Giftable Books for Kids of All Ages
By Sheryl Haft
How to choose only 25 picture books to gift this season? As an author, educator, mom and picture book lover, what guided this list were five attributes of a book: Enriching. Emotive. Transportive. Beautiful. Fun. Titles that reflected children’s books as an art form, with evocative words and illustrations that capture hearts and immerse us in other worlds. Several books in this list are Caldecott Nominees or Medalists, or Society of Illustrators Original Art Show Juried Selection Winners. To introduce readers to newer books, many of these titles were published this year in 2023. A special few are the evergreen favorites of many generations.
Even for the youngest children, illustrated picture books are gateways to art and to literature. They bring us close – gathering, cuddling, laughing and learning together. In an era when products come and go and time can be fleeting, it’s the magic of books that can give us the feeling of forever.
Giftable Picture Books: Books that reflect the joys and values of the holiday season
Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang
This deliciously humorous debut picture book, inspired by memories of epic dim sum feasts, is a dreamworld adventure that is a glorious celebration of the sensory world of childhood and a loving helping of food, family and culture.
Goodnight Bubbala: A Joyful Parody by Sheryl Haft, art by Jill Weber
A surprise family party at bedtime, this joyous book celebrates the Jewish and universal values of cherishing loved ones, expressing gratitude, and being generous - all on a night of Hanukkah. With an Easy Latke Recipe by Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, and charming illustrations by Jill Weber, the book makes a delightful gift for a child, new baby or loved one ages 2 to 102.
The Imaginary Alphabet by Sylvie Daigneault
Step inside the deliciously detailed pages of this book where keen-eyed readers will enjoy finding everything there is to discover in each fantastical scene. The book ends with a long list of every hidden detail. An evergreen gift for every library.
Book of Christmas Carols by Tomie dePaola
Christmas is a time for warm family gatherings, the sharing of gifts and festive meals, and everywhere, there is music! Vibrant, glowing paintings adorn this beautifully illustrated collection of thirty-one classic Christmas carols illustrated by the beloved Tomie dePaola.
Maisy’s Big Book of Kindness by Lucy Cousins
Join Maisy and her pals as they explore everyday acts of kindness—from sharing toys to making cards or gifts, nurturing animals to caring for the environment, looking out for one another to taking care of themselves. Bold, bright, and buoyant, Maisy’s oversize celebration of kindness is an inspiring addition to the shelves of little ones and their parents, caregivers, and teachers.
Ages 4-8: Beautiful Books That Inspire
Mazie’s Amazing Machines by Sheryl Haft, art by Jeremy Holmes
Mazie McGear, kid engineer, and her funny dog, Doodle, love to help their family by building wacky, useful inventions. This STEM-based book will inspire kids to be inventors and creative problem-solvers in their own lives. Scan the QR code on the back cover to see Mazie pop-up in augmented 3D.
Who I Am: Words I Tell Myself by Susan Verde, art by Peter Reynolds
This heartfelt collection of positive affirmations will help readers affirm and celebrate self-love and all the things that make us special. Lovely as a gift - or - for yourself!
Hot Dog by Doug Salati
An overheated—and overwhelmed—pup finds his calm with some sea, sand, and fresh air, showing kids how to appreciate the small joys in a day. Poetic language and delightful Illustrations earned this book the Caldecott Medal 2023.
If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall
A riotous day in the life of a child who imagines their life as a horse. This charming and whimsical book featuring a giant horse in familiar settings offers a visual feast, dose of joy, and a celebration of the power of imagination.
Silver Linings by Fiona Woodcock
Best friends Pip and Parker discover how a good friend can always make things better. Rendered in emotionally rich illustrations, this is an imaginative picture book about friendship, resilience, overcoming anxiety, and the power of positivity.
BIG by Vashti Harrison
With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time. This National Book Award finalist shares valuable lessons about fitting in and the beauty of joyful acceptance.
Ages 3-5: Playful Books to Grow With
AlphaBot by Vicky Fang
Preschoolers will love flipping the flaps of this innovative book to create one of the 729 mix-and-match robots — while exploring a simple A to Z roundup of robotics terms.
Very Good Hats by Emma Straub, art by Blanca Gomez
An inventive, charmingly illustrated read-aloud that will inspire kids to see ordinary objects in a whole new way. Readers will be delighted to discover that anything can be a hat if you believe it is.
Construction Site: Taking Flight! by Sherri Dusker Rinker, art by AG Ford
Bouncing, energetic rhymes make for a satisfying read-aloud. Perfect for any young truck, construction and airplane lover.
TAP! TAP! TAP! by Herve Tullet
Children will delight in exploring all the ways their hands can move. An ultra-creative book that will inspire kids to channel their energy.
How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Be Kind? by Jane Yolen, art by Mark Teague
A combination of hilarious situations and sing-song rhymes will show young children how to be thoughtful and kind every day and in every way.
Ages 0-3: Interactive Books for the Very Young
I Wish For You by David Wax, art by Brett Blumenthal
Nature and poetry for the youngest children, this beautifully worded and illustrated book captures the unshakable love between a parent and their baby.
Books of Kindness: ABCs of Kindness; 123s of Thankfulness; Happiness Is a Rainbow; Friendship is Forever by Patricia Hegarty, art by Summer Macon
Learning the importance of kindness is as easy as A-B-C and 1-2-3 with this sweet collection of board books, which foster social emotional development. Encouraging kindness, gratitude, joy, and friendship these bestselling board books are available individually or in a four-book boxed set.
Baby’s Feelings by Little Hippo Books
Happy, Angry, Sad or Surprised, its's never too early to teach babies about their feelings and emotions. This simple book shares pictures of babies to help a young child identify emotions even before they can say their first words. Can you make a HAPPY face? Can you make a SURPRISED face? Have fun exploring your child's emotions together.
What Makes A Rainbow? by Betty Schwartz, art by Dona Turner
Little Rabbit visits woodland animals asking each colorful creature: “What makes a rainbow?” With magic ribbons that appear with the turn of each page, this brightly illustrated board book builds small tactile skills, while teaching children about colors. The littlest ones will enjoy this book for the holidays and all year long.
Classic Favorites: Timeless Books for Generations
Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell
A favorite with toddlers and parents for more than 25 years. Young readers will love lifting the flaps to discover the animals the zoo has sent—a monkey, a lion, and even an elephant! But will they ever find the perfect pet?
Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
One of the most iconic, highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. Children of all ages will want to return to this lush, transportive book again and again.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault, art by Lois Ehlert
Countless children and their parents can joyfully recite the familiar words of this alphabet-teaching Caldecott Honor book: “A told B, and B told C, I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.” A beloved, enduring classic.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, art by Helen Oxenbury
For more than thirty years readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through this award-winning favorite. A timeless, sing-songy book the whole family can enjoy.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
New York Public Library's #1 “Top Check Outs of All Time,” this celebrated classic has been shared by generations. A must-have for every child’s bookshelf and a perfect gift for the holiday season.
If you’re looking to add something else along with your book, check out our gift guide for kids who love to read!
Sheryl Haft is the founder of Let’s Engineer and a children’s book author. Publisher’s Weekly described her newest book, Mazie’s Amazing Machines as: “Pulsing with friendly energy, this STEM-starter conveys the sense that engineering is something any child can do.” Sheryl’s other recent book Goodnight Bubbala – A Joyful Parody is an Amazon #1 bestseller.
You can find Sheryl on Instagram @sherylhaft, on Tik Tok @sherylhaftchildrensbooks and via her website sherylhaft.com.