I always say I’m a fan of books for kids as gifts. I have been an avid reader since I was a child and made sure my kids were also up on the latest kid’s books. I know it’s not easy in this day of social media when children are more engaged with YouTube and Tik Tok but books are so important.
I want to share a few books that I feel will keep your kids entertained. I do list age ranges for the books as a suggestion but, keep in mind it’s dependent on your child’s reading and comfort level. I enjoyed the books as an adult so, I feel children of all ages will enjoy them, whether they read them on their own or you read the stories to them.
Pairs of People – Ages 5 to 8
By Mark K. Shriver and Jeanne Shriver
In this lively, vibrant, and inspiring follow-up to the Christopher Award-winning book 10 Hidden Heroes, New York Times bestselling author Mark Shriver and his wife Jeanne Shriver help children learn about the power of numbers and how working together can make the world a better place. Pairs of People makes math fun and meaningful by showing how our service to others multiplies when people pitch in together.
Review: I loved that this book helps a child learn about the importance of community and how helping someone can in turn lead to it positively affecting other people. Also, that’s it’s better to do things together but, sometimes it just takes one person to get things in motion for a group effort to happen. “Pairs of People” is available on Amazon.
The Rowdy Randy Wild West Show– Ages 5 to 7
by Casey Day Rislo
Rugged action. Daring stunts. Spectacular showmanship! Rowdy Randy is back, and this time instead of aggravating all the creatures in her path, she’s rounding them up to put on her very own Wild West Show. Now critters from every rock, den, and tree are lining up to audition. And what a show it is! From rope stunts to high jumps, and aerial tricks to climbing competitions, this cowgirl’s show has got it all. But there is one unwanted character lurking in the shadows who is ready to take credit for it all.
Review: Rowdy Randy is a character and this is a very fun book full of ambition and great imagination. Well, depending on how you look at it. Is it imagined? lol. Your kids will enjoy this story of Rowdy Randy’s adventure of the day and so will you. “The Rowdy Randy Wild Wild West Show” is available on Amazon.
Midnight at the Shelter – Ages 8 to 12
Rescue dog MahDi is happy helping his human partner, “MomDoc,” with the important work at her vet clinic and the local animal shelter. The two of them make a good team, caring for the town’s pets and matchmaking rescue animals with the families who need them.
When the shelter is suddenly down a staff member, the animals have to deal with a new caretaker: Huck, an unpleasant man who seems to have no problem threatening the animals he’s supposed to care for. As more dogs crowd into the shelter than are going to new homes, MahDi begins to worry that if MomDoc isn’t around, there is no telling what Huck might do.
With three perfectly good legs, the heart of a true leader, and his pack mates by his side, MahDi is willing to risk everything to save his shelter friends from an uncertain future. “Midnight at the Shelter” is available on Amazon.
Weird But True World 2023: National Geographic – Ages 8 to 12
Discover Earth’s strangest animals, natural formations, festivals, ancient wonders, news, and more in this newest addition to the wildly popular Weird But True! family―an annual compendium of everything Weird But True! fans love … and then some.
Review: As always, National Geographic puts together a great book for kids to learn fun facts in a fun way with tons of pictures and weird facts that will one day make them champions on trivia shows.
Some of the weird facts included in this 154-page book:
- May 14 is Dance like a chicken day
- You “toot” 5,000 to 8,000 times a year. Yup. So just LET IT GO!
- Kingda Ka Rollercoaster at Great Adventures in New Jersey is the tallest and 2nd fastest in the world
- Mashed Potato Wrestling Contests are a thing. Yup! In Barnesville, Minnesota.
You and your kids will love this book and all the weird facts. I promise
“Weird But True World 2023” is available on Amazon.
The Ultimate Book of Big Cats – Ages 8 to 12
From rarely seen snow leopards high up in the Himalaya to tigers silently stalking prey through thick jungle to lions going in for the kill, you’ll get the inside scoop on the fascinating worlds of wild felines and what it’s like to live alongside them.
Review: I’m a cat mom. A mom to a big cat, not big like the ones in this book. What I love about this book is that though, let’s say a tiger, might look the same to the naked eye there are several different species. For example, if you look at the Siberian Tiger and Bengal Tiger you can see the difference. This is a great book to share and enjoy with your child and you will thoroughly enjoy it yourself and learn a lot too. I love National Geographic books.
The Ultimate Book of Big Cats is available on Amazon.
What do you think of the books I recommended?
Check out more gift suggestions on our Holiday Gift Guide