Pre-K
Holiday Book Gifts: Ages 3 – 5
by Rosemary D'Urso
With their ability to inspire, entertain, and educate, books make the ideal gift for every occasion! This holiday season, we have put together a list of our favorite new seasonal stories along with tales that reassure children they are loved and encourage them to be their best selves. There are also giggle-inducing books that will make the whole family laugh. Enjoy a present you and your children can relish all year long with the recommendations listed below!
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I Don’t Want to Read This Book
Also available from:This hilarious story is perfect for reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike. Children will find a kindred spirit in the unseen narrator, who comically describes the challenges of reading. With its engaging illustrations and side-splitting text, this book will get kids excited to read.
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Duck & Goose Matching Game
Also available from:The beloved characters from the New York Times bestselling Duck & Goose series now have their own card game! Children will have so much fun playing with these adorable characters that they won’t realize they are building focus, memory, and hand-eye coordination skills.
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Jan Brett’s The Nutcracker
Also available from:Jan Brett’s signature artwork shines in this stunning holiday tale. While the book follows the original ballet, Brett puts her own spin on the classic story by setting it in snowy Russia and adding charming animal characters. With gorgeous details woven in, children will want to pore over this story again and again.
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Change Sings
Also available from:Prepare for goosebumps when reading this compelling story by Presidential Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman. The lyrical text inspires children to be change-makers, while the striking illustrations follow a group of children joining together to make their community a better place. This moving story is a must-have!
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Meet the Latkes
Also available from:Listen in as Grandpa Latke tells the Hanukkah story, complete with mighty Mega Bees who use a giant dreidel to fight against the evil alien potatoes from Planet Chhh. But, wait a minute … could Grandpa be having a little trouble remembering? The clever writing and adorably unhinged illustrations make this kooky and comedic retelling of the Hanukkah story one to read year after year.
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The Biggest Little Boy
Also available from:To a little boy named Luca, bigger is always better. This Christmas, he vows to get the largest tree possible. However, in an act of kindness, he chooses a tiny tree instead, demonstrating that it is the size of your heart that matters most. Author and CNN news anchor Poppy Harlow skillfully narrates the audiobook, which is also available.
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Gladys the Magic Chicken
Also available from:Lush eye-catching illustrations transport readers to ancient Greece, where they follow the humorous adventures of a wish-granting chicken. While the characters in the book believe the clueless Gladys to be magical, observant readers will notice the real magic is in making your own fortune. It is hard not to smile at this quirky story by creative geniuses Adam Rubin and Adam Rex.
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Cat Problems
Also available from:Powerhouses Jory John and Lane Smith are back with another funny story — this time starring a feisty feline. While being a house cat might sound easy, this cranky kitty has some serious grievances, and he’s not afraid to air them. While the cat’s life may not be purrfect, this story is!
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Grandude’s Green Submarine
Also available from:Little explorers will love being whisked away on this magical adventure! Master inventor, Grandude, takes his four grandchildren on a whimsical ride in his flying submarine to search for the lost Nandude. Rich underwater scenes reveal an array of marine life in this entertaining story.
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The Bench
Also available from:This inclusive tribute to the loving relationship between fathers and sons beautifully presents a variety of families spending quality time together. The heartfelt text paired with the warm illustrations creates a timeless feel, making this a superb gift.
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Grumpy Monkey Oh, No! Christmas
Also available from:While all the other jungle animals prepare for the holidays, Jim Panzee prefers to wallow in his grouchiness. Even the best of us become bad-tempered sometimes, and this reassuring story comforts kids that even in their most irritable mood, they can find solace in a good friend.
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This Is a Gift for You
Also available from:With its sincere text paired with cozy, inviting illustrations, this poignant book makes little ones feel loved and cared for. Get ready for lots of extra cuddles while reading this touching story that celebrates the beauty of life’s small moments.
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Uni the Unicorn in the Real World
Also available from:When a young girl gets a visit from her unicorn friend, she can’t wait to introduce her to her friends and family. Unfortunately, her new friend is invisible to everyone else. But when they embrace the possibility of magic, people can see the unicorn and an assortment of enchanting creatures. Little unicorn lovers won’t be able to resist this playful friendship story!
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What’s Inside a Flower?
Also available from:As educational as it is stunning, this informative nonfiction book is perfect for budding scientists. The in-depth view of one of nature’s splendors will teach children how flowers grow, why they bloom, and what’s inside a flower while sparking their curiosity to learn more about the natural world.
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My Brave Little Girl
Also available from:This sweet love letter from a mother to a daughter provides sage advice, empowering the child to be her best self and find happiness. Gentle illustrations add to the tender tone of the book, making it an excellent story to revisit over the years.
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The Real Santa
Also available from:A young boy rejoices when he sneaks a peek at Santa on Christmas Eve and discovers that Santa looks just like him! This affectionate tale of family, identity, and the holiday spirit will be a hit during the Christmas season.
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Bodies Are Cool
Also available from:This wonderfully affirming and inclusive book celebrates bodies of all sorts and sizes! Flowing rhymes describe an assortment of skin colors, shapes, heights, and more, while the vivid illustrations represent diverse groups of people. Readers’ confidence in their own appearance will skyrocket as they learn that each body is perfect just the way it is.
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More Great Gifts for Preschoolers:
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The Crayons’ Christmas
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Grumpy Monkey Up All Night
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Attack of the Underwear Dragon
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I Am Every Good Thing
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Where Do Diggers Celebrate Christmas?
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Who Will You Be?
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Bedtime Bonnet
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Antiracist Baby Picture Book
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The Paper Kingdom
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The Yawns Are Coming!
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Wild Symphony
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The Seed of Compassion
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Elbow Grease: Fast Friends
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Boys Dance! (American Ballet Theatre)
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My Little Box of Emotions
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Llama Llama Loose Tooth Drama
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