Who doesn't love a little festive reading? These Christmas graphic novels for kids feature all the cozy fun you want for holiday reading. There are snow storms, flying reindeer, family get-togethers, elves, and of course, Father Christmas. But beneath the holiday trappings you'll find meaningful stories that will help your kids develop critical thinking skills and tap into their empathy. Happy holidays!
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Table of contents
Ages 6 and up
Gnome and Rat: First Snow (series) by Lauren Stohler
This funny graphic novel for young readers is not actually about Christmas, but it fits the festive winter-y theme. Best friends Gnome and Rat head out to reach Nest Fest, where they will meet up with Rat's family. The first snow won't stop them and Gnome has all kinds of ideas of how they can have fun in the snow on the way, which results in some hilarious chaos. Ages 6 and up.
MORE: Winter Novels to Read Aloud
Happy Narwhalidays (series) by Ben Clanton
Fans of Narwhal and Jelly will enjoy the fifth installment in the popular series. It's the holiday season and Narwhal is excited for all his favorite cozy activities, including the arrival of the Merry Mermicorn. Jelly is skeptical of the Mermicorn, but sets out to find the perfect gift for Narwhal. Ages 6 and up.
MORE: Christmas Chapter Books to Read Aloud
Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive (series) by Melanie Watt
The holiday ramps up Scaredy Squirrel's anxiety but he's got friends to help him navigate all the needed preparations. Bold, colorful illustrations, slapstick humor, and a variety of formatting holds a beginning reader's attention. Note: this is a graphic novel series that is a companion to the original picture book series. Ages 6 and up.
MORE: Festive Winter Holiday Books for Reading Aloud
Ages 8 and up
North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta
This sweet and funny graphic novel is filled with magic and a good choice for kids who like Christmas movies like The Santa Clause or Miracle on 34th Street. Virginia tells her new friend about the flying reindeer she spotted as her family was driving from Arizona to Colorado. Together, they decide to find the reindeer. Scenes alternate between Virginia's search and the Continental Air Defense Command Center, which is also on the hunt for flying reindeer. Ages 8 and up.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King illustrated and adapted by Natalie Andrewson (graphic novel)
I love how whimsical and dreamy this graphic novel version of Hoffmann's story is. Andrewson's style, with all of its curvy lines, makes you feel like you are daning along with the characters in their fantasy adventure. Readers only familiar with the ballet will discover new plot points and new inventions, and will love the refocused attention on Clara. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Nutcracker Books
Elfie's Grimoire (series) by Christophe Arleston and Audrey Alwett, illustrated by Mini Ludvin
Elfie and her sisters live in a double-decker bookmobile when Elfie comes into possession of her late mother's magic book. The book brings her origami creations to life and is the source for various adventures as the sisters travel around the French countryside. The last story takes place at Christmas. Note: as of this writing, only the first book in the series is available in English, but if you read French there are many more available for you! Ages 8 and up.
PAWS: Priya Puts Herself First (series) by Nathan Fairbairn, illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn
Fans of Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels will enjoy this series about a group of kids who start a dog-walking business. In this, the third book of the series, the friends must manage the effects of a snow storm on their dog-walking activities. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Books for Fans of Raina Telgemeier
Hilo: The Holiday Special (series) by Judd Winick
Hilo, the kid who crashed to earth in the first book of the series, enjoys the holidays with his earth-bound friends. However, a snowman is playing Scrooge to their fun and the gang has to figure out a way to get things back on track. Ages 8 and up.
8 Tiny Reindeer: An Advent Calendar Adventure by Robert Tinkler, illustrated by Danesh Mohiuddin
This graphic novel is based on the podcast of the same name and consists of 24 chapters—one for each day of advent. The story follows the last pair of elves left after Santa has automated his workshop with the latest high tech machines and delivery drones. Now, an evil business tycoon is attempting to take over Christmas completely and it's up to the elves to stop him. Slapstick humor will keep your kids laughing all the way to Christmas day. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Fairy Tale Inspired Graphic Novels
Nell of Gumbling: My Holiday Diary (series) by Emma Steinkellner
The fairy tale-like world of Gumbling is preparing for Feszht, a Christmas-adjacent holiday. Nell and her friends plan on putting together a holiday show but Nell must navigate co-directing with the bossy Sam, the stress of a potential live broadcast, and the challenges of working with actors! As with the other books in the series, Nell and the fellow residents of the whimsical Gumbling deliver fun and frivolity. Ages 8 and up.
MORE: Christmas Audiobooks for the Whole Family
The Cardboard Kingdom: Snow and Sorcery (series) by Chad Sel
The imagination and creativity that made the first book in the series so delightful are on full display in this winter-y installment. The neighborhood kids who occupy the Cardboard Kingdom go up against kids from the other side of town in a snowy battle. A collection of vignettes tell the story of the Cardboard Kingdom kids both at home during the wintery holidays and out in their snow covered imaginative world. Ages 8 and up.
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