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Nonfiction Nuggets

Nourishing minds one book at a time

Christmas: Exploring Celebrations Around The World

Learn about the Christmas story and discover how it is celebrated around the world with this inviting selection of books. Ranging from Christmas carols to festive traditions, games and recipes, plus some additional Christmas-themed stories, there is something to appeal to all readers.

Disclosure: The Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize the purchase.

The Story Of Christmas
Book cover for The Story of Christmas by Patricia A. Pingry

by Patricia A. Pingry

Review: This engaging board book introduces the youngest readers to the story of Christmas. Written in easy-to-understand language and accompanied by bright, colourful illustrations, young children will enjoy returning to this book over and again. Well worth a look. 

Suggested Reading Age: 2 to 5 years old. 

Silent Night (The Christmas Choir)
Book cover for  Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne

by Lara Hawthorne

Review: Silent Night is a treat for the eyes. A simple, yet effective, premise Lara Hawthorne’s book brings the traditional Silent Night Christmas carol to life with her enchanting illustrations. The inclusion of the history of the carol makes for an interesting addition. Readers young and old will enjoy following along as they listen to the Christmas carol. Those who are familiar with the carol are likely to find they sing the book rather than read it! 

Suggested Reading Age:3 to 6 years old. In my opinion, this book has wide-ranging appeal for older readers, too. 

Joy To The World: Christmas  Around The Globe
Book cover for Joy To The World: Christmas  Around The Globe by Kate DePalma (Author), Sophie Fatus (Illustrator)

by Kate DePalma (Author), Sophie Fatus (Illustrator)

Review: A perfect introduction to Christmas traditions around the globe, Joy to the World highlights Christmas celebrations in thirteen countries. These include Ethiopia, Colombia and Lebanon. Simple rhyming text briefly explains the tradition, leaving plenty of opportunity for readers to carry out some more research. Each double-page spread focuses on a different country, the name of which appears in the top right-hand corner. Sophie Fatus’ illustrations provide a further talking point. Additional pages at the end of the book provide further information about each of the celebrations. 

Suggested Reading Age: 4 to 10 years old. In my opinion, this is best suited to readers between 4 and 6/7 years of age.  

Christmas Is Coming: Traditions From Around The World
Book cover for Christmas Is Coming: Traditions From Around The World by Monika Utnik (Author), Ewa Poklewska-Koziello (Illustrator), Antonia Lloyd-Jones (Translator)

by Monika Utnik (Author), Ewa Poklewska-Koziello (Illustrator), Antonia Lloyd-Jones (Translator)

Review: A feast for the eyes, Christmas Is Coming invites readers to dip in and learn about Christmas traditions around the world. Packed full of facts and interesting tidbits, this book is a treasury of information. The text is accompanied by stunning illustrations, the detail of which alone makes a talking point. Lesser and more well-known customs are featured from a range of countries including Greece, New Zealand and Japan. This would make a great addition to any Christmas reading list. 

Suggested Reading Age: 7 to 11 year olds. Readers towards the mid and upper end of this age bracket will enjoy reading this independently.

Holidays Around The World: Celebrate Christmas
Book cover for Holidays Around The World: Celebrate Christmas by National Geographic Kids

by National Geographic Kids

Review: Part of the Holidays Around the World series, National Geographic Kids Celebrate Christmas is packed full of bright, inviting photographs. These often striking images instantly bring different Christmas celebrations to life. Accessible language and well-presented text enable readers to quickly access information and maintain interest. Not overly long (32 pages), Celebrate Christmas gives young readers a taste of different celebrations. A list of websites and other books is included encouraging readers to delve further. Additionally, a helpful glossary clearly explains less familiar terms.

Suggested Reading Age: 6 to 8 years old.

The Ultimate Kids’ Christmas Book
Book cover for The Ultimate Kids’ Christmas Book by Good Housekeeping

by Good Housekeeping

Review: Get into the Christmas spirit with The Ultimate Kids Christmas Book. This inviting book by Good Housekeeping has a little of everything. Divided into three main chapters (Celebrate, Craft, Bake), readers begin by dipping into a selection of Christmas traditions from around the world. Plenty of fun-filled activities follow, including making Christmas slime and creating a Christmas time capsule. Finally, budding chefs will find a generous selection of treats to bake. This book is a perfect accompaniment to the season with a range of activities to suit all interests. 

Suggested Reading Age: 8 to 12 years old.

The Story of Christmas
Book cover for The Story of Christmas by Pamela Dalton

by Pamela Dalton

Review: Stunning to look at, Pamela Dalton’s illustrations both complement and enrich the story of Christmas as told in the King James Bible. Created using a scissor-cut technique, the images help readers to better understand the language of the text. This would make a perfect present for readers young and old. 

Suggested Reading Age: Older readers for the complexity of the text. It would also appeal to younger readers, too, thanks to the captivating illustrations. 

And now for something a little different…..

A Children’s Literary Christmas
Book cover for A Children’s Literary Christmas edited by Anna James

Edited by Anna James

Review: Beautifully presented, A Children’s Literary Christmas features excerpts of stories from a wide selection of well-loved authors, old (Charles Dickens, C.S. Lewis) and new (Matt Haig, Michael Morpurgo). The collection is divided into 5 parts: Father Christmas, The Magic of Christmas, Family Celebrations, The Gift of Giving and Christmas Spirit. Published by the British Library, the text is accompanied by illustrations from the library’s own collections. This is perfect to dip in and out of for stories with a Christmassy feel. 

Suggested Reading Age: 12 years upwards. 

If this sounds like your cup of tea, there is also an edition specifically for adult readers entitled A Literary Christmas  (see below) which includes poems and short stories in addition to extracts from the likes of Jane Austen, Henry James and Oscar Wilde. 

Book cover for A Literary Christmas An Anthology by The British Library

Happy Reading!

More Social Studies Book Recommendations

New Year: Exploring Celebrations Around The World

Hanukkah: Exploring Celebrations Around The World

Diwali: Exploring Celebrations Around The World

Spectacular Celebrations And Fabulous Festivals

Do YOU know of any great books about Christmas to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below . 

Disclosure: The Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize the purchase.

Disclosure: The Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize the purchase.

Disclosure: The Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize the purchase.

Posted In: Social Studies · Tagged: celebrations, children's books, christmas

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