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE LAST SLICE

    DEC. 5, 2023

CHILDREN'S

THE LAST SLICE

by Melissa Seron Richardson ; illustrated by Monica Arnaldo

An edifying holiday primer wrapped in a humorous, good-natured romp. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE TWELVE HOURS OF CHRISTMAS

    OCT. 10, 2023

CHILDREN'S

THE TWELVE HOURS OF CHRISTMAS

by Jenn Bailey ; illustrated by Bea Jackson

An enchanting, family-centered take on “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    HOW DOES SANTA GO DOWN THE CHIMNEY?

    SEPT. 12, 2023

CHILDREN'S

HOW DOES SANTA GO DOWN THE CHIMNEY?

by Mac Barnett ; illustrated by Jon Klassen

In the market for an understated Christmas classic? Behold! A Christmas miracle! Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    EIGHT NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

    SEPT. 12, 2023

CHILDREN'S

EIGHT NIGHTS OF LIGHTS

by Leslie Kimmelman ; illustrated by Hilli Kushnir

An imaginative and inclusive take on Hanukkah that ought to be lots of fun for readers. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH!

    SEPT. 5, 2023

CHILDREN'S

DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH!

by Mo Willems ; illustrated by Mo Willems

A stocking stuffer par excellence, just right for dishing up with milk and cookies. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    LULLABY FOR THE KING

    OCT. 10, 2023

CHILDREN'S

LULLABY FOR THE KING

by Nikki Grimes ; illustrated by Michelle Carlos

Masterful prose and exquisite images combine for an unforgettable Nativity retelling. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    MRS. MACCABEE'S MIRACLE

    OCT. 3, 2023

  • CHILDREN'S

    SANTA'S GOTTA GO!

    OCT. 10, 2023

  • CHILDREN'S

    DREAMS OF GREEN

    OCT. 3, 2023

CHILDREN'S

DREAMS OF GREEN

by Mariel Jungkunz ; illustrated by Mónica Paola Rodriguez

A comforting holiday story about sustaining tradition while making room for new beginnings. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    DINO-HANUKKAH

    SEPT. 5, 2023

  • CHILDREN'S

    IT'S NAVIDAD, EL CUCUY!

    SEPT. 19, 2023

  • CHILDREN'S

    DASHER CAN'T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS

    SEPT. 5, 2023

CHILDREN'S

DASHER CAN'T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS

by Matt Tavares ; illustrated by Matt Tavares

Christmas-book lovers should dash to add this one to their shelves. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE CHRISTMASSY CACTUS

    SEPT. 12, 2023

CHILDREN'S

THE CHRISTMASSY CACTUS

by Beth Ferry ; illustrated by A.N. Kang

This succulent successfully steals the spotlight from the ever-present evergreens. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    IS THIS…WINTER?

    SEPT. 12, 2023

CHILDREN'S

IS THIS…WINTER?

by Helen Yoon ; illustrated by Helen Yoon

A cleverly imagined romp through new experiences. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    A WILD, WILD HANUKKAH

    OCT. 3, 2023

  • CHILDREN'S

    HOLY NIGHT AND LITTLE STAR

    SEPT. 5, 2023

CHILDREN'S

HOLY NIGHT AND LITTLE STAR

by Mitali Perkins ; illustrated by Khoa Le

A unique retelling of the Nativity that will surprise and delight. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    LUNA LOVES CHRISTMAS

    OCT. 30, 2023

CHILDREN'S

LUNA LOVES CHRISTMAS

by Joseph Coelho ; illustrated by Fiona Lumbers

An upbeat story of a divorced family in community at Christmas. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    MERRY AND HARK

    OCT. 3, 2023

CHILDREN'S

MERRY AND HARK

by April Genevieve Tucholke ; illustrated by Rebecca Santo

A “merry,” pleasant, and uplifting seasonal offering. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    OUR ITALIAN CHRISTMAS EVE

    OCT. 10, 2023

CHILDREN'S

OUR ITALIAN CHRISTMAS EVE

by Danielle Sedita & Francesco Sedita ; illustrated by Luciano Lozano

While the drama is low-key, foodies will enjoy this entertaining expansion to the holiday shelf. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    WINTER

    OCT. 10, 2023

CHILDREN'S

WINTER

by Kelsey E. Gross ; illustrated by Renata Liwska

Warm visuals bring to life a snowy solstice. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 266 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: our best fiction and nonfiction books of 2023, author interviews, and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview