Whether your family celebrates Christmas, Hannukah, or Kwanzaa—or maybe all three—one thing is certain: the kids in your home are getting super excited. Why not carve out some time to wind down and listen to a few heartwarming holiday books together? With something for little ones from ages four to tween, our collection will bring even more fun and meaning to enjoying the season together.
For Christmas
Academy Award-winning actress, entrepreneur, mother, and bestselling author Reese Witherspoon certainly knows a lot about keeping busy! She returns to her Busy Betty world with a sweet story about an enterprising little girl who’s determined to find a way to get everyone in her family the perfect Christmas present. Performed by Witherspoon with her signature verve, this rollicking tale will inspire kids to tackle obstacles with blue-sky thinking.
For generations, families have turned to Clement Moore’s poem every Christmas Eve to prepare children for a magical visit from Santa and his reindeer. What better way to continue the family tradition—or start your own—than by inviting Jeff Bridges to do the reading? The accomplished actor brings his distinctive voice, style, and humor to this holiday classic. To quote one enthusiastic grown-up listener: “The Dude makes an excellent Santa!”
While everyone knows the name of Santa’s speediest reindeer, Dasher filled us in on her backstory. In this sequel, the brave little doe has lost her way on Christmas Eve—Dasher can no longer spot the North Star in the sky to lead her home. Will a child’s kindness and an unexpected gift get her back in time to help guide Santa’s sleigh? Laural Merlington once again narrates, gently conveying Dasher’s childlike impatience and her mother’s wisdom against a wintry landscape and jingling bells.
One of today’s most inventive and popular kidlit authors, David Walliams captures the hilarity of the season in his first Christmas caper. It’s Christmas Eve, and in the world’s most famous toy shop, a robbery is underway. The shop’s Santa and his son are trapped inside. To save Christmas, our heroes battle the baddies by using their wits and their wares: pogo sticks, bouncy balls, slinkies, bubble guns, remote-controlled helicopters, and stink bombs. A full cast brings the action and hijinks to life.
From the powerhouse creative mind of super-selling author J.K. Rowling, The Christmas Pig is an immersive Christmas audio experience that kids will adore. Jack's favorite toy is Dur Pig; DP has always been there for Jack, through the good and the bad. So naturally, when DP goes missing, Jack is devastated. Thankfully, DP's replacement, the Christmas Pig, has a plan to find DP and bring the pair back together. And so, the Christmas Pig and Jack embark on an exciting journey to rescue Jack's best friend. This charming story is narrated by Amaka Okafor, with characters voiced by Rocco Padden, Gerran Howell, and many others, plus music and sound effects to make the story really come alive.
Who doesn't love this Dr. Seuss classic? Kids of all ages (and grown-ups too) delight in the tale of the Grinch, a cold-hearted creature who hates the holiday hoopla and joy of Who-Ville and vows to steal all the presents to prevent the arrival of Christmas. But when Christmas comes all the same, the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday season. This audiobook version of the enduring favorite is narrated by the late great Walter Matthau.
Counting down the days to Christmas is more fun alongside Beatrix Potter's beloved Peter Rabbit. Join Peter and his friends every day in December as they count down to Christmas and have plenty adventures along the way. This collection offers 24 delightful holiday stories and activities for kids to enjoy throughout the Advent season.
Told from a child’s perspective, this reassuring tale focuses on a little girl named Deja who is worried Santa won't be able to find her because she lives in a big, crowded city. Her apartment doesn't have a chimney, and there's barely parking space on her block for cars, let alone a sleigh driven by eight reindeer! Beautifully narrated by Keylor Leigh, Santa in the City captures the magic of Christmas and the warmth of community.
This heartwarming listen balances questions of identity, representation, and family by asking the question, "What does Santa really look like?" Narrator Torian Brackett perfectly complements Nancy Redd’s loving depiction of a Black family celebrating the holiday with special traditions and routines like braiding hair before bed on Christmas Eve.
A holiday book about holiday books—what could be better? Based on the real Icelandic tradition of sharing stories around the fire, this Yuletide story follows a little girl’s search for the perfect book to give her loved ones for their annual book exchange on Christmas Eve. Music and a full soundscape complement Kathleen McInerney’s narration of a tale that captures both the magic of the holidays and the joy of reading.
For Hanukkah
Narrators Gabi Epstein and Rebecca Soler team up for this tale of identical twins, each adopted at birth and unaware of the other’s existence, until they meet at tryouts for an interfaith holiday pageant. Aviva Davis and Holly Martin look alike, but their personalities and lives couldn’t be more different. The girls share a curiosity about how the other celebrates the holidays. To find out firsthand, Aviva and Holly secretly trade lives, planning to stage a dramatic reveal to their families. With two virtual strangers swapping homes and cherished Christmas and Hanukkah treats and traditions, what could possibly go wrong?
Emily Lawrence expertly narrates this warm and informative story about the significance of Hanukkah traditions and the joy of sharing them with loved ones across generations. Set in a cozy house full of latkes, sufganiyot, and other holiday treats, Charlotte Offsay's audiobook gently teaches young listeners about the history behind the celebration and its meaning to Jewish families today.
Centering a diverse cast of characters, this engaging and unique story teaches little ones about the root of holiday and family traditions in a fun way. Every December, a little girl in Virginia can't wait to receive a crate of juicy oranges from her grandparents. This year, she and her family will be traveling to Miami to celebrate with Nonna and Nonno. Hannukah in Little Havana captures a child's joy in helping to make latkes, dancing the salsa, and spending eight days full of light and love.
In Eric Kimmel’s holiday favorite, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol approaches a village on the night before Hanukkah, anticipating latkes and lots of holiday merriment. When he arrives, however, he finds eerie darkness—not a single candle is lit. A band of goblins has taken over the synagogue, keeping the villagers from celebrating. Now it's up to Hershel to save Hanukkah. Will he live to tell the tale? Narrator Gildart Jackson captures the story's mystery and suspense, keeping young listeners riveted and rooting for our unlikely hero.
This charming holiday tale adds mythology and magic to the traditions of Hanukkah. Nate Gadol is a great big spirit with eyes as shiny as golden coins and a smile as bright as a lantern. Nate has the ability to make anything last as long as needed, from a tiny bit of oil that must stretch for eight nights to a small chunk of chocolate that grows to delight a family's children over the holidays Jay Ben Markson's joyful narration brings Nate and his loving spirit of holiday giving to life.
For Kwanzaa
Seven Candles for Kwanzaa explains the principles of the African American holiday of Kwanzaa—strength of family ties, respect for ancestors, and gratitude for life's bounties among them—in a way that's both entertaining and informative for kids. Emmy Award-winning actress and social activist Alfre Woodard narrates the story of Kwanzaa's meaningful seven-day celebration, which lasts from December 26 to January 1.
Kwanzaa has finally arrived, and young Kayla can’t wait to celebrate with her family. But when a snowstorm threatens the return of her big brother, Kayla has to figure out how they'll be able to spend the holiday together. Yinka Ladeinde's captivating narration captures Kayla's excitement and resourcefulness. Kids will enjoy Juwanda G. Ford's heartwarming story about love, family, and connection while also learning about the joyous holiday and its traditions.
From award-winning author Ibi Zoboi, The People Remember looks at African American history through the lens of Kwanzaa's principles. While kids will quickly become engaged in their ancestors' story of hardship, oppression, resilience, and triumph, this is an important book to listen to as a family. Along with the author, Robin Miles narrates, and a supplemental PDF helps to further children's understanding of historic struggles and their relation to current social justice movements.
For something a bit different, try this three-episode podcast. Hosted by Oni Lasana, aka Aunti Oni, Kwanzaa Time! features stories that speak to the diverse traditions of Kwanzaa passed down through communities and generations. Each cherished tale is told with a new twist to bring fresh insight. A gifted storyteller and dynamic performer, Lasana is great at connecting with kids.
