Delightful New Books for Everyone on Your Holiday List

The Christmas book flood

I’m going to confess something: I am a book hoarder. Even when I go to the public library, I check out more books than I can carry and my son has inherited this trait, often devouring books like other kids eat candy (though he likes candy a lot, too). I’ll admit I’m a bit biased when it comes to giving books as holiday gifts: I think they make the best gifts ever. Choosing a book that is just right for a child, teen or grown-up on your list is a thoughtful, giving act but with literally thousands of new books out there it can be daunting to try to choose the right one. I’d say I’ve read more than 500 children’s books this year alone. While I couldn’t include them all here, I have chosen several books that stand out as gifts that keep on giving, thanks to indelible beauty, hidden wisdom and enchanting stories that are sure to last well beyond the holiday season. A mix of fiction and non-fiction, nearly all of the books on this list came out in 2023, though a few exceptions are noted.

Click the links below to see the curated selections by age group.

Picks for babies and toddlers

“Gloo Books Baby Go! Bundle” by Vanessa Lee Christensen, illustrated by Audrey Lee

Mom-founded Gloo Books aims to publish “books for a more inclusive, just and compassionate future.” The very youngest readers are whisked away on global adventures to learn about the culture, food and languages of the world. This bundle is made up of four board books — “Baby Go! South Korea,” “Baby Go! Japan,” “Baby Go! Thailand” and “Baby Go! China.”

“I Love You, Baby by Mudpuppy,” illustrations by Andy Passchier

Mudpuppy isn’t just one of our favorite puzzle makers. It also offers interactive books, like this waterproof bath book that changes colors when it’s immersed in water. Kids turn the pages to see different baby animals in black and white that become full-color images when submerged in a bath. And who doesn’t love reading in the bath?

“Hello, World! Rocks and Minerals” by Jill McDonald

Kids love shiny things so why not give your tiniest readers a book that teaches them all about some of the shiniest things around? Discover real-world treasures through colors, shapes, sizes and facts geared toward budding brains. Part of a dynamic series that has been putting out non-fiction board books for kids, this one came out in 2022. This year brought us the addition of “Hello, World! Exploring Insects” and in 2024 there’s a new one coming out all about growing pumpkins.

“You Are Light” by Aaron Becker

Though this book has been out for a few years, it is my go-to gift for any new baby because it is the perfect combination of beauty and sweetness. A die-cut book that allows the colors to shine through, if this is among the first books of any child’s library, the interactive, inspiring element of it will help ensure you raise a life-long reader.

Up next: Picks for preschoolers

Picks for preschoolers

“B is for Bellies (A Celebration of Every Body!)” by Rennie Dyball, illustrated by Mia Saine

Born from a mother’s desire to combat a fat-phobic society, this book is an alphabet-led celebration of every type of body. “B is for bellies. Some are round, others flatter. They each serve a purpose — the shape doesn’t matter.” As they journey through the alphabet, kids receive a message of self-acceptance and kindness and honoring the individuality of yourself and others.

“Oh, Panda” by Cindy Derby

Caldecott Honor Winner Cindy Derby has created a beautiful, gift-worthy book that follows a sweet little panda as he tries to follow a colorful butterfly up a mountain that is seemingly too big for him to climb. With a dreamy, winter wonderland of illustrations, children follow along as they learn that being small won’t stop you from doing what you put your mind to.

“Butt or Face?: A Hilarious Animal Guessing Game Book for Kids” by Kari Lavelle

A hilarious book that takes close-ups of real animals and asks the ultimate question: is this a butt or a face? As you turn the page you’ll learn fascinating facts about animals you love and animals you didn’t even know existed. Science, humor and education all in one adorable, perfectly wrapped package. And trust me, even the grown-ups will have a hard time determining what is a butt and what is a face!

“Hot Dog” by Doug Salati

Winner of the 2023 Caldecott Medal (but published in 2022), a little dog wants to escape the heat of summer in the city so she hails a cab and heads to the beach. The illustrations, especially the city scenes, are full of busy detail keeping kids engaged as they point out all the activities, and the serene beach scenes conjure the lazy, expansive days of summer.

“The Nature Journal: A Backyard Adventure” by Savannah Allen

This one will probably hit close to home for many busy parents. It’s the story of a little boy whose deep love of nature comes from his dad’s encouragement to explore their backyard. But when his dad is too busy to look at what little Tim has discovered, he decides to create a journal. It’s a beautiful exploration of the natural world, a tender parent-child book, and a reminder that children bring us constant gifts.

Up next: Picks for elementary-age kids

Picks for elementary-age kids

“Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging” by Pauline David-Sax, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney

A book lover’s book and 2023 Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor, this book is layered with messages of belonging told through the template of a library. Young little Nicky finds solace in her school library, but when it’s closed for a week, she finds herself without her sanctuary. At her mother’s diner, Nicky finds herself in the company of the members of a women’s motorcycle club who show Nicky the value of community and that feeling different doesn’t mean you are alone.

“Real to Me” by Minh Lê, illustrated by Raissa Figueroa

With thousands of children’s picture books out there, finding a story that resonates with the age group but also whisks a child away with its illustrations is a rare thing. In “Real to Me” a child’s imaginary friend is the center of their world, until one day the friend is gone. Though the child searches high and low, the friend does not return. As time marches on, new friends are found, but the imaginary friend remains a real memory. This book feels like not only a tribute to wonder and imagination but also honors the reality of loss, helping children to cope with the complexity of change and a message of hope. All with hauntingly beautiful illustrations by a Coretta Scott King Honoree.

“Mother of Sharks” by Melissa Cristina Márquez, illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz

If you’ve got a budding marine biologist in the house, this semi-autobiographical story written by renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez is for you. A sea-loving child is taken on a magical adventure to discover her true purpose as the Mother of Sharks. As the pages turn, we dive deep into the ocean, get lost in research in the library, hear a powerful speaker talk about shark conservation and follow along on the journey to help protect sharks. Kids garner messages not only about the delicate ecosystem of the ocean, but also about the importance of Latina women in STEM, as well as diversity and inclusion in the sciences. Illustrations invoke the magic and wonder of the ocean itself.

“Mazie’s Amazing Machines” by Sheryl Haft, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes

Young Mazie McGear is an engineer, working to solve all manner of household problems. Using whimsical illustrations by Jeremy Holmes, author Sherly Haft helps children discover the inner workings of simple machines designed by young Mazie to assist with everyday tasks like feeding the dog, lifting big packages and waking up on time. Includes a cool fold-out spread.

“Frankie and Friends: Breaking News” by Christine Platt, illustrations by Alea Marley

Would-be reporters will devour this first book in a new series aimed at early chapter book readers that center on Black women in journalism. Frankie’s mother is a journalist who must report the breaking news. When her mom leaves on a trip, Frankie decides she’s going to cover some breaking news herself. An absolute delight to read, the story offers kids encouragement and value in their own worldview.

Up next: Middle-grade reads

Middle-grade reads

“Warrior Girl” by Carmen Tafolla

Written as a series of poems, this brilliant novel brings something to the table few have achieved. Told from the point of view of young Celina as she navigates school, teachers, friends and family, the story is about growing up proud of a heritage that others seek to erase. Celina loves her Mexican heritage, yet her teacher tells her she says words all wrong. Her coach yells at her to speak English. It is the story of being the child of immigrants, of being put down, but all the while being held up by family and friends who celebrate being a Guerrera — a woman warrior. Author Carmen Tafolla has managed to take the idea of a novel and spin it around on the dance floor, offering poetry that also captures the struggles of adolescence and the view of a young girl while delivering big messages about the unerasable importance of Mexican heritage in the United States.

“Chilling with Ghosts: A Totally Factual Field Guide to the Supernatural” by Insha Fitzpatrick

Ghost stories and weird science collide to bring you this collection of ghost stories, haunted places, ancient myths and strange scientific facts. Fun, full-color illustrations throughout and sidebars make this a scary-good read.

“Deadliest Animals on the Planet” by Jennifer Szymanski

For science-loving kids or those who prefer their books of the strict non-fiction variety, this National Geographic Kids book features page after page of delightfully deadly animals. Packed with facts and photographs, it’s a compact, 6.5-inch square book that entertains and educates. Word to the wise: this book comes out Dec. 19, so you can preorder now for delivery or check your local bookstore to ensure you get this in time for Christmas.

“Once Upon a Time in the North” gift edition by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Chris Wormell

Full-color illustrations enhance Phillip Pullman’s prequel to “His Dark Materials” trilogy, this is the story of how aeronaut Lee Scoresby meets armored bear Iorek Byrnison. If none of that makes sense to you, don’t worry. Just ask your kids if they like Phillip Pullman and if the answer is yes, get them this book.

“The Song of the Swan” by Karan Sutton

An enchanting retelling-hybrid-mashup of two famous fairy tale ballets, Swan Lake — where a princess is turned into a swan — and Giselle — a haunting tale of love from beyond the grave. Readers will be immersed in Olga’s quest as she attempts one last theft, this time of a valuable jewel hidden inside a castle. A cast of fairytale characters, from peasants to princesses to enchanted swans, will meet you along the way.

Up next: Picks for high-schoolers

Picks for high-schoolers

“The Spirit Bares Its Teeth” by Andrew Joseph White

Historic Gothic horror featuring an autistic trans protagonist? Yes, please! Set in London in 1883, Silas is a young boy who the world sees as a girl who is sent away to Braxton’s Finishing School and Sanitorium after attempting to escape an arranged marriage. Silas soon starts to hear the pleading ghosts of the sanatorium, begging for help to expose the dark side of the school. At once a supernatural adventure and trans-positive teen thriller, this book indeed bares its teeth at the patriarchy in a way teenagers will revel in.

“Norse Mythology The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook” by Kelsey A. Fuller-Shafer Ph.D., illustrations by Sara Richard

If your kids devoured Rick Riordan’s Asgard series in middle school or maybe can’t resist anything Thor, this is a must for their collection. A hardcover book packed with Norse gods, goddesses, heroes, deities and villains, discover each player in the lexicon including their names, roles, symbols and origin stories.

“Where to Start: A Survival Guide to Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Challenges” by Mental Health America, illustrated by Gemma Correll

“This book is for anyone who has struggled and felt alone. It’s for anyone who has felt unworthy. Or unloved. Or unlikeable. Or unsafe. This book is for anyone who has stared into the dark at 3 a.m., trying to stop the self-critical voice in their head.” The book begins with this message and carries it throughout, thoughtfully arranged beginning with signs and symptoms; talking about mental health; getting professional help; and DIY mental health suggestions. The illustrations keep the information digestible and the entire book helps to normalize and destigmatize mental health challenges. For teens who have struggled with this themselves, or who want to be more compassionate toward those around them, this is a beautiful addition to any bookshelf.

“Before the Devil Knows You’re Here” by Autumn Krause

Billed as Latin American surrealism woven with folklore and the bizarre, the historic fantasy novel centers around a Mexican American teen poet who is desperate to keep her father and brother alive in the harsh Wisconsin winter of 1836. If the winter doesn’t kill them, the Man of Sap just might.

“Writing in Color: Fourteen Writers on the Lessons We’ve Learned”, edited by Nafiza Azad and Melody Simpson

As a writer, I am always on the lookout for a good book full of writing advice, and this one is a refreshing and much-needed book aimed at aspiring teen writers. With essays written exclusively by writers of color, the book’s goal is to empower all young writers to discover their own path. Writers talk about their personal stories of being writers, offering perspectives as authors of color, and inspiring kids to trust their own story and experience. This book offers invaluable advice and eye-opening ideas that can enhance any teen’s writing experience in school and beyond. Quite frankly, it’s one that grown-ups can benefit from, too!

Up next: Picks for grown-ups

Picks for grown-ups

“Murdle: Volume 1: 100 Elementary to Impossible Mysteries to Solve Using Logic, Skill, and the Power of Deduction” by G. T. Karber

For a gift that keeps on giving, this book is a collection of murder-mystery brain teasers and logic puzzles that will keep you entertained on a long winter’s night (or airplane ride). The best part is, if your recipient loves it, there are two more volumes available and at least one more forthcoming in 2024, so you have their next three gifts locked in.

“Rintaro” by Sylvan Mishima Brackett with Jessica Battilana

Renowned Bay Area chef and proprietor of the restaurant Rintaro brings his California-fresh take on traditional Japanese food straight from the steaming plates of the restaurant itself with this exquisite cookbook. Brackett, who was a James Beard semi finalist last year, does not just deliver recipes, but rather a celebration of the food of his childhood, his family, his travels and his own devising. Immersing you in the unique language of Rintaro, a cuisine he describes as “food that imagines California as the farthest western prefecture of Japan.” It’s storytelling with recipes, rich with images by award-winning photographer Aya Mishima Brackett, this is a treasure for any home chef. And if you need any more convincing, Alice Waters writes, “I think this might be the most beautiful cookbook I’ve ever seen.”

“Banyan Moon” by Thao Thai

Author Thao Thai’s debut novel is taking the world by storm, and rightfully so. Written with a lush pen, she tells the story of three generations of Vietnamese-American women. Set in a crumbling gothic manor, Banyan House, the death of the family matriarch forces a mother and daughter under the same roof again after many years, and navigates a complex family history from 1960s Vietnam to the overgrown tropics of modern-day Florida.

“The Cash Blackbear Trilogy” by Marcie Rendon

For the crime thriller lover on your list, look no further than this outstanding trilogy by Native author Marcie Rendon. The three-book series starts with “Murder on the Red River,” where we meet Cash Blackbear, a 19-year-old Ojibwe woman who follows her instincts and her visions to solve a murder in Minnesota’s Red River Valley. Cash returns in books two, “Girl Gone Missing,” and three, “Sinister Graves.” Rendon depicts of life in rural Minnesota in the 1970s from the perspective of a young Native woman.

“The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century” by Kirk Wallace Johnson

For true crime of a different ilk, this non-fiction book was recommended to me by my local booksellers for a book club pick. Though it’s been out for a few years, it’s one of those books that is both niche and yet compelling. In other words, even if you don’t care about fly fishing, you will enjoy this read. It tells the story of a 20-year-old concert flautist, Edwin Rist, who pulled off the greatest heist of the century: the theft of rare bird feathers from the British Museum of Natural History. He quite literally plucked bird skins from the collection and traded them on the black market to be used in fly tying. Part natural history and part crime thriller, this book also invokes questions of natural history and historic destruction.

“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

What would you do if you could pick an entirely different life? Or at least, change the decisions you made. Part Akashic records, part magical realism, our protagonist finds herself on the precipice of death only to discover herself not in some kind of heaven or hell, but in a library. A library containing volumes and versions of her own life. Buy this for a loved one, and then read it yourself, to ensure future discussions of the many twists and turns in the book as well as what your personal “library” would look like.

Editor’s note: This article was first published in 2022, and updated in 2023.

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