Holidays’ Books

Nourish your little one’s love of literacy with the best books for children! Not sure what to get your kiddo for the holiday season? Yes, they want the latest, greatest tech toys. But that’s not all. It doesn’t take a screen to transport your child from the living room to a magical world, another time, or somewhere halfway around the globe.

So which books should you choose? Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. We’ve got you covered with the top titles for children. So whether you’re looking for a toddler-friendly, easy read with plenty of pictures, a chapter book, or something in between, these options make perfect presents for the gift-giving season.

What to look for when buying children’s books for the holiday season

You’ve scrolled through pages and pages of search results and still aren’t sure which holiday books to buy. Before you select this type of gift, consider the following:

The child’s age and developmental level

Treat book buying as if it is a Goldilocks activity. You need to find a “just right” fit. A book that’s too sophisticated for the child’s age may frustrate them and won’t hold their attention. But they won’t be interested in a title that’s too “easy” to read.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by age two, many children can point to objects in a book in response to a simple question. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that a four-year-old can usually choose books they want to share with an adult reader, compare stories in books to what they’ve done in real life, and ask questions about books.

If your child is under preschool age, choose books with bold pictures and simple sentences. Preschoolers are ready for a more complex story structure but will still rely on illustrations or photos to understand the narrative on their own. Older kiddos are ready for picture-free titles that include multiple chapters of text.

The child’s interest level

What interests your child? A preschooler who can’t stop talking about dinosaurs may not enjoy a book about building, while a little one who delights in ‘dozers would — and vice versa. Consider the child’s interest level when choosing books as holiday gifts. But this doesn’t mean you absolutely shouldn’t introduce a new subject. If you think an age-appropriate theme or storyline is something the child may like, go ahead and gift them the book.

The enjoyment factor

Reading should be fun for a child — and not a chore. Even though the subject matter may interest your kiddo, a dull story with bland images won’t hold their attention. Select a book with characters, a plot, or themes that are exciting and enjoyable. These can include fiction and nonfiction options.

Here are the 15 best children’s books to give as holiday gifts!

The Snowy Day $7 $9 Save $2 Author Ezra Jack Keats’ classic children’s book features bold, collage-like illustrations and a story that toddlers and preschoolers will enjoy. Age Range 1-5 years Print length 32 $7 at Amazon

There’s a reason The Snowy Day is a beloved book that spans generations. The engaging Caldecott Medal winner is a must-have for every child’s library. And now that the winter is in full swing, this easy-to-read tale is the perfect pick for the holidays. Think of the classic as the gift that keeps on giving. Your kiddo won’t want to stop at one storytime session. They’ll enjoy reading it over and over again.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Dr. Seuss classic is a Christmas favorite for all ages. Younger kids will adore this picture-heavy 64-page book, while older elementary schoolers, tweens, teens, and adults enjoy the nostalgia. Age Range 2+ years Print length 64 pages See at Amazon

Your child eagerly waits to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas every year. But when was the last time they read the story? Make holiday storytime a new tradition this season. The sing-songy rhyme and imaginative illustrations will captivate your kiddo. But that’s not all. The message in the story has a meaning that can help your child build social and emotional skills.

Where the Sidewalk Ends $7 $18 Save $11 Shel Silverstein’s collection of poetry and illustrations is a beloved book that generations of readers have enjoyed. The 176-page anthology is perfect for preschoolers and young grade school-aged children. Age Range 4+ years Print length 176 pages $7 at Amazon

Where the Sidewalk Ends is a classic book that will become your family’s new favorite. Originally published in 1974, this collection of kids’ poetry stands up to the test of time. But that’s not the only reason to gift the special child in your life with the imaginative anthology. The large hardcover book is a present with some serious presence! Your child will spend days, nights, weeks, and months paging through the quirky, humorous, touching, and awesomely engaging poems.

Charlotte’s Web $7 $11 Save $4 E.B. White’s classic tale is one of the most beloved books of all time. Preschoolers and older children will enjoy this 184-page animal-themed story. Age Range 5+ years Print length 184 pages $7 at Amazon

You don’t have to gift your kiddo the newest, hottest book on the kid-lit market. Sometimes, a classic story is exactly what they need. Charlotte’s Web is a timeless tale featuring a little pig named Wilbur, a young girl, and, of course, a spider. The Newbery winner was first published in 1952. But that doesn’t make this pick any less relevant today. If you’re looking for a way to spend extra time with your little one, this present is a top option.

Children’s Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs $14 $15 Save $1 Claire Hibbert’s 128-page Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs is an easy-to-understand illustrated reference book for children ages eight and up. Age Range 3+ years Print length 128 pages $14 at Amazon

Pint-sized paleontologists will enjoy the Children’s Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs. Realistic illustrations will transport your dino-loving kiddo to prehistoric times. Along with plenty of info on almost every dinosaur, this hardcover encyclopedia includes a glossary, index, and annotations. Your child can page through this book for fun or use it as a reference for school assignments.

Magic Tree House Graphic Novel Starter Set $36 $40 Save $4 This boxed set includes four illustrated Magic Tree House favorites by Jenny Laird, Mary Pope Osbourne, Kelly Matthews, and Nichole Matthews. Age Range 6-9 years Print length 704 pages $36 at Amazon

Why give one book when you could give four? Magic Tree House fans will adore this set of chapter books-turned-graphic novels. Each box includes Dinosaurs Before Dark, Mummies In the Morning, The Knight at Dawn, and Pirates Past Noon. That equals 704 pages of imaginatively illustrated awesomeness!

There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! $6 $7 Save $1 Lucille Colandro and Jared Lee’s play on There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly is a 32-page winter-time book that preschoolers and kindergartners will enjoy. Age Range 2-6 years Print length 32 pages $6 at Amazon

Gift the child in your life this winter-themed title. There Was A Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! has bold illustrations and adorably humorous verse. This pick is an ideal gift for anyone searching for a seasonal present that isn’t necessarily about the holidays. Even though it was published over 20 years ago, contemporary kiddos will still get a kick out of the 4.8-star fan favorite.

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life On Earth $12 $25 Save $13 This DK Our World in Pictures/Smithsonian book by author David Burnie features over 1,500 animal species. The 340-page encyclopedia is recommended for children ages nine and up. Age Range 3+ years Print length 340 pages $12 at Amazon

Animal enthusiasts and budding biologists will appreciate this gift! Your child can research ferocious predators, the tiniest microbes, feathered friends, and so much more. With thousands of vivid images and plenty of informative text, older children can use The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life On Earth to learn about the animal kingdom, write reports, or study their favorite science concepts.

Dragons Love Tacos $11 $19 Save $8 Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri’s Dragons Love Tacos is a New York Times bestseller for preschoolers. The 40-page book is available in hardcover or paperback options. Age Range 2-5 years Print length 40 pages $11 at Amazon

Dragons Love Tacos is a hilarious pick for preschoolers and young elementary-aged children. The humorous taco-filled tale is a funny, family-friendly gift that is perfect for storytime. And if you want to bundle the book with another title, try the author/illustrator pair’s Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel.

National Geographic Kids Why?: 1,111 Answers To Everything $18 $20 Save $2 Crispin Boyer’s National Geographic Kids book includes over 1,000 facts about common questions kids may have. The 224-page title is recommended for older elementary school-aged children. Age Range 7+ years Print length 224 pages $18 at Amazon

Does your curious kiddo always ask, “Why?” all the time? If you don’t have the answers they want, gift them this book. The mega-sized Q and A features fascinating facts you may not know off-hand. And that means less time googling and more time reading with your child. Whether your child wants to know more about animals, outer space, or our planet, Why: 1,111 Answers to Everything can help!

The Polar Express $11 $22 Save $11 Chris Van Allsburg wrote and illustrated this Christmas classic. The 32-page picture book is the perfect present for kids ages two and up. Age Range 2+ years Print length 32 pages $11 at Amazon

Is your child a fan of The Polar Express? If they could watch the film on an endless loop, they’ll adore this Caldecott Medal-winning book. Give the gift to your preschooler or grade school-aged kiddo. Whether they can’t stop talking about trains or they just love Christmas, the heartwarming story will hold their attention.

Poke-a-Dot: Old MacDonald’s Farm $10 $14 Save $4 This Melissa and Doug board book is an interactive option that includes 20 pages of animal-themed activities. The FSC-certified book is recommended for children ages three and up. Age Range 3+ Features Interactive $10 at Amazon

Poke-a-Dot: Old MacDonald’s Farm is more than paper pages with words. Preschoolers will enjoy the hands-on, activity-oriented book. Your kiddo can press and pop the buttons on the pages to hear their favorite animals. Not only will this book help your little one build literacy skills, but it also encourages them to learn about math and improve motor abilities.

The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids $5 $10 Save $5 The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids by Carole P. Roman is 160 pages of jokes and so much more. Age Range 8+ years Print length 160 pages $5 at Amazon

Children eight and up will laugh out loud at the 800-plus jokes in The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids. Your comedic kiddo will enjoy the knock-knock jokes, silly tongue twisters, funny puns, trivia, and hilarious facts. And bonus, if your child wants to start writing their own jokes, this gift can help. They’ll get tips for beginners, exercises, and info on getting the most laughs.

Grumpy Monkey $10 $18 Save $8 This New York Times bestseller by author Suzanne Lang and illustrator Max Lang is 32 pages and recommended for preschoolers over age two. Choose from paperback, hardcover, and board book options. Age Range 2+ years Print length 32 pages $10 at Amazon

Your little one isn’t exactly a master of their emotions — at least, not yet. Grumpy Monkey can help. The book features the story of a chimpanzee who, as the title implies, is feeling grumpy. And if your preschooler also feels grumpy too, the bold watercolor illustrations and meaningful message can help them identify, understand, and work through their emotions.