25 Best Books About Santa Claus
These books about Santa Claus are sure to delight your kids this Christmas season. You’ll find picture books for children of all ages and tastes.
I’ve had way too much fun researching and putting together this list for you!
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Books About Santa Claus
Whether you call him Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, or the man in the red suit – your kids will love these books about Santa Claus!
Some of these books are brand new(raise your hand if you get excited about new books!), and others are old standbys that are likely available in your library.
I’ve organized these titles into groups so that you can easily find just what you need. You can scroll through everything, or click one of the links below to jump down to the section you want to browse.
Santa Books for Preschool and Up
Longer Picture Books about Santa
Quirky and Funny Books about Santa Claus
Books for Kids Wondering if Santa is Real
Santa Books for Older Kids Ready to Move On
(Disclosure: Books and Giggles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.)
Santa Books for Toddlers
First, here are some choices for the 0-3 set. These will help children start to understand what that bearded man in the red suit is all about.
Goodnight Santa by Michelle Robinson (illustrated by Nick East) – in the spirit of Goodnight Moon, this concept book introduces tots to Santa Claus.
Santa’s Workshop by Holly Berry-Byrd (illustrated by Francesco Zito) is an adorable lift-a-flap board book. Toddlers can learn some basics about Santa and his crew.
Santa’s Squeaky Boots is so darn cute I’m recommending it without having seen the entire story. This interactive, squeaky book is perfect for one-on-one reading. I think you could even capture a baby’s attention with this one.
Hurry, Santa! by Tommie dePaola is simple and adorable. Santa is getting dressed for in his red suit when he has a small problem. I think preschoolers will also enjoy this short board book.
Santa Books for Preschool and Up
Next, here are some solid choices for ages 3-8.
Santa Mouse by Michael Brown (illustrated by Elfrieda De Witt) is charming and magical. Children will love learning how Santa turns this lonely little mouse into his helper. Fans can look for all the sequel books.
Little Santa by Jon Agee tells the imaginative backstory of Santa Claus’s childhood. Learn how he meets the elves and a magical reindeer, and get to know a little bit about his family.
Santa’s Stuck by Rhonda Gowler Greene (illustrated by Henry Cole) is another one of my very favorites. After eating one too many cookies, Santa gets stuck on his way back up the chimney. All the critters in the house help push him back up to the rooftop.
Santa Claus the World’s Number One Toy Expert by Marla Frazee explains that Santa works hard all year to deliver the best toy to each child on Christmas morning. The amusing illustrations and approachable tone make this one a winner!
The Real Santa by Nancy Redd (illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow). As his family gets ready for Christmas Eve, a Black boy wonders what the real Santa looks like. He ponders all the Black Santa decorations in his house and makes a plan – to stay awake and see for himself. This warm and affirming story is perfect for children who long for a Santa they can identify with.
Finally, for even more options for preschoolers, you might also like one of the choices on my list of Holiday Books for Preschoolers.
Longer Picture Books about Santa
While appropriate for kids of all ages, these stories require a longer attention span. These also assume a bit more background knowledge about Santa and the North Pole.
How Santa Got His Job by Stephen Krensky (illustrated by S.D. Schindler). Santa tries out a variety of jobs, from mailman to circus performer, until he lands the perfect position. Use this story to talk about growth mindset and persistence.
The Animals’ Santa by Jan Brett takes place in a snowy forest. The animals all wonder who leaves them presents on Christmas morning. Illustrated in Brett’s typical style, the beautiful side panels tell more of the story.
Santa Retires by David Biedrzycki is one of my favorite Santa books. Santa isn’t feeling jolly anymore, so he and Mrs. Claus head to tropical Mistletoe Island. It’s fun to see him in a new setting (in fact, this would be a great book for teaching setting).
When Santa Was a Baby by Linda Bailey (illustrated by Geneviève Godbout) is a charming story about Santa Claus’s childhood. Even as a baby he said “Ho! Ho! Ho!” Red was his favorite color from the start, and he had “an odd interest in chimneys.” I think this well-told story will capture children’s imaginations and perhaps prompt discussions about what they want to do when they grow up.
Santa’s Lost Reindeer by Rachel Hilz (illustrated by Remesh Ram) is a fun rhyming adventure. Santa’s new reindeer has gotten lost. The narrator and his mom hop in their truck to help Santa find him. I think kids will enjoy this tale because it’s so relatable.
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg isn’t exactly a Santa Claus book, but he certainly does make an important appearance! This tale of a magical Christmas Eve journey has become a classic. You can even watch the movie too, and compare it to the book.
A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World by M.E. Furman (illustrated by Susan Gal) isn’t about Santa per se, but it’s super related to him. This nonfiction book describes the many ways that children welcome Santa around the world.
Quirky and Funny Books about Santa Claus
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary or laugh-out-loud funny, try one of these choices.
Santa Jaws by Bridget Heos (illustrated by Galia Bernstein) imagines that while humans have Santa Claus, sharks have Santa Jaws. Little shark lovers won’t want to miss this one!
Who Will Pull Santa’s Sleigh? by Russ Willms. Santa tries out a variety of animals to pull his sleigh, with hilarious results.
Santa Baby by Jonathan Stutzman (illustrated by Heather Fox) is sure to bring on the giggles. Jolly old St. Nick wishes he was young again, and he turns into a baby. I really liked this one, and don’t think the unimaginative cover does the story justice.
Turkey Claus by Wendi Silvano. Fans of Silvano’s Turkey Trouble will enjoy this Christmas take on the storyline. Turkey wants to avoid being eaten for Christmas dinner. He visits the North Pole and tries to get in to see Santa for help.
Santa’s Eleven Months Off by Mike Reiss (illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery) is also on my list of Books about the Months of the Year. Find out what Santa is doing in each of the other months!
Books for Kids Wondering if Santa is Real
Sometimes children start to question Santa before they’re really ready to give up the magic. These fun and imaginative stories will give them a reason to believe for just a bit longer.
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus (illustrated by Cale Atkinson) turns the question “is Santa real?” on its head, and has Santa wondering if Harold is real!
How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan and Lee Wildish. This book opens with questions that kids have about Santa. Then it suggests some cute ways to try to catch him – such as leaving carrots for his reindeer to see if they get eaten. This is a fun story to get too-young skeptics excited about the magic of Santa.
Santa in the City by Tiffany D. Jackson (illustrated by Reggie Brown) is perfect for city kids with questions about Santa.
Santa Books for Older Kids Ready to Move On
These special books about Santa Claus help you bring older kids behind the curtain with grace and joy.
Love, Santa by Martha Brockenbrough (illustrated by Lee White) is a heartwarming story. An 8-year-old girl questions her mom’s role in Christmas morning and learns about the truth and the spirit of giving.
The Big Secret: The Whole and Honest Truth About Santa Claus by D.W. Boorn isn’t for everyone, but worth considering for older children who need a little nudge from little kid to big kid. It gets a bit philosophical and historical – which may be just right for brainy believers.
I hope you found exactly the right Santa Claus book for your kids!
Merry Christmas,
Heather