Disclosure: I was sent review copies from the publisher, Simon & Schuster, in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
The holiday season is here, and while kids love a shiny new toy or a stylish and cozy sweater, there is no gift that lasts longer than a great book! This year, Simon & Schuster is making it easy to stuff those stockings and fill those book baskets with a spectacular mix of heartwarming stories, action-packed adventures, and even a cookbook for your mini baker!
Check out my top 8 picks sure to delight the whole family this holiday season and beyond:
For the Emerging Reader (Ages 5-9)
1. Good Dog: The Snow Show (Book 16) by Cam Higgins
The Vibe: Cozy, funny, farm animal fun for new chapter-book readers.
Why It’s a Great Gift: This beloved series follows Bo, the sweet and mischievous sheepdog of the Davis Family Farm. In this winter installment, all the barn animals decide to put on a spectacular "Snow Show." It's an easy-to-read, illustrated chapter book that builds confidence in young readers while delivering maximum heartwarming charm. A perfect read for those snowy days inside!
2. Growing Home by Beth Ferry and The Fan Brothers
The Vibe: Whimsical fantasy with talking pets and a grumpy goldfish.
Why It’s a Great Gift: From a New York Times bestselling author and the incredible Fan Brothers, this book introduces an unlikely crew of housemates including a grumpy goldfish named Toasty, a lovable houseplant named Ivy, and a curious spider named Arthur. When magical water gives them new powers, they must overcome their differences to save their human family from a greedy villain. It’s a fantastic, funny story about friendship and finding your voice, beautifully illustrated.
For the Middle-Grade Adventurer (Ages 8-12)
3. The Underwild: River of Spirits by Shana Targosz
The Vibe: Greek mythology meets a thrilling, high-stakes adventure.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan! This stunning debut fantasy introduces Senka, a girl who lives in the Underworld and acts as the ward of Charon, the Ferryman. When a "Living" girl named Poppy crosses the boundary to find her brother's ghost, Senka breaks all the rules to help her. Expect a journey packed with malevolent spirits, eccentric ghosts, and a compelling mystery about Senka's own past. This one is a page-turner!
4. The Rise of Neptune: Book 2 by R. Eintgen
The Vibe: Epic sci-fi fantasy with dragons in space!
Why It’s a Great Gift: The thrilling sequel to The Last Dragon of Mars! Lunar Jones and his formidable dragon, Dread, have brought a new hope to Mars. But now, a new conflict emerges from the depths of the solar system as the ships from Neptune arrive. This book delivers non-stop action, space battles, and an expanded universe that will satisfy any reader who loves high stakes battles and intergalactic lore.
5. School for Thieves by Peter Burns
The Vibe: Action-packed boarding school adventure meets secret agents.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Give the gift of espionage! Tom Morgan, a young pickpocket from London, is recruited to an elite international boarding school in the snowy Alps, but this school trains the world’s most cunning thieves! Full of heists, danger, and secret plots, this book is described as a "page-turning, edge-of-the-seat" read perfect for kids who love Spy School or Keeper of the Lost Cities.
For the Creative & Classic Lovers (All Ages)
6. Sweet and Salty: A King Arthur Baking Company Cookbook
The Vibe: Delicious, practical, and family-friendly kitchen fun!
Why It’s a Great Gift: The perfect present for the budding baker (ages 8-12) who is ready to tackle the kitchen solo! From the trusted experts at King Arthur Baking Company, this cookbook is split into recipes for sweet treats (Giant Chocolate Chip Cookie!) and savory snacks (Pick Your Pan Pizza!). The recipes are clear, concise, and include helpful tips and techniques, making it a great way to learn real kitchen skills and create memories (and snacks!) together.
7. A Christmas Carol: The Essential Christmas Classics Collection by Charles Dickens
8. The Nutcracker: The Essential Christmas Classics Collection by E. T. A. Hoffmann
The Vibe: Beautiful, heirloom-quality editions of timeless holiday stories.
Why It’s a Great Gift: Every family needs these stories on their shelf! These gorgeous, high-quality editions of the essential Christmas classics are a perfect way to build a family library. A Christmas Carol teaches the timeless lesson of redemption, and The Nutcracker sparks the imagination with its magical journey. They are gifts that can be read aloud every single year, becoming a treasured tradition. *You can buy these two classics individually or as a box set off of the Simon & Schuster website.
Which of these amazing reads will you be gifting this season? Let me know in the comments!
Disclosure: I was sent review copies from the publisher, Simon & Schuster, in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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