TTT: Holiday Gift Giving Guide: Books to Buy Children

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The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you are anything like me, you are already shopping. It can be difficult finding gifts for every special person in your life, especially the kids. There are so many toys and gadgets out there to choose from, but what better gift is there than books! So I have made a list of some of my favorite children’s books that I discovered in 2016 that would make great gifts for any of the little ones on your shopping list this year!

1. Moving Blocks by Yusuke Yonezu
This book was actually published in 2015 but it was included on the CCBC Choice 2016 list as a best-of-the-year picture book. It uses blocks to reveal things that move by asking the question, “What are you building? What can it be?” It is a board book format, perfect for little hands and the bright colored blocks create a fun visual.

2. Beep! Beep! Go to Sleep! by Todd Tarley
Preschoolers will love this book about three rowdy robots that are keeping up their little boy by asking for things like more oil and loosened fan belts.
   
3. ABC Dream by Kim Krans
This is a visually stunning book that dedicates each page to a letter of the alphabet. Beautiful watercolor and ink images show the letter itself, along with objects that begin with that letter. Children of all ages will enjoy the imagery in this book.

4. Can I Tell You A Secret? by Anna Kang 
I read this book for a story time over the summer and the kids loved it! It is a simple story about a frog who has a secret (spoiler alert…he can’t swim). I love picture books with characters that speak directly to the reader. This creates a fun interaction with the child.

5. Lion Lessons by Jon Agee
What does it take to become a lion? According to this book there are seven steps which include roaring and pouncing, but most importantly, looking out for your friends. This is a great book for children to act out.

6. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
This is a sweet book about the love parents have for their children and all of the things they hope for them to be. Having just had my first child last year, this book has been one of my favorites to read at bedtime.

7. School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
This is the perfect book for a child starting school. It is told from the point of view of the school building itself. It portrays all of the normal emotions that come along with starting school but with a fun twist.

8. The Snurtch by Sean Ferrell
“The Snurtch” is a scribbly monster that keeps getting Ruthie in trouble at school and she eventually learns that every child has their own personal Snurtch. This is a great book to introduce the concept of emotions to preschoolers and school age children.

9. The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield
When Bear discovers his talent for playing piano, he is drawn towards the lights of the big city. Not only is this a beautifully illustrated book but it also has a great message for children about the importance of following your dreams and remembering your roots.

10. The Night Gardener by Terry Fan
Another beautifully illustrated book, The Night Gardener is about a little boy named William that discovers new topiaries popping up throughout his town. This whimsical book is perfect to read aloud before bedtime.

~Ragan