Book Gift Guide!

We got your holiday book giving covered

Happy Holidays!

The only thing better than giving a book as a gift, is receiving one. I truly mean that. The books that still mean the most to me are ones that were given to me by someone I deeply care for. There’s no denying that reading is an immersive relationship with a story or character. And somehow, when someone you love gives you a great book, an extra sprinkling of magic is added.

Since becoming a parent, the experience of reading with my child has only enhanced this feeling. The books we read together bathe us in that same light and become so unbelievably cherished. This may also just be personal preference, but I will always be one thousand million times more happy when someone gives my child book over an expendable toy. But finding the right book is not always easy. The plethora of choice can quickly overwhelm. Is this book age appropriate? What do kids even read these days? Luckily Sarah Miller over at Can we Read? and I, put together a list of 12 recommendations for you to gift this holiday. Oh, and you wanna know the best part? This list covers ages 0-16! How’s that for a one stop shop?

Sarah’s got your little readers from 3 months- 8 years. And I will be offering you recommendations for ages 8-16. For more extensive recommendations I encourage you to browse Sarah’s book lists. For older readers you can order books here.

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Happy holidays from ours to yours. And of course, happy reading (in all the new years to come)!

Ages 3-12 months Global Babies, by The Global Fund for Children

There is nothing babies like more than looking at other babies, and this international collection of sweet little faces -- complete with celebratory text that states wherever they are, babies are "beautiful, special, and loved" -- will fascinate your own sweet little one. Extra points for being a book grownups can read again and again with pleasure. 

Ages 12-18 months Peekaboo Morning, by Rachel Isadora

Would that we could all wake up with the joy and wonderment of the little girl in this book, who greets each day, as well as her beloved people and things in it, with the repeated refrain, "Peekaboo! I see..." The smallest readers will identify with the comfort and fun of this routine, and feel the warmth of familial love and enjoyment of the world radiating from every page. 

Ages 2-3 Bee-Bim Bop!, by Linda Sue Park

It doesn't get much more fun than the rollicking rhyme of this super playful, fast-paced tale about a little girl and her mother who together shop for, prepare, and serve the traditional Korean dish of bee-bim bop to their loving, multigenerational family. The energy of this one is infectious and it's wildly fun to read aloud. (And then recite from memory, because this is one that you will commit to memory after being asked to read it over and over. That's not a bad thing.) 

Ages 4-5 The Circus Ship, by Chris Van Dusen

If you're looking for a wildly fun crowd-pleaser -- and one you can stand to read on repeat -- look no further than this perilous, riotous tale of a ship full of circus animals (overseen by a jerk of a circus boss) who undergo a wreck, arrive in an unsuspecting town in Maine, and then must figure out how survive. What the animals do (and how they blend in -- or not), how the townspeople react, and of course, what happens to the villian is a story full of pure pleasure, and not to be missed.

Ages 6-7 Anna Hibiscus, by Atinuke

Anna Hibiscus lives in "amazing Africa" with her big, lively family -- a Canadian mother, a Nigerian father, twin baby brothers named Double and Trouble, and a huge extended clan, all together in a large compound in a bustling city. The story of Anna's middle-class life -- the humorous things that happen, the lessons that she learns -- are the subject of four chapters here, each a different, complete story complemented often by line drawings that make this manageable for an emerging reader but also wonderful as a read-aloud. (The best part? When you're done with this first in a series, there are seven more!) 

Ages 7-8 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin

This rollicking adventure story begins when a girl named Minli sets out on a quest to find the Old Man on the Moon and change her family's fortune. What happens along the way as she encounters many obstacles -- told as stories-within-the-story -- is a wild tale of magic, friendship, bravery, and smarts that will leave any child on the edge of their seats. Hand this one to your independent readers, but only if you want to miss out on this truly unique and excellent tale (if not, read it aloud and enjoy every minute -- and when you're done, seek out the next two titles in the trilogy). 

Ages 8-10 Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This book is classic meets classic. Superbly written this books is one in a series called The Little House on the Prairie. It is one of the most transporting books about a frontier family. It would seem so far out of a 21st century kids experience, but it is astoundingly relatable. All the classic themes are touched upon; family, belonging, growing up, and imagination. A forever love this one.

Ages 8-12 Stuntboy, in the Meantime, by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Raul the Third

I’m realizing that these book recs are skewed somewhat to a female readership. And while part of me is jumping up and down inside for all the great titles for young girls, I also want to come through for the guys. Stuntboy is such a vibrantly illustrated and exceptionally written book by a duo that always comes through. This is your ace in the hole, can’t go wrong with giving this book, book.

Ages 9-12 Smile, by Raina Telgemeier

If you’ve ever been to a bookstore, chances are you have seen this book. It is a major favorite and for fair reason. Also one of a series, so more books can follow after this one is enjoyed. In this autobiographical graphic novel (say that 10 times fast) is also a heartwarming in message. Even if “it’s who you are on the inside that matters” is too warm and fuzzy for you, the humor of this book will surely delight.

Ages 9-12 The Girl who Drank the Moon, by Kelly Barnhill

Ok, this one is seriously good. You see that gold circle on the cover? That right there is The Newbery Award, which is reader parelance for: this book is legit. The main character Luna tried to learn how to control powers she is accidentally given. The young reader will love the fantastical writing and the parent will appreciate its high educational value. Highly recommend.

Ages 10-14 Maya and the Robot, by Eve L. Ewing

I’m including this book for several reasons. One, it is a new release and so there is a good chance your gift receiver hasn’t read it. Two, it’s a relatable story about feeling out of place at a strange age. Reasons three and four, it covers STEM subjects making this book great for kids who are more math/science focused, as well a having a high educational return. It’s a win, win, win, win.

Ages 14-16 The Last Night at the Telegraph Club, by Malinda Lo

This one is definitely for the older readers. The romantic story thread and historical context would be much more appreciated by a more mature crowd. But I am including it because this book is making a splash and is quickly becoming increasingly recognized for its literary merits. Themes such as racial identity, cultural belonging, and sexual orientation all come second to the glorious prose style of this soon classic.

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