Books about Christmas Trees for Kids
For most families, the Christmas tree is the center of their holiday celebrations. Stories are read under sparkling boughs, presents are nestled underneath on Christmas morning, and decorating the tree is one of everyone’s favorite traditions. Of course, there are books about Christmas trees for kids to enjoy too!
When I was updating our list of Christmas Books for Kids, I couldn’t help but notice all the sweet stories about Christmas trees. I couldn’t put them all on that list, so I just knew they needed a list of their own.
Below you will find my favorite books about Christmas trees for you to enjoy this holiday season.
The Best Books about Christmas Trees
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Book about The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The Christmas Owl by Ellen Kalish & Gideon Sterer – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Tree Book
Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht – Jump to section
The Best Book about Decorating a Christmas Tree
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Kids’ Books about The Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The Christmas Owl
Author: Ellen Kalish & Gideon Sterer
Illustrator: Ramona Kaulitzki
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
More info: New York Times bestseller
Plot
Rockefeller, the little owl who captivated the country, is the star of this Christmas book!
Why Kirsten loves it
Based on the real story of the owl rescued from the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, this non-traditional Christmas tale is heartwarming and sweet.
Find this book in: Christmas Tree Books
Red and Lulu
Author: Matt Tavares
Illustrator: Matt Tavares
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 7
Plot
The story of Red and Lulu, 2 cardinals who love their home inside a pine tree. They love it all year, but especially during the winter season.
But then one day their tree is taken down to be the Rockefeller Christmas tree. Will they like their new life in New York?
Why Kirsten loves it
Through gorgeous illustrations, the story of Red and Lulu comes to life. Little ones will love pointing to the red birds on each page – they pop!
Find this book in: Christmas Tree Books
The Carpenter’s Gift
Author: David Rubel
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Year: 2011
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 9
Plot
A sweet boy, whose family is down on their luck, drives into the city on Christmas Eve, 1931 to help his father sell Christmas trees. After selling them near what would become Rockefeller Center, the crew of workers came to help his family rebuild their home.
Now, Henry is an old man and a representative from Rockefeller Center has come to request his tree become the centerpiece tree of the holiday season. The bonus? It’s milled at the end of the season to help another family in need get a new home.
Why Kirsten loves it
Are you ready to cry? Then buckle up because I cried not once, but twice while reading this modern Christmas classic. The gorgeous illustrations and sweet story brought a glow to my heart.
Delightful Christmas Tree Books
Pick a Pine Tree
Author: Patricia Toht
Illustrator: Jarvis
Year: 2017
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 2 – 6
Plot
This is a charmingly illustrated story about a family on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree, which they then take to decorate at home.
Why Kirsten loves it
I featured Pick a Pumpkin in our Halloween Kids books round-up and knew I needed to highlight Pick A Pine Tree as well. Both books should be part of your seasonal home library collection!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books for Kids / Books about Christmas Trees
The Biggest Little Boy: A Christmas Story
Author: Poppy Harlow
Illustrator: Ramona Kaulitzi
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
CNN anchor Poppy Harlow has written a Christmas Story! Luca loves BIG things. This year, he wants the BIGGEST Christmas tree in the whole city. Can Luca get what he wants or does he learn a big lesson about the best things coming in smaller packages?
Why Jackie loves it
I love how Luca went in with an idea of what he wanted, but was able to change his mind and the value in something else! It’s a wonderful lesson for a children’s book at any time of the year!
Everett Green: The Not-so-Christmas Tree
Author: Freddy Wexler
Illustrator: Fanny Berthlaume
Year: 2024
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 8
Plot
Everett is a palm tree with big dreams – he wants to be a Christmas tree!! While trying to get to NYC for Christmas, he gets stuck in the airport and brings holiday spirit to the other passengers.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the message about Everett fulfilling his destiny of becoming a Christmas tree by bringing joy to those around him. #gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: Books About Christmas Trees / New Christmas Books for Kids / Best Christmas Books for Kids
Books about Decorating Christmas Trees
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree
Author: Robert E Barry
Illustrator: Robert E Barry
Year: 1963
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 3 – 7
Plot
When Mr. Willowby orders a giant Christmas tree this year, it’s just too big! So he cuts the top off and passes it onto the next person, who also trims it, and the next person gets it and trims it down too. Soon there is a whole community of people and animals with a piece of the Christmas tree.
Why Kirsten loves it
This story of one man’s trash becoming someone else’s treasure is wonderful for the holiday season. I loved seeing where each critter places the tree in their home.
Everybody’s Tree
Author: Barbara Joose
Illustrator: Renée Graef
Year: 2020
Genre: Picture Book
Age: 4 – 7
Plot
The story of a little Pine tree that grows with a little boy, watching him grow, his family form, and then, when the tree gets old, he gets a new life.
The old pine is driven to town to become the star of the Christmas Tree Show. What a special way to celebrate the life of the cherished Christmas tree.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved watching the little boy growing up around his Christmas tree and especially enjoyed seeing his family all together at the tree-lighting ceremony.
Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas!
Author: Victoria Kahn
Illustrator: Victoria Kahn
Year: 2021
Genre: Picture Book
Plot
Pinkalicious is back for a kids’ Christmas book featuring a very pink holiday. She begs and pleads for a pink Christmas tree but her parents refuse.
Every other member of the family wants a real tree, can Pinkalicious convince them that pink is better?
Why Kirsten loves it
I think we all know who wins the Christmas tree choice, but I love that she does! It’s so nice to see a non-traditional Christmas tree represented!
Find this book in: Books About Christmas Trees for Kids / Best Christmas Books for Kids
Helpful Tips
- Try using these Christmas tree books as decorations around the house! Put them under the tree in lieu of presents until Santa comes to encourage holiday reading.
- These books make great holiday presents for youth group leaders, teachers, and other community friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any books about the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree?
Of course! There are quite a few stories about the famous Rockefeller Center tree. I’ve highlighted my 3 favorites on this list. The Christmas Owl, The Carpenter’s Gift, and Red & Lulu.
Are there any Christmas tree books about nontraditional Christmas trees?
Yes! Pinkalicious: Merry Pinkmas features a pink tree, while Everett Green: The Not-so-Christmas Tree is about a palm tree!
Related Content
Epilogue
Those are my favorite books about Christmas trees for kids. Did you find any that you liked? Would you want to add one to your Christmas book collection?
The Best Christmas Books for Kids
If you like these Christmas tree books, take a look at this list of my favorite Christmas picture books!
