Holiday Book Gifts: Ages 3 – 5
by Rosemary D'Urso
This holiday season, ignite the fires of imagination, share laughs, and foster new learning experiences by gifting children the magic of brand-new books. In this gift guide, you will discover tales that will captivate parents and children alike. From fresh seasonal stories to uproarious read-alouds and empowering narratives that inspire children to embrace their unique selves, there’s something to delight every reader. Check out these hand-picked book recommendations and give yourself and your children a present to enjoy year-round!
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Bluey: Grannies and Other Stories
Buy from:Fans of the popular television show Bluey won’t be able to resist this collection of stories following the lovable dog and his family and friends on entertaining adventures. Each story captures the wholesome feel of the show and Bluey’s vivid imagination.
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Elmore the Christmas Moose
Buy from:When Santa needs a temporary replacement reindeer, Elmore the Moose excitedly applies for the job. In comically clever letters, Elmore tries to persuade Santa to give him a chance. This new holiday tale is the perfect blend of humor and heart.
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Sesame Street Let's Cook Together
Buy from:Me can't wait to say, "Om nom, nom, nom" to all the yummy recipes in this beginner-friendly cookbook! Let Cookie Monster, Elmo, and the rest of the Sesame Street gang show tiny chefs how to make fun and healthy recipes like Gonger's Egg Surprise, Grouch on Toast, and Coconutty Chicken Bites while learning how to chop, mix, and stay safe in the kitchen.
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Where’s Bearry?
Buy from:It’s bedtime, but Remo can’t sleep without his beloved Bearry. Lively rhymes paired with vibrant illustrations skillfully capture Remo's adventure to find his special stuffed animal. This sweet bedtime story also teaches how to calm one’s body and mind in times of stress.
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Alice in a Winter Wonderland
Buy from:You can’t go wrong with a Jan Brett book, and this reimagined tale of Alice in Wonderland set in the Alaskan tundra is nothing short of enchanting.
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The Bedtime Book of Magical Creatures
Buy from:Prepare to fill children’s dreams with incredible mythical creatures from around the world. This beautifully illustrated compilation of legendary beasts is an excellent gift for any child.
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Bookie & Cookie
Buy from:This fantastic story stars two friends who must work through compromise and bravely try new things to keep their friendship. This book is perfect for sharing over a plate of delicious cookies, just as the characters do in the story.
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Grumpy Monkey Play All Day
Buy from:Even though he has a long list of chores, Jim Panzee wants to have fun with his friends instead. After spending the entire day playing rather than working, he learns a valuable lesson in procrastination and overindulgence. This lighthearted tale will resonate with both kids and adults.
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Busy Betty & the Perfect Christmas Present
Buy from:The exuberant Betty is back in an entertaining holiday-themed story. It’s almost time for Christmas, and Betty has the brilliant idea to create a cookie stand to raise money for gifts for her family. It’s hard not to love the thoughtful, determined, energetic Betty!
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Ahoy!
Buy from:This joyful celebration of pretend play follows a child who pulls his mother into an imaginative game of pirates. It’s impossible not to smile as the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary in this exceptional story from award-winning creator Sophie Blackall.
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Towed by Toad
Buy from:Toad loves helping others with his tow truck, but what happens when he’s the one in trouble? Filled with wonderful wordplay, this “toadally” awesome book is a delight to read aloud.
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I Would Love You Still
Buy from:This tender, heartwarming story follows a mother and her child on a trip to the zoo. Through playful rhyming text, the child is humorously compared to different animals while being reassured of the parent’s unconditional love. It's the perfect book to cuddle up with and share with a loved one.
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PAW Patrol 5-Minute Kindness Stories (PAW Patrol)
Buy from:Inspired by the hit television show, this book shares nine engaging tales of canine community helpers who work as a team to solve a problem. The brevity of each story makes it an excellent choice for sharing before bedtime.
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The Dictionary Story
Buy from:Tired of being the only book without a story, a lonely dictionary brings her cataloged words to life. A hungry alligator emerges, chasing a donut throughout the pages with hysterical results. This imaginative, irresistible story is full of charm and is my personal favorite from 2024.
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See the Cat Book and Toy Box Set
Buy from:Kids will love this hysterical early reader about a dog politely disagreeing with an unseen narrator over the events in the story. Pair it with an adorable plush of the cuddly canine, and you’ve got a winning gift.
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Esi the Brave (Who Was Not Afraid of Anything)
Buy from:The courageous Esi isn’t scared of anything until she loses her parents in a sea of masked monsters at a festival. This spirited story is brimming with playful onomatopoeia, artful alliteration, and bold, bright illustrations that match Esi’s confidence.
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Eight Sweet Nights, A Festival of Lights
Buy from:Gentle rhymes follow a family preparing for Hanukkah in this beautiful tale celebrating family, traditions, and an important holiday. I especially appreciate the educational backmatter and the informative facts sprinkled throughout the story.
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Don't Think of Tigers
Buy from:Get ready for a whirlwind of imagination in this playful book where anything you dream the illustrator draws — just hold the tigers! Bursting with laughs and creativity, this story shows how practice and persistence can tame even the wildest of challenges. Perfect for young artists and all kids ready to discover the joy of drawing, this book is a charming read-aloud that encourages endless fun — tiger-free, of course!
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Piper Chen Sings
Buy from:This heartfelt intergenerational story inspires readers to pursue their passions and confidently share them with the world. Though she loves to sing, Piper Chen becomes anxious about an upcoming solo at school. Luckily, her beloved Nai Nai helps her embrace the butterflies in her stomach and confidently face her fears.
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We Are Definitely Human
Buy from:This hilarious story about a farmer kindly helping a group of stranded aliens is out of this world! It is difficult not to laugh at the three extraterrestrials pretending to be human and smile at the compassionate townspeople who choose to assist them despite their apparent differences.
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The Book That Almost Rhymed
Buy from:A young boy’s attempt to write a story with flowing rhymes is comically interrupted by his sister’s additions to the tale. Between the unexpected twists to each rhyme and the sibling rivalry turned creative collaboration, this is undoubtedly one of my favorite books of the year.
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How to Talk Like a Bear
Buy from:Expect uncontrollable giggles when children unleash their inner beasts while reading this riotous interactive book. As a bear encourages children to roar at varying volume levels, each attempt at bear talk results in funnier and funnier meanings. This irresistible dose of hilarity guarantees a good time for all!
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This Book Is Not a Present
Buy from:Even though it is disguised as a present (fancy bow and all), this book isn’t a present. A skateboard, dog, or socks would have been a present, but a book presents the pressure of feeling like one has to read it. Which requires thinking. In fact, the omniscient narrator can think of NO occasion where a book is an acceptable gift. And then there’s the obligatory “thank you” that receiving a present necessitates. With cartoon-like graphics and bold typography, this book will get a laugh out of reluctant readers!
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Coloring Fun and Awesome Facts Pack
Buy from:Introduce your little explorer to the fascinating world of bugs, dinosaurs, and wild animals with this captivating coloring and learning bundle. Packed with 50 illustrations designed for small hands, each book brings 25 incredible creatures to life through coloring fun and awe-inspiring facts. These books engage and educate, making them the perfect gift for curious young minds this holiday season.
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The Serious Goose
Buy from:Readers are challenged to bring out the silly side of a very serious goose in this humorous story from late-night star Jimmy Kimmel. Complete with a mylar mirror to practice funny faces, this interactive gem is a real crowd-pleaser.
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