As winter approaches, we come again to that time of the year when we’re all scrambling to find the perfect gift for the book-loving children in our lives. Luckily, the plucky Children’s Librarians are here to offer some suggestions for fantastic gifts this holiday season!

If your readers happen to be in New York City, consider giving them a NYSL membership, where they will find all of these books and more on our Children’s Library shelves. For more information on NYSL memberships, click here.

Fiction and Graphic Novel Recommendations

Don’t Throw It To Mo! | Adler, David A. Recommended for ages 4 to 7
Little Mo is known by his rivals as a “butterfingers.” His coach and his team have another plan for turning Mo into the MVP!

Thunder Boy, Jr. | Alexie, Sherman Recommended for ages 3 to 8
Dream team author Alexie and illustrator Morales combine their amazing powers in this vivid story about a little kid who struggles with growing into the name he’s been given.

The Wild Robot | Brown, Peter Recommended for ages  8 to 12
In picture book author-illustrator Brown’s first foray into fiction for upper elementary readers, he tells the story of a lone robot who has crash landed on an island and tries to befriend the creatures there.

Horrible Bear | Dyckman, Ame Recommended for ages 3 to 7
After calming down, a girl realizes she may have jumped to conclusions when she accused a bear of destroying her kite.

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour | Michaels, Anne Recommended for ages 6 to 10
This humorous and episodic tale of Miss Petitfour, her many cats, and their whimsical adventures about town, and in the air, makes a great read aloud.

Alanna | Pierce, Tamora Recommended for ages 9 to 14
Alanna trades places with her twin brother so that she can fulfill her lifelong dream and destiny of becoming a Lady Knight.

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich | Sarcone-Roach, Julia Recommended for ages 3 to 7
An ingenious story with a fun twist about a bear, a sandwich, and a whopper of a tale.

Ghosts | Telgemeier, Raina Recommended for ages 8 to 14
Catrina and her family move to the west coast, where she discovers new friends, and ghosts! She gets to know herself and her sister more as she celebrates El Dia De Los Muertos with her new community.

Let’s Play | Tullet, Herve Recommended for ages 1 to 6
The masterful French artiste continues his colorful, interactive series full of “magic” that occurs by simply tapping and turning the pages.

My True Love Gave To Me | Various YA Authors Recommended for ages 12 to 18
Celebrate the season with this treasure trove of short stories from YA authors and if you’re in the mood for something sunnier, also consider the companion collection, Summer Days and Summer Nights.

Nonfiction and Biography Recommendations

Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions | Barton, Chris Recommended for ages 6 to 12
Give this inspiring picture book biography about scientist and inventor Lonnie Johnson to curious kids who like to tinker, question, and create.

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still | Gray, Karlin Recommended for ages 5 to 11
Know some sprightly, bouncy children? Let this book inspire them to become the Olympians of 2028!

Drowned City | Brown, Don Recommended for ages 12 and older
In this award-winning graphic nonfiction title, Don Brown’s kinetic art and gripping narrative accurately capture the tragedy and triumph following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

The Secret Subway | Corey, Shana Recommended for ages 4 to 10
Before the subways existed, there was Alfred Ely Beach and his new idea: a fan-powered underground train.

Olinguito, from A to Z!/¡Olinguito, de la A a la Z! | Delacre, Lulu Recommended for ages 5 to 10
Young nature enthusiasts will relish this lyrically written, exquisitely illustrated bilingual book about the cloud forest and the creatures, including the adorable olinguito, who reside there.

Steve Jobs: Insanely Great | Hartland, Jessie Recommended for ages 12 and older
True to its subtitle, this book is the insanely great and ingeniously conceived graphic biopic of the man behind Apple.

Breakthrough | Murphy, Jim Recommended for ages 11 and older
Read all about the amazing trio of scientists who worked together to overcome the “blue babies” problem in the 1940s. For younger readers, also consider the picture book biography Tiny Stiches: The Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas.

Around America to Win the Vote | Rockliff, Mara Recommended for ages 7 to 11
100 years ago, 2 women set off on a roadtrip across the States to drum up support for their cause: Votes for Women!

Poetry Recommendations

Booked | Alexander, Kwame Recommended for ages 10 to 16
Nominated for the National Book Award this novel-in-verse about soccer-obsessed Nick will appeal to poets and rappers, soccer players and fans, and every reader who loves a well-told tale.

Sing With Me! | Stoop, Naoko Recommended for ages 0 to 6
This sweetly illustrated book of nursery rhymes and accompanying movements is the perfect gift for babies and toddlers, and the grownups who read with them.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement | Weatherford, Carole Boston Recommended for ages 9 to 14
Beautiful poems illustrate the selfless and heroic life of civil-rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.

Need more ideas? Check out our extended list of books perfect for gift giving here or our recommended gift lists from 2014 and 2015. Know a good book that you think we missed? Comment below and let us know!