Christmas will be here before we know it. Usually I’m not a fan of considering my Christmas gift list much before Thanksgiving, but I was recently listening to a podcast that was interviewing a book seller about book buying and selling in 2020. They highly pointed out buying books for gift giving earlier than usual. Between issues of stock, the postal service, and other Covid related situations to navigate getting the books you want to gift this Christmas could be trickier.
Regardless of when you decide to do your Christmas shopping, the number one question I get asked as a book reviewer and book blogger is “What book should I give X”?
I understand that question. First, there are SO many books to choose from on the shelves. And then there’s the concern that you’ll gift someone a book they already own.
So, here is the gift giving guide you’re looking for this year. What children’s books are new and delightful to gift this year to the little ones on your Christmas list.
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for the Babies on Your List…
What Am I? A Let’s Learn Spanish Book
by Diane de Anda
illustrated by Sara Sanchez
This is everything you want in a board book. Short, engaging text. An interactive element. Bright cheerful illustrations. This one also integrates some simple Spanish as an extra layer giving you the Spanish word for each type of vehicle. A board book winner.
Wonderful You
by Lisa Graff
illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki
I cannot think of a more perfect book to gift new parents or read aloud to your newborn. WONDERFUL YOU is all about the waiting that happens those nine long months and how the you that arrives is even better than a parent could hope. It is full of the anticipation and love that carries each parent through that time. The illustrations add a lovely multicultural and diverse family element as a huge range of families are shown preparing for their new ones. The waiting for a new baby is a universal experience and that is so well depicted here. A truly wonderful book. A must read. A must gift. A must share.
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for the Toddlers on Your List…
The Wolf and the Fly
by Antje Damm
This board book is so clever. It begins with a wolf who is hungry and facing a shelf of assorted items. Page turns allow the reader to predict and then determine what the wolf ate. It is a brilliant way to engage little readers. Unique and fun. My favorite board book so far this year.
Hat Tricks
by Satoshi Kitamura
Now here is an illustrator who understands page turns! This book is a magic show where the reader gets to guess what’s coming out of the hat next. A little peak of ears gives them an idea and the page turns reveal the next animal popping out. A thoroughly entertaining read that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
for the 3-4 Year Olds on Your List
Two Dogs on a Trike
by Gabi Snyder
illustrated by Robin Rosenthal
I adore a counting book with a good story and this one is oh so fun. The words are concise and encourage little ones to count the growing number of dogs and later subtract as the dogs depart. The illustrations however tell the story of a rather determined cat chasing after them. This adds an excellent layer of suspense, adventure and humor that will keep kids coming back to this book again and again. A counting book with dogs, cats, all manner of transportation, and a little humor – really what more could you want? A excellent book for toddlers and preschoolers learning to count.
Unicorns are the Worst
by Alex Willan
Hilarious. I think we could all use a good laugh right now and this delivers so many of them. Told from the perspective of a goblin who is unimpressed with unicorns and suddenly finds himself neighbors with a herd of them, this is silly and sparkly and fun from start to finish. The voice is perfect and makes this so much fun to read aloud. One your kids, unicorn obsessed or not, will want to read again and again.
for the Kindergarteners-Second Graders on Your List
Rescuing Mrs. Birdley
by Aaron Reynolds
illustrated by Emma Reynolds
This is a seriously funny book. I think all kids who have seen their teacher outside of school will relate to that feeling of surprise and confusing. Clearly they are not in the right place!? Miranda, the heroine of this tale, is a nature expert and she knows just what to do. Following the tactics she has learned from her favorite nature show, she attempts to capture and return her teacher to her nature habitat, the classroom. Outrageous in concept and execution, this is sure to be a read aloud favorite.
You Matter
by Christian Robinson
This is the newest book by Christian Robinson an author/illustrator who has yet to create a book I don’t absolutely adore. Whimsical, subtle, and so full of heart, YOU MATTER is a message to all children that they matter.
Friday Night Wrestle Fest
by J. F. Fox
illustrated by Micah Player
It’s Friday Night and for this family it’s time for an over-the-top comical wrestle fest! This is a playful book about a family spending time together and an every day, imaginative way. I love the bold illustrations and energetic text and I love that the mom in the family is the one coming home from work. In truth there is so much to love about this family and they’re togetherness.
Pool Party
by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
If you’re looking for a book for your new reader to enjoy this summer then this is the book for you. It is a simple, silly story with repetitive text and illustrations that help fill in any potentially confusing words. It also works as an early math book for toddlers to count or for kindergartners to do a little simple addition and subtraction on your lap. Playful, cheerful, and perfect for summer.
InvestiGATORS
by John Patrick Green
Fans of DOGMAN will love this new graphic novel for kids. It is the story of two crime solving gators from the author/illustrator of the KITTEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY and HIPPOPOTAMISTER books. It is just as over the top with bad puns and ridiculous storylines as DOGMAN. The Investigators are trying to solve the mystery of a missing chef. I won’t go in details because you’d think I was nuts but it’s just the kids of crazy fun that early elementary schoolers can’t get enough of and good news two more investigator books are on the way.
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for the 3rd-5th Graders on Your List
So You Want to be a Ninja?
by Bruno Vincent
illustrated by Takayo Akiyama
Want to learn how to be a ninja? Want to know their tricks, skills, and secrets? I was so excited to see another book in this fun series and this might be my favorite one yet. There is so much information in this book from using ropes, ninja enemies, ninja weapons and more. What is so great about these books though is that it is all conveyed in a playful manner with three kids, including one who reminds me of Author from The Magic School Bus, learning along with the reader.
Dictionary for a Better World
by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
We adore poetry in this house and this is our new favorite. Organized in alphabetic order, each entry of spread presents a word that will help make the world better – ally, justice, etc. It has poems, quotes, and anecdotes. Power and beautiful.
Stepping Stones
by Lucy Knisley
This is one of the best graphic novels I have read. It is the story of a girl adjusting to live on a farm, divorce, and step sisters. The relationships and characters feel so real. The illustrations are wonderful and well utilized for telling the story. Heart filled and heart warming book.
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for the Middle Schoolers on Your List
Santiago’s Road Home
by Alexandra Diaz
Mexican-American border crossing, ICE detainment, and other hardships are all a part of Santiago’s heart breaking, eye opening, and inspiring story. Well paced and full of heart, this book is impossible to put down. There are parts that are difficult to read. Nothing too graphic, but I would recommend this for kids in about fifth grade and up. Readers will root for Santiago as they follow along on the emotional ups and downs of his journey. One of the best middle grade books I’ve read this year.
What I Like About Me
by Jenna Guillaume
Sweet. Sassy. Funny. This is such a fun read. It definitely feels like the kind of book you need to take to the beach and read with your toes in the sand. The main character is so easy to root for and the cast of characters around her are lovable and vibrant. Part summer romance, part relationship story, but mostly about figuring out how to love who you are.
