This list is contributed by librarians at the HennepinCountyLibraries in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and suburbs.

The Christmas Cricket
written by Eve Bunting, ilustrated by Timothy Bush

A little cricket, in search of warmth and companionship, enters a home during a family Christmas Eve celebration. As it snuggles into the Christmas tree, it sings a song of gratitude that a little girl mistakes for an angel’s voice.

Dream Snow
written and illustrated by Eric Carle

A beautiful, soothing book that allows children to guess what farm animals are hidden under the blanket of snow.

The Legend of Saint Nicholas
written and illustrated by Demi

A lavishly illustrated well researched picture book biography of St. Nicholas which explores the history, the myths, and the many outfits and guises he is known for throughout the world.

Feliz Navidad: two stories celebrating Christmas written by Jose Feliciano and illustrated by David Diaz

Two of the many ways Christmas is celebrated are showcased in this gorgeous book. Readers are treated to the sights and sounds of Christmas in Puerto Rico as well as an American winter celebration.

The True Story of Christmas
written by Anne Fine

Mix together fifteen quirky eccentric relatives who don’t particularly like each other, throw in a monster of a preschooler, add Christmas, and you end up with one chaotic and hilarious holiday.

One Winter’s Night
written by John Herman and
illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon

Martha, a young cow who is lost and cold, is looking for a safe and warm place to deliver her calf. She and Mary and Joseph find that they are in the same situation and on Christmas Eve both mothers deliver beautiful babies.

What Could Be Keeping Santa?
written by Marilyn Janovitz

Santa's reindeer can't figure out why he isn't ready for Christmas Eve. Janovitz's illustrations of the perplexed reindeer are adorable.

A Kenya Christmas
written by Tony Johnston
illustrated by Leonard Jenkins

Juma who lives in a remote village in Kenya has always wanted to see Santa. One year his Aunt Aida arranges for a villager to wear a Santo suit and to arrive by elephant. The result is a magical and wondrous time for everyone in the village.

Olive, the Other Reindeer
written by Vivian Walsh
illustrated by J. Otto Seibold

A plucky little dog named Olive heads to the North Pole to help Santa after she hears a Christmas song about "Olive, the other reindeer."

Max's Christmas
written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells

Determined to see Santa, young Max defies his older sister, Ruby, and stays up on Christmas Eve.

What Santa Can't Do
written by Douglas Wood
illustrated by Doug Cushman

Children are sure to giggle as they learn about all the things Santa can't do, such as fly in airplanes (that would hurt the reindeer's feelings) or wear a purple suit to work.