Books are one of the very best things you could give as a Christmas present–they transport the reader to new worlds, wonders, and possibility. And what better gift can you give to a child than the love of reading?
The following are books that I love that would make perfect Christmas presents for 0-14 year old kids. I’ve organized the list by age, with books for younger kids at the top of the list and older kids at the bottom of the list. I’ve listed the ages the publisher recommend, but know that kids older or younger will probably enjoy these books. For example, my two year old absolutely adores the Fancy Nancy book, even though it is recommended for 4 to 8 year olds. And I’ve spotted 13 and 14 year-olds reading Ever After High.
1-3 years old
This is a delightful, rhyming book with bright illustrations. Children will visit the circus, the train, the beach, and even the moon as they search for the green sheep. This book has been a favorite of both my daughters.
3-6 years old
Mr. Tiger is tired of being so proper. He wants to have more fun. So he decides to go wild.
I love all the animals dressed in Victorian outfits and the imaginative story. And kids love it too!
3-6 years old
Millions of years ago, Dinotrux ruled the Earth. But they weren’t the friendly, helpful trucks we have today…
Dinosaurs are awesome. Trucks are awesome. The only thing more awesome then dinosaurs or trucks are Dinotrux.
3-6 years old
All the animals from the zoo come inside a little boy’s house. His sister and his parents aren’t very happy about it, but the boy is…at least at first.
This is a hilarious, fun, romp-filled book full of animals and rhymes. The awesome illustrations come from Marc Brown (the creator of Arthur). This is a book that both kids and parents will want to read again and again.
4-8 years old
Fancy Nancy loves everything fancy, so Christmas is the perfect holiday. But what happens when the tree falls over and Nancy’s fancy Christmas topper breaks?
Fancy Nancy is one of my daughters’ favorite characters. With Fancy Nancy, the world is the place of energy and beauty. And I love that the books teach kids all sorts of new words.
5-8 years old
Princess Magnolia wears flouncy dresses and eats formal meals…until a blue monster threatens the kingdom. She ditches her princess gear, dresses in black, and sets out to save the kingdom.
This is an awesome princess/superhero story, from Newbery Honor winning author Shannon Hale. It’s a great chapter book for young readers. Adults can read it to younger children, and older children can read it to themselves. This is the book I’m most excited to give my kids for Christmas this year.
7-13 years old
This is a novel written entirely in cartoons. It’s a funny, poignant story of what it is to be a kid in school. This is a series that is loved by both kids and adults, and if the kid on your list hasn’t read it yet, it’s a perfect Christmas present. There are a number of other books in the series that you can also purchase.
8-12 years old
At Ever After High, the children of fairy tale tale heroes and villains are trained to fulfill their destinies as fairy tale characters, whether they like it or not. This is a brilliant retelling of fairy tales that kids will love. You can also buy a boxed set of the three books in the series and the accompanying Ever After High dolls by Mattel. I went to a book signing for this series and it was awesome to see dozens of 8-12 year old girls absolutely in love with this series and the author.
10-14 years old
Jasper Dash: Boy Technonaut, and his friends Lily Gefelty and Katie Mulligan, must solve a terrible mystery, and go to the state of Delaware to do it. In this reincarnation, Delaware has flame pits, jungles, and an evil dictator. This is one of the funniest books I have ever read, guaranteed to be loved by imaginative kids. 8 or 9 olds who are good readers would love this book as well.
10-14 years old
An orphan on the streets must pretend to be the missing prince…or die.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and spent some time on the New York Times bestselling list simply because it is awesome. It’s filled with action and adventure, as well as touching moments where Sage must decide who he is and how he will relate to others.
The best part is the entire series is out, so readers don’t have to wait for years. If you want to give a stellar Christmas gift, pick up the second and third books as well.
If All the Animals Came Inside
The False Prince