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KIDS

PARENT BLOG

Books Make Great Gifts!

Enjoy this booklist our librarians have assembled for you as part of our Holiday Hacks: Library Edition...How you can use the Library to ease holiday stress. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips!

If you are looking for gift ideas for the kids in your life, look no further! Library staff created a list of exciting books for all ages!

A History of Underwear With Professor Chicken by Hannah Holt
For the budding historian, what could be more fun than learning about underwear? And with chickens? From Paleolithic loincloths to Henry VII's wives wearing underwear on their heads and beyond, this hilarious--and accurate--history of underwear (as comically modeled by chickens), tells the fascinating story of our most private clothing.

Amari and the Night Brothers by B. B. Alston
Perfect for fans of fantasy, mystery and adventure, book two in the Amari series released in 2022, making it the perfect time to jump in and start reading. Thirteen-year-old Amari, a poor Black girl from the projects, gets an invitation from her missing brother to join the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs and join in the fight against an evil magician.

Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty
Who knew cleaning day and doing chores could be so fun? Dad has posted a list of chores for the family to do before grandma comes, including bathing the cat; but the cat does not want a bath, so she mixes up the instructions, and soon the family is mowing the floor, vacuuming the lawn, mopping the baby--and the house is in chaos.

Does a Bulldozer Have a Butt? by Derick Wilder; illustrated by K-Fai Steele
Who hasn't wondered about the world around them and asked lots of questions? An inquiring child wants to know what has a butt and what doesn't and Dad's answers are sure to provide lots of laughs for all ages.

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall
Exploring the history of an old farmhouse, Sophie Blackall's detailed illustrations will invite readers to pour over the pages. There is something new to discover with each page turn, making this one you'll want to read again and again.

Freestyle by Gale Galligan
If you have a graphic novel fan in your life, Freestyle would make a perfect gift! From one of the illustrators of the popular Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel Series, this full-color graphic novel about friendship, dance, and middle school is sure to engage graphic novel fans. You may even want to include a yo-yo with this one! While preparing for the last major dance competition before they graduate from eighth grade and go to separate high schools in NYC, Cory must balance the expectations of his parents, school, crew and his new friend as pressure mounts from all sides

Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd
A heartwarming story infused with a dash of magic, Natalie Lloyd's tale of a girl who is searching for her best friend and a place to belong is sure to resonate with readers. When twelve-year-old Olive, who suffers from brittle bone disease and has been homeschooled all her life, finally attends school in person she soon discovers fitting in is not that easy, but if she can find the magical wish-granting hummingbird that supposedly lives nearby, and prove herself worthy, maybe her deepest wish will be granted.

I'm a Unicorn by Helen Yoon
Who doesn't love unicorns? Meet a young calf who is convinced she's a unicorn-she only has one horn after all. This is a hilarious and charming tale of believing in yourself that is sure to leave everyone smiling.

My Big Book of Outdoors: Welcome! In every season, there is something different to see, discover, make and do. So step outdoors and into nature! by Tim Hopgood
Discover the great outdoors with this beautifully illustrated treasury that celebrates the wonder of nature in four glorious seasons. From vibrant springtime flowers to sweet fruits on summer trees, the falling of autumn leaves and snowdrops in winter, this book of four seasons is the perfect introduction to the big outdoors. Discover why birds fly south in winter, find animal footprints in the snow and learn to make the perfect snowflake; grow a sunflower, find a feather and make a daisy chain. Full of activities, poetry and fun facts to explore, this bumper book is jam-packed with amazing things to see and do outdoors - the perfect gift for every season. Pair this book with one of our Adventure Backpacks and have fun exploring the world around you!

The Legend of Gravity by Charly Palmer
This tall tale of basketball is meant to be read aloud and shared. Have you ever heard of Gravity? No, not gravity, the centrifugal force pulling us to the Earth. I'm talking about Gravity--the greatest ball player to ever lace up a pair of sneakers.

The Real Dada Mother Goose: a Treasury of Complete Nonsense by Jon Scieszka ; illustrated by Julia Rothman
Author Jon Scieszka, of The Stinky Cheese Man fame, is at it again twisting rhymes and making up nonsense. Parents who enjoyed The Stinky Cheese Man and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs will find a lot to share with a new generation of Scieszka fans. The classic nursery rhymes we know and love--upside-down, backward, in gibberish, and fresh out of bounds--as only Jon Scieszka could stage them. Mother knows best, but sometimes a little nonsense wins the day.

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat
Another pick for graphic novel fans, especially readers who enjoy slice-of-life autobiographical stories and Raina Telgemeier. When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina and her best friend, Megan, literally jump at the chance to join the squad. As two of the only kids of color in the school, they have always yearned to fit in -- and the middle school cheerleaders are popular and accepted by everyone. But will the girls survive the terrifying tryouts, with their whole grade watching? And will their friendship withstand the pressures of competition?

Questions or need more ideas? Email imagine@thelibrary.org