Read, Discuss, Do Holiday Gift Guide

Helping you find books for every young reader on your gift list

It’s that time of year again. The time of year when we’re all thinking about what books to give the people in our life! If you’re at a loss or just need some fresh ideas, we’re here to help with a list of some books that we think would make great gifts.

For babies and toddlers

Peek-A-Who? by Nina Laden. This book is a favorite at my (Rebecca’s) house. Each of my grandchildren have begged for this book over and over on many occasions, since before they were old enough to sit up. The bold, colorful illustrations and surprises on every other page make for riveting reading for babies and toddlers!

Dog’s First Baby by Natalie Nelson. A simple story from the dog’s point of view as he tries to figure out what baby is–he is not a dog! Yet, they have some things in common. 

For kids who love Christmas books

Share the Joy by Valerie Ellis and illustrated by Sergio de Giorgio is the perfect new lift-the-flap Christmas board book for your child. This book depicts homemade gifts, giving coins to the Salvation Army, baking treats for neighbors, singing in a nursing home, family time, and more!  

Mouse’s Christmas Gift by our own Mindy Baker, illustrated by Dow Phumirik. A not-to-miss Christmas book that tells the story of a little mouse who finds a way to bring Christmas spirit to the town when Parson is sick and the Christmas Eve service is cancelled. A sweet story perfect for families or young ones who enjoy stories that capture the spirit of Christmas.

Books for Christian kids and families

You Are by Emily Assell, illustrated by Lauren Copple. A sweet address to help children understand who God says they are–phrases reflect Scripture verses in simplified form. A great way to speak God’s Word over even the youngest listeners.

God’s Little Astronomer by Tina Cho, Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns. Told in second person to involve the reader, this story takes you on an incredible adventure through space. Learn about the science of stars, galaxies, the solar system, and more as you discover God’s heart for you in this world. Side bars include Scripture and scientific info. The illustrations are out of this world! 

My Tender Heart Devotions Check out this amazing new release written by Laura Sassi and illustrated by Sandra Eide. It is is a wonderful new resource to help you impart spiritual truth to your toddler or pre-school child! With engaging lessons and charming rhymes, it is perfect for little hearts! Each devotion has a simple poem, a verse, a kid-friendly lesson, and a heart moment! You will definitely want to invest in this resource for your family! Also look for the other books in this series: My Tender Heart Bible and My Tender Heart Prayer Book.

Picture books for sentimental readers

Just the Way You Are by Emma Dodd. This rhyming story is told from a parent’s point of view as Momma thinks of all the ways she loves her cub–through surprises and mistakes, this parent loves her kid, just the way she is.

Daddy, Tell Me a Story by Kathleen Bostrom and illustrated by Ela Smietanka is a darling new picture book that depicts a playful story time between a daddy and his daughter. Everytime Daddy tries to add a bit more to the story, Sophie has her own ideas. In the end they act out the story that they have been creating together…about Princess Sophie and a dragon (You guessed it—Daddy is the dragon!) This book does a beautiful job imitating actual conversations between daddies and daughters everywhere!

Picture books that are just plain fun

Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, Illustrated byErin Kraan. Buffalo Fluffalo heaves and he huffalos, even though all the other animals would like to be his friend. When a giant storm hits, buffalo’s fluff disappears in the rain and everyone can see him as he really is–not so big and tough. Buffalo learns to appreciate the care and concern of others and even accept some snuggles. This book is great for anyone who loves rollicking rhymes and word play!

The Three Billy Goats Gruff, retold by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. This is a fun and funny retelling of the classic folk tale, perfect for anyone who enjoys a clever retelling in which the bad guy gets what’s coming to him.

Don’t Eat Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) This amazing book written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt is sure to make you smile. The “voice” of the dog is so true to life! This is a sure hit for readers of all ages!

Picture books for fans of vehicles or construction

Pigs Dig a Road by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brian Biggs. A delightful read-aloud about a group of construction working pigs digging and paving their way to the county fair. Perfect for fans of pigs, construction, and rollicking rhyme!

Billions of Bricks: A Counting Book about Building by Kurt Cyrus. This rhythmic read-aloud is sure to delight anyone who reads it, especially young fans of books about construction.

The Tractor Squad by Heather Dawn Torres, illustrated by Gary Laib. Two stories in one, this book is a sure hit with fans of rhyme, farms, and tractors.

Books for young poets and creative souls

Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter, Illustrated by: Daniel Miyares. This story shows deep family roots using lovely, lyrical language unearthing the history of a tree. As children play in a tree, the story shows Nell planting a seed, tending and caring for the sapling, and encouraging it to grow until it is the tree with branches big enough to support Nell’s grandchildren.

Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku by Curtis Manley, illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. Explore haiku and nature in this poetic picture book about a family’s trek to the summit of a dormant volcano. Great for anyone who loves poetry and nature, this book includes back matter with information about climbing a mountain, the haiku form, and some of the wildlife spied along the way.

Poetry Comics by Grant Snider. This book combines poetry and comics in a way that will appeal to readers of all ages, whether they think they are fans of poetry or not!

Middle Grade Fiction

A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. This book is a dual perspective book from two kids during two different time periods. Nya’s story is in 2008, and speaks of her walk to get water for her family. Salva’s story is set in 1985, and shares how he was a refugee in Sudan and was one of the “lost boys.” He encountered recurrent perils, but overcame tremendous adversity. Their stories intertwine at the end to show how one kid’s struggles led to another kid’s blessing. 

Wish by Barbara O’Connor. Charlie’s family is sent to live with her aunt and uncle in a small southern town. Charlie isn’t impressed. She wants her mother to get her act together and her father to get out of jail. Every time she sees an opportunity, she makes a wish for things in her life. It doesn’t seem that any of her wishes will come true until she meets a stray dog, Wishbone, and Howard, a neighbor boy with issues of his own. Sometimes what we need isn’t what we wish for. (Note: While Charlie’s family has issues, there are no graphic scenes in this novel. It is appropriate for young middle grade readers.)

Mari in the Margins by our own Rebecca J. Gomez. This novel in verse (and doodles) tells the story of Marivel, a young poet and artist who feels overlooked in her large family. It’s a relatable story about family dynamics, navigating middle school friendships, and self-discovery. As a novel in verse, it’s great for fans of poetry and is a good choice for reluctant readers or anyone who appreciates a quick read.

The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho, illustrated by Deb J.J. Lee. This gorgeous, engaging “lyrical graphic novel” blends the novel in verse and graphic novel formats into one brilliantly told story of hope and friendship. It tells the story of Yunho and Myunghee and their daring escape from North Korea. Perfect for fans of verse novels, graphic novels, and stories about bold heroes seeking freedom.

Maddie McDowell and the Rodeo Robbery by LuAnn M. Rod. A family friendly, middle grade read aloud book, this story takes you on the adventure of Maddie–who runs away from boarding school to join the rodeo. Maddie soon learns of an unsettling mystery, a robbery, and sets out to discover the culprit. Set in 1919, this historical fiction book will have you laughing, learning, and cheering in all the best ways. 

Red Rex by Matthew Mellema. In a world where dinosaurs are part of everyday life, a boy named Carthus heads to an academy in order to train to become a dinosaur rider. This book has a little something for everyone. Adventure, friendship and school drama, a teensy hint of young romance, and of course, dinosaurs! And politics and evil plots. It’s a fun read.

We hope this list helped you find something for a reader in your life, or maybe even yourself! For more ideas, browse through our archive or check out our book and gift pairings from 2023.