Best book gifts for kids
The best book gifts for kids include Narwhal and Jelly, Dog Man and Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!. The best gift book is the first in a series the child will want to continue, so most picks here start one.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 6–8
Narwhal and Jelly
by Ben Clanton
Meet happy-go-lucky Narwhal and slightly cynical Jellyfish in this delightful early graphic novel. Despite their opposite personalities, the two sea creatures bond over a shared love of waffles, imaginative make-believe, and playful underwater adventures. Told across three short stories with sweet, simple illustrations, this lighthearted tale charms beginning readers with gentle silliness and a heartwarming celebration of friendship.
- 2
Ages 6–11
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
When a police officer and his loyal police dog are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery creates Dog Man—part dog, part policeman, and wholly dedicated to justice. While struggling with doggy habits like chasing balls, he must protect the city from the scheming villain Petey the Cat. Told through lively, full-color comic panels with interactive flip-o-ramas, this fast-paced story appeals to young and reluctant readers through slapstick humor, warmth, and relentless energy.
- 3
Ages 4–8
Amma, Tell Me About Diwali!
by Bhakti Mathur; illustrated by Maulshree Somani
Join Klaka and his brother Kiki as their mother explains the magic behind Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Told in lively rhyming verse, the story explores the celebrations—from lighting diyas and bursting fireworks to sharing sweets—alongside the classic legend of Prince Rama defeating Ravana and returning home. With vivid, colorful illustrations, it offers young children an engaging introduction to cultural traditions and folklore.
- 4
Ages 6–8
Ada Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty
Ada is an endlessly curious girl who loves to ask why, what, and how. When a terrible smell fills her house, she launches into a full-scale scientific investigation to track down the source. Told in lively rhyming verse with bright, expressive illustrations, this playful picture book celebrates perseverance, curiosity, and the joy of trying things out, even when experiments make a giant mess. Young readers will relate to Ada's energetic quest to understand how the world works.
- 5
Ages 6–8
Magic Tree House
by Mary Pope Osborne
Siblings Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house full of books in the woods near their home. Whenever they open a book and make a wish, the magic tree house whisks them away to different times and places throughout history, from ancient lands to distant eras. Young readers love the blend of real facts, easy-to-read chapter formats, and the thrill of exploring new worlds alongside two relatable and curious adventurers.
- 6
Ages 9–11
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley is starting middle school, where undersized weaklings like him share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. To survive, he records his daily misadventures, family annoyances, and flawed plans for popularity in an illustrated journal. Written in a sharp, self-absorbed voice and packed with cartoon sketches, it offers a laugh-out-loud look at adolescent insecurity that reluctant and avid readers alike find hilarious.
- 7
Ages 9–11
The Land of Stories
by Chris Colfer
After losing their father, twins Alex and Conner receive a cherished fairy-tale book from their grandmother that unexpectedly acts as a portal into a magical realm. To find their way back home, the siblings must travel through kingdoms inhabited by familiar characters like Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Goldilocks on a quest to gather rare items. The story is an imaginative, fast-paced blend of humour and wonder that appeals to children who love clever twists on traditional folklore.
- 8
Ages 9–14
Kid Authors
by David Stabler
Before they wrote beloved classics, famous writers were ordinary children dealing with strict teachers, bullies, and big dreams. This lively collection tells the childhood stories of authors like J.K. Rowling, Roald Dahl, and Mark Twain through engaging text and comic-style illustrations. Readers discover quirky habits, school mishaps, and early creative sparks that shaped their favorite writers, making history feel accessible, humorous, and inspiring for young storytellers.
- 9
Ages 9–11
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
by Chris Grabenstein
When game lover Kyle Keeley wins an invitation to spend the night in his town's brand-new public library, he expects a fun sleepover with games and holographic wonders. Instead, eccentric game-maker Luigi Lemoncello announces a challenge: the doors are locked, and the children must decipher a trail of riddles, anagrams, and book-related clues to find the hidden exit. Full of playful competition, clever wordplay, and teamwork, this fast-paced mystery keeps young puzzle-solvers eagerly guessing along with the characters.
- 10
Ages 6–8
Nate the Great
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Nate is a sharp young detective who loves pancakes almost as much as solving a case. When his friend Annie loses a picture she just painted of her dog, Fang, Nate puts on his trench coat and begins looking for clues. Written with a deadpan, hardboiled detective style tailored for early readers, this classic story combines simple vocabulary with clever humor. Children love Nate's dry wit, his quirky neighborhood friends, and the satisfying fun of piecing together a miniature mystery on their own.
- 11
Ages 9–14
Front Desk
by Kelly Yang
Ten-year-old Mia Tang lives in a motel where her immigrant parents work, managing the front desk while hiding secrets, including undocumented guests. Mia dreams of being a writer despite her mother's doubts and the daily racism and poverty her family faces. With resilience, humor, and heart, she uses her words to fight for fairness and support her community. Readers love Mia's brave, optimistic voice and the engaging, relatable look at friendship, family, and overcoming tough odds.
- 12
Ages 6–8
Judy Moody
by Megan McDonald
Feisty third-grader Judy Moody starts a new school year in a famously foul mood, dreading the typical getting-to-know-you assignments. Things take a turn when her teacher asks everyone to create a collage all about themselves. With help from her best friend Rocky and her annoying younger brother Stink, Judy dives into funny projects and quirky mishaps. Young readers love Judy's relatable temper tantrums, lively humor, and big personality.
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