December is an exciting month for many folks, with lots of holidays to celebrate. It’s also the time when wintry weather sets in, making it perfect for cozying up by the fire with a new book. While December isn’t a big month for new releases, there are still plenty of upcoming books we’re excited to check out. In addition to the best new books for December 2026, we’ve included some of this year’s top new holiday-themed choices. Merry reading and happy new books!
Get your free printable December reading log to share with students so they can keep track of their books and pages all month long! Just follow the link below to get it.
New Picture and Early Reader Books for December 2026
Amazon
Mr. Prickly by Betina Birkjær
Autumn has arrived, and Mr. Prickly the hedgehog has a lot to do before he hibernates. When a gust of wind mixes up his to-do list, Mr. Prickly loses track of all his chores (“Rake the laundry? Wash the leaves?”) and panics. Kids (and adults) who sometimes feel overwhelmed will enjoy this sweet, encouraging new tale.
There’s no harder worker on the farm than Little Tractor! Month after month, he tackles every job thrown his way. Readers will enjoy the journey through the year in a New England farming community, and machinery-lovers will beg to hear this one again and again.
Ponder all the shapes love can take in our lives—both literally and figuratively—in this new picture book for December. Kids will get a kick out of looking through the pictures to find each shape that’s referenced, while the text reminds readers that love comes in many forms.
Tai is excited about the Lunar New Year celebrations, but not so interested in helping clean the house. Instead, he opens a gift early and is delighted by what he finds—zodiac animals that grow in water! When they magically come to life, they create a delightful mess that Tai eventually cleans up with enthusiasm.
Chloe arrives at the library to find a librarian reluctantly following orders and removing books from the shelves, many of which feature Black authors and stories. Her Auntie takes her home and shares untold stories of their own family, urging Chloe to find a way to share them with a new audience. Inspired by Toni Morrison, this new book feels especially relevant in today’s turbulent times.
The Manor Mysteries: The Twins and the Trapdoor by Eileen Biltmore
The third entry in this chapter book historical mystery series follows preteens Margaret and Dorothea on another Victorian-era adventure. The girls live a pampered but sheltered life in the manor with their father, the Earl of Linden. After hearing a poor man lament the mysterious loss of his wife decades earlier, the two set out to find answers for him—and discover more than they bargained for.
New Middle Grade and Young Adult Books for December 2026
Amazon
Wildlands by Brogen Murphy
Set in Great Britain in the near future, this new book follows a pair of sisters stranded in the Wildlands. This area is off-limits to humans, set aside to protect native plants and animals, and there’s no cell service. The girls are on their own, navigating fast-paced adventures and challenges in an unfamiliar environment, with only each other to rely on. (Grades 4–8)
The Vanishing Orphans of Alvanor by Callie C. Miller
In the fantasy world of Alvanor, orphans are all too common—but they’ve also started disappearing. Bandit, aka the Ghost of Halcyon, is respected in the orphan community for her survival skills, which include pick-pocketing and thievery. With those around her at risk, she’ll have to use all her cunning to solve the mystery and save the world she loves. (Grades 4–8)
Seventeen-year-old hacker Valé Consequence is on the run after a mysterious online job leads to a pop star’s murder, leaving her the prime suspect. To clear her name, Valé and BFF Charlie set out to prove that reality is a computer simulation, only to uncover a dangerous conspiracy that forces Valé to question what (and who) she can trust. (Grades 9–12)
When 19-year-old mage Bastion loses his beloved owl familiar, he visits fellow teen Winnie, a renowned familiar matchmaker. They’re both shocked when Bastion makes a powerful connection, not with an animal but with Winnie herself. Can they make their unfamiliar relationship work so Bastion has a chance to become the new royal mage, or will it destroy both of their lives? (Grades 9–12)
The Best Journey in the World by Kim Stanley Robinson
This new nonfiction read combines memoir, photographs, and adventure, revisiting Robert Scott’s Antarctic expedition chronicled in The Worst Journey in the World. Drawing on his own travels in Antarctica, author Robinson reflects on exploration, the changing landscape, and the deep human connection to places worth preserving. (Grades 9–12)
Santa is testing out new animals to pull the sleigh, but each one presents its own challenges. Sheep may put Santa to sleep, ostriches can’t fly, and dinosaurs cause too much chaos. In the end, it seems reindeer might be the best solution after all! (Pre-K to Grade 2)
Ella’s family has a special winter solstice tradition: making a wish on a star. But during her very first trip up Winter Solstice Hill, she faces disappointment—the sky is covered in clouds, and bad weather cuts the adventure short. Fortunately, Gramps is on hand to find a way to give Ella her winter solstice wish! (Pre-K to Grade 3)
… And a Partridge in a Pear Tree by Fay Evans and Jono Ganz
The titular partridge just wants to spend the holidays celebrating in his pear tree, but he’s in for a surprise when his “true love” sends him gift after unwanted gift! The illustrations will make kids chuckle, as the partridge seals off his door and puts up signs in an unsuccessful attempt to keep the intruders away. Eventually, though, he makes his peace with his new friends, embracing a song “that’s all about me!” (Pre-K to Grade 3)
When Kanoni receives her first kinara, she’s excited to light the candles that represent the principles of Kwanzaa. But the kinara falls by the wayside when Kanoni has the chance to put the principles of Kwanzaa into action, helping neighbors who lose their home in a fire. This new picture book reminds readers it’s important to live your values every day, not just celebrate them once a year. (Pre-K to Grade 3)
Most elves take a vacation when the Christmas season is over, but not Murfe! This dedicated little worker heads to Chicago to find a job that will allow him to spread the holiday spirit all year long. Eventually, Murfe gets his wish, even if it’s a little bit different than he expected. (Pre-K to Grade 3)
On the final night of Hanukkah, Luz and Abuelita search for eight modern-day miracles, discovering them in nature, kindness, food, stories, tradition, inner light, and the love of family and friends. As family and friends gather to celebrate Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions, Luz lights the menorah’s eight candles, naming the final miracle “hope.” (Pre-K to Grade 3)
Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas … According to Max! by Alastair Heim
This retelling of the holiday classic is sure to become a favorite, especially for fans who wish Max the dog had a bigger role in the original! Max does his best to foil the Grinch’s schemes, but ultimately, the grumpy miser has to find the spirit of Christmas for himself. Teachers will love using this one for seasonal lessons on literary perspective. (Grades K–4)
Harriet Hubbard and the Sold-Out Hanukkah by Bonnie Grubman
Harriet Hubbard’s cupboard is bare—and Hanukkah is almost here. She skates to the store, only to find their shelves empty too! She resigns herself to a holiday celebration without the traditional treats of chocolate gelt coins, latkes, or doughnuts. Fortunately, her party guests arrive in the nick of time, bearing everything they need for a joyous Hanukkah party. (Pre-K to Grade 3)
In this new addition to the popular middle grade graphic novel series, Hilo and the gang embrace all the holidays of winter while putting their superpowers to good use taking care of any threats that pop up to spoil the fun. It’s a fun, lighthearted read with a little something for anyone who enjoys a good celebration! (Grades 4–8)
After moving from India to Canada, Siddhu struggles until discovering a diverse group of friends in this apartment building. To fit in with their classmates, Siddhu’s gang decides their building needs a Christmas tree so Santa will bring them presents. But their parents don’t want to spend money on a holiday they don’t even celebrate. This graphic novel explores the desire to embrace new traditions while honoring your own culture. (Grades 4–8)
Be sure to download your free printable December reading log!
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Grab your free reading log to share with students—they can use it track their books and pages over winter break and keep up their reading habits over the holidays. Just click the button below to get yours!
