Best book gifts for kids
The best book gifts for kids include Narwhal and Jelly, Dog Man and Ada Twist, Scientist. 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
Cheerful Narwhal and practical Jelly explore the ocean, sharing waffles, imaginative adventures, and an unlikely friendship.
- 3
Ages 6–8
Ada Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty
Curious Ada investigates a mysterious smell through questions and experiments, learning that failed attempts are part of discovery.
- 4
Ages 6–8
Magic Tree House
by Mary Pope Osborne
Jack and Annie travel through time in a magical tree house, solving missions while learning about history and nature.
- 5
Ages 9–11
The Wild Robot
by Peter Brown
A robot stranded on a wild island learns animal language, becomes a mother, and builds an unexpected community.
- 6
Ages 9–11
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley records middle-school embarrassments, family conflicts, and misguided schemes in his illustrated diary.
- 7
Ages 9–11
The Land of Stories
by Chris Colfer
Twins Alex and Conner enter a fairy-tale world where familiar characters face new dangers and unfinished stories.
- 8
Ages 9–14
Kid Authors
by David Stabler
Short biographies reveal the childhood ambitions, mistakes, and experiences of famous writers before they became celebrated authors.
- 9
Ages 9–11
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
by Chris Grabenstein
Children trapped overnight in an extraordinary library must solve elaborate puzzles created by famous game-maker Luigi Lemoncello.
- 10
Ages 6–8
Nate the Great
by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Young detective Nate investigates small mysteries with careful clues, deadpan confidence, and occasional pancake breaks.
- 11
Ages 9–14
Front Desk
by Kelly Yang
Mia helps manage her immigrant family’s motel while confronting racism, financial hardship, and the fear of losing their home.
- 12
Ages 6–8
Judy Moody
by Megan McDonald
Spirited Judy Moody faces school, family, and friendship with dramatic moods, imaginative plans, and plenty of humor.
More book lists for kids
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