20 Perfect Books to Give Kids This Holiday Season

A touching tale of a robot learning to live in the wilderness—now even more exciting with its 2024 DreamWorks animated adaptation featuring Lupita Nyong'o and Pedro Pascal.

The founder of McSweeneys and acclaimed author (The Circle, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius) Dave Eggers has collaborated with a Caldecott-winning illustrator on this canine caper narrated by a charismatic dog plotting to free the animal denizens of a fictional island park. But parents shouldn’t feel left out of the fun, says Eggers, “I’ve been obsessed with the idea of all-ages books for a long time, because there are so many great, classic books — whether it’s ‘Charlotte’s Web’ or the work of Brian Selznick — that I think everybody can enjoy equally.”

Keeping countless minds engaged across lunchroom tables, bus rides, and libraries since 1955, The Guinness Book of World Records needs little introduction. The updated edition is a hot commodity for holiday gifts -- thankfully, it's been fully revised and edited to ensure no longest fingernail is out of place.

Trevor Noah has teamed up with a Latvia-born illustrator to produce a moving tale about a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure beyond home, discovering the power of connection, sharing, and love. With Trevor Noah's wit and Sabina Hahn's artistry, this is a tale to read aloud and cherish.

With more than 110 million Mad Libs sold since inception, the franchise has major staying power for a reason. This new Christmas themed collection is the perfect small gift for any storyteller on your list. With stories about Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the reindeers, and all the festivities at the North Pole, this book is sure to be a (ADJECTIVE) time for all involved.

From the beloved How to Cook Everything series, Mark Bittman’s first kids’ cookbook is packed with fun, flexible recipes and all the basics young chefs need to cook with confidence. Covering everything from breakfast to baking, with visual guides and kid-friendly instructions, this book turns the kitchen into a place of adventure and creativity—perfect for curious kids eager to master favorite foods and try new flavors!

In the first book of this landmark series, two kids race to save the world’s last magical place. Filled with wild creatures and heart-pounding adventure, Rundell delivers a journey that’s “infectiously fun” and celebrates the “vital necessity of wildness,” according to The New Yorker.

This Kirkus Prize winner and National Book Award finalist is a striking debut about a resourceful teenager in rural Vermont struggling to hold on to the family home while his mom recovers from addiction. “Cadow's debut novel portrays a challenging coming-of-age in rural Vermont with warmth, humor, and insight. Ian observes the turmoil that surrounds him with bewilderment and deadpan humor” --Kirkus Reviews

Now an Academy Award winning short film available on Apple TV, this book is a modern fable that is packed with wisdom and lessons about compassion. But more than a moving and timeless story, Mackesy’s illustrations and handwritten prose throughout the book are nothing short of breathtaking.

Originally self-published by a former stay-at-home mom, this book became a bestselling phenomenon. It's a tear-jerking bestseller that has delighted countless families with its dancing bears and general jubilation throughout the natural world — all to celebrate each child's own special place under the stars. See why this timeless book remains a welcome addition to family bedtime.