Kids Book Gift Guide 2024

Finding the perfect gift for a young reader can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're shopping for a curious toddler or an adventurous middle grader, there’s a world of books out there just waiting to spark their imagination. In this guide, we’ve handpicked a variety of captivating books that will make wonderful gifts for kids of all ages. From picture books filled with colorful illustrations to thrilling chapter books, you're sure to find the ideal read to inspire and entertain the special kids in your life.

Let's dive in and discover the magic of books!

Board Books

Board books are durable, compact books designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Made with thick, sturdy pages that can withstand little hands turning them, these books are perfect for early readers. With vibrant illustrations, simple text, and interactive features like flaps or textures, board books engage young children and help develop important skills such as vocabulary, motor coordination, and an early love of reading. They’re a great choice for gifting to babies and toddlers, as they are built to last through countless reading sessions.

Parent and child reindeer join Santa along his Christmas-night journey in best-selling author-illustrator Martha Day Zschock's Hello! board book series for children. In Hello, Santa!, join the pair as they explore the North Pole, pull Santa's sleigh, and deliver presents. With something for the entire family to enjoy, you won’t want to say goodbye!
Counting down to bedtime during Hanukkah has never been so fun! With beautiful illustrations on each page, in Dreaming of Hanukkah we'll learn to count down from 10 to 1 while discovering the traditions and customs of Hanukkah.
Counting down to bedtime on Christmas Eve has never been so fun! With beautiful illustrations on each page, in Dreaming of Christmas we'll learn to count down from 10 to 1 while discovering the traditions and customs of Christmastime.
Picture Books

Picture books make wonderful gifts for young children, offering a perfect blend of captivating stories and stunning illustrations. These books are designed to engage a child's imagination and create meaningful bonding moments during storytime. With rich, colorful images paired with simple text, picture books help children develop early literacy skills, such as vocabulary and comprehension, while also fostering a love for reading. A picture book is a thoughtful and timeless gift that will be cherished for years to come.

Alycat and the Sunday Scaries

It's Sunday, the day before the school week begins, and Alycat is nervous. She just knows that Monday is going to be the Mondayest Monday ever! On the playground, Alycat realizes she isn't the only one suffering from the Sunday Scaries. It's hard to ride a bike. What if Kit falls? The treehouse is so high. Will Spotty make it safely back down? The kittens band together to overcome their fears, but can they turn the Sunday Scaries into a Sunday Funday? The themes of the books in the Alycat Series all reflect a reliance on friendships, imagination, and creativity towards problem solving. Fans of Alycat and her friends will enjoy spotting references to the kittens' daily adventures within these pages. Tips for a successful lemonade stand are included

 

The Alycat books make for a perfect gift because there's one for every occasion! 
Cover image for Leo the Lazy Lizard, isbn: 9781467197496

From the dynamic duo behind The Lake I Love and I Met a Moose in Maine One Day comes a moving and unforgettable tail of mindfulness, friendship, and discovering the magic of letting yourself just be.

Leo the lizard spends his days relaxing in the desert sand, gazing at the sky, and basking in the sun. The other desert animals think Leo is lazy, but the roadrunner isn't so sure . . . could it be that Leo has learned something the others have not? Perhaps there is more to this lazy-looking lizard than truly meets the eye?

With its playfully melodic rhymes and stunning desert illustrations, Leo the Lazy Lizard invites readers of all ages to discover the beauty of quiet moments - to smell every scent, feel every breeze, and love how they feel 'cause they feel so at ease! A true celebration of mindfulness, connection, and learning to appreciate the things that make us all so wonderfully unique, Leo the Lazy Lizard will delight families for generations to come!

 

Middle Grade Books

Gifting middle grade books is a fantastic way to inspire young readers and encourage a lifelong love of reading. Tailored for kids between the ages of 8 and 12, these books offer more complex stories and deeper themes. A great middle grade novel not only entertains but also helps children develop critical thinking, empathy, and a stronger connection to the world around them. With such a wide range of options, middle grade books make thoughtful and engaging gifts that will captivate readers for hours.

The Lake Beast of Burlington

Vermont has always been Phil’s favorite place in the whole world. From maple syrup farms, to shimmering Lake Champlain, to Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, what’s not to love? So when Phil’s family heads to Burlington for the Fourth, he is thrilled! That is, until the twins, Fia and James, tell him about all the people who have vanished in the lake . . . and the terrifying beast said to lurk below its surface.

 Phil isn’t about to let some silly old legend ruin his summer—or his ice cream. But when a creature in the water nearly attacks him, Phil and his friends will have to team up to take down the lake beast once and for all—unless it gets them first!  

Jaws of the Jersey Shore

In this middle-grade adaptation of Shark Attacks of the Jersey Shore, author Patricia Heyer dives into the history and lore of shark attacks along New Jersey’s coast. Every summer, thousands of people flock to the boardwalks and beaches of the Jersey Shore looking for fun and relaxation. But some come face to face with much more. A boy paid a gruesome price for teasing a trapped shark in the first recorded attack in 1842. Three bloody attacks of 1960 left one man’s limb amputated. The horrific summer of 1916 included seven attacks within two weeks, sparking the man-eating reputation that sharks still have today. These stories and more have been adapted for younger readers brave enough to dive in to our shark-infested waters.

 

No matter the age or interest of the young reader in your life, there’s a perfect book out there that will spark their imagination and curiosity. From sturdy board books for toddlers to captivating picture books and thought-provoking middle grade novels, books make timeless gifts that can inspire, entertain, and educate. The right book has the power to create lasting memories and foster a lifelong love of reading. Happy reading and happy gifting!