Look no further for great gift ideas for your kids! Associated Press I rummaged through the bookshelf. We’ve created this list for the holiday season with the goal of outstanding 2025 releases to share your love of reading with your kids, students, and friends.
Board books and read-aloud books (0-3 years old)
— “I love you, Little Moose!” Written by Sandra Magsamen. A five-line poem about nature and everything we love about it, expressed in bright colors and bubble letter text. This board book also has soft plush corners on the top. Cartwheel Books, $8.99.
— “Why does the wind blow?” Written by Eric Carle. Science made easy in classic Eric Carle style! This reading material explains how the wind blows with illustrations and a very hungry caterpillar. The World of Eric Carle, $5.99.
— “Little Heroes of Color: I’m a Little Hero” Written by David Heredia. Heroes range from the hard-working Jim Thorpe to the inventive Arvind Gupta to the fearless Sonia Sotomayor. Rhyming and repetition make complex words and ideas easier to understand. At the back, there is a mirror with a message that says to the reader: You too are a little hero. Cartwheel Books, $9.99.
— “Wherever you are” Written by Victoria Monet, illustrated by Alea Marley. This lovely book reaffirms a parent’s love for their child even when they are not physically together. grammy award winner Monet’s musicality shines through in this colorful, swirling, star-studded cosmic lullaby. GP Putnam’s Son’s Book for Young Readers, $18.99.
Early readers (3-8 years old)
— “Biti and Babu, best friends” Written by Janie Trussler. Featuring five short and silly cartoons about fun-loving friends Bitti and Babu. This book is perfect as an introduction to how to read manga, using simple frame-by-frame progression and speech bubbles. Holiday House, $14.99.
— “Don’t trust the fish” Written by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat. Why read another boring animal book when you can read something interesting? This book teaches children how to tell the difference between mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mainly why not to trust fish. Dial Book, $18.99.
— “Grandma Moon” Written by Waneanatu Lam-Kason, illustrated by Trisha B. Waters. The girl’s grandmother explains about Grandma Moon. The author’s indigenous storytelling tradition is extended by dreamlike full-page paintings. Includes guides on how to read the lunar calendar and turtle back scale calendar. Beam Book, $18.99.
middle
e-grade (8-12 years old)
— “Dory Phantasmagory 7: Center of the Universe” Written by Abby Hanlon. Volume 7 in a series of silly illustrations that is the perfect bridge to chapter books. In this story, Dory has a new rival. Dory’s antics and quirky friends will make any reader laugh. Dial Book, $17.99.
— “Maker Girl and Professor Smarts” Written by Jasmine Florentine. So what if they don’t have superpowers? These super-smart best friends are ready to take on supervillains! This hilarious hybrid graphic chapter book includes science-backed instructions for making sherbet and cardboard grappling hooks. MIT Kids Press, $19.99.
— “Weirdies” Written by Michael Buckley, illustrated by Forrest Burdett. From the creators of “The Grimm Sisters,” 10-year-old triplets and the world they live in is strange and highly entertaining. The pencil-hatched illustrations are complemented by Lemony Snicket-esque humor and fourth-wall breaking. Little Brown Book for Young Readers, $14.99.
— “The Poisoned King” Written by Katherine Randell, illustrated by Ashley McKenzie. It’s up to 12-year-old Princess Anya to save the dragon and the kingdom. The long-awaited second volume in the Impossible Creatures series is a fantasy adventure driven by an unwavering belief in the power of good. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $19.99.
— “Buns Rabbit” Written by Alan Barilaro. The other rabbits worry that Van’s short ears are a bad omen. This heartfelt, mature and gentle chapter book features explanatory text and stunning illustrations that are dramatically illuminated. Candlewick, $18.99.
Young Adult (12+)
— “The story of my anger” Written by Jasmine Mendez. This powerful story told in poetry and drama follows Yuri, a high school senior in Texas who learns to cope with racism, pressure to shine, and stress at home with her chronically ill, widowed mother. Dial Book, $19.99.
— “Quiet house” Written by Kirsten White. A gothic mystery that explores class struggle and what it means to have a positive impact on the world. A great ending brings the parts together without wasting any detail. Delacorte Press, $19.99.
— “When we were monsters” Written by Jennifer Niven. Arlo and Effie take turns telling this genre-bending tale of dark academia, murder mystery, thriller, and romance. The “Frankenstein” motif throughout the novel conveys the theme of monsters and fate versus free will. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $20.99.
— “Leave it in the truck.” Written by Margot Fisher. After her father dies in a fire, Moose moves to a new state to live with her half-sister, who convinces her to try roller derby. Fisher’s debut novel is a story about dealing with grief, being LGBTQ+, and finding community that will captivate you. Dutton Books for Young Readers, $19.99.
— “Give me some space, guys.” Written by Tess Holliday and Kelly Coon. A body positivity book with guides and tips on everything from finding your fashion to having a healthy relationship with food and dealing with labels. For medical needs such as skin problems or mental health issues, it is always a priority to consult a doctor. Running Press Kids, $13.99.
— “I shouldn’t have said this: A graphic memoir.” Written by Eugene Yelchin. A stand-alone sequel to The Genius Under the Table, it chronicles the escape of a Jewish man from Soviet Russia in the 1980s, using a unique art style that incorporates photography. Yelchin’s mother and grandmother temper the comedy with melodrama and mysterious wisdom. Candlewick, $22.99.
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For more information about the AP Gift Guide and holiday offers, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/gift-guide and https://apnews.com/hub/holidays.
