Are you ready for the Christmas season? We are ready to get out our holiday books and start celebrating over here. To help you with your holiday reading, we wanted to share some new Christmas books for kids and families this year. I hope you find some new favorites to add to your Christmas collection! If you want some new ideas on how to make reading and holiday books a part of your family Christmas traditions, don’t forget to grab a copy of my eBook Reading Through the Holidays!
Category Archives: Holidays
Awesome Reading Gifts for Bookworms
I’m sure it is no surprise to anyone who follows this site that I love creative book and reading gifts. I love to give them, and I love to get them. This list is made up of some of my favorite reading gifts for bookworms that I have found recently. No matter their ages, you are sure to find something fun for the bookworms on your shopping list!
For the Littles
Roar-some Reader Bag
For kids who love to read, this cute tote bag will give them a sturdy way to transport their dinosaur sized reading pile from place to place.
New Children’s Books about Giving Thanks
The Thanksgiving season is upon us while I write this. So we are taking an extra look at how we can show our thanks and gratitude to those around us. While we always focus on gratitude during the month of November, it is important that we also remember to give thanks during the other months as well. These children’s books about giving thanks offer reminders of gratitude that can be shared all throughout the year. While some of these books have a fall theme to them, some of them can be shared any time. I hope they encourage you and your children to share gratitude all year long!
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
T is for Thankful
Written by Greg Paprocki
This seasonal spin on the alphabet book uses the letters of the alphabet to celebrate the sights and sounds of fall, and things that we can be thankful for. The text is simple, with only a couple of words per page introducing the letter and the paired concept. The illustrations have a vintage feel, showcasing children and families celebrating the Fall and the Thanksgiving holiday. This book introduces young ones to the concept of thankfulness, with a nostalgic feel that will have readers of all ages wanting to read it every year.
The Giving Day
Written by Cori Doerrfeld
This sweet story follows Cooper Cub, a little bear who is heading to the Great Giving Festival in Cubby Hill. Every year, his community comes together to celebrate and give back to one another. When Cooper is given the job of delivering his family’s gifts, he names himself Super Cooper, the greatest Honey Hero in the Universe. But one delivery after another, he tries to help his friends and ends up messing up his delivery. In the end, he learns an important lesson about thankfulness and lending a hand to friends. Kids will love the adorable animal characters, and the story will remind them to be thankful for the help of friends.
Related Post: Children’s Books on Gratitude
Peppa Pig and the Day of Giving Thanks
Based on the series created by Neville Astley and Mark Baker
In this story, Peppa Pig and her family are out for a walk together. Peppa is thankful for all of the beauty around them, and she and her family decide to give thanks for the things they see. On each page, Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, and Daddy Pig point out something that they are thankful for. Even when rain interrupts their walk, the kids find something to be grateful for. Fans of Peppa Pig and her family will love this sweet and simple story about being thankful for the things around them. It may also inspire little ones to notice the beautiful things around them and appreciate what they see.
If Animals Gave Thanks
Written by Ann Whitford Paul and illustrated by David Walker
If your kids are fans of the book
If Animals Kissed Good Night
New Halloween Books for Kids
It’s time for black cats, jack-o-lanterns, and all the spooky fun of Halloween! To celebrate the season, I am excited to share a round up of new Halloween books that are sure to get your family in the spirit. These Halloween books for kids range from sweet to scary, ensuring a little spooky fun for everyone.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That Monster on the Block
Written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Luke Flowers
This sweet book uses monster characters to share a story about kindness, acceptance, and not judging others. When someone moves into Vampire’s old home, Monster is curious about his new neighbor. He is shocked when it’s not a goblin, ogre, or dragon, but a clown! He tries to get the other neighbors to join him in avoiding the clown, but the clown is able to win them over. Will Monster be able to see that his first impression may have been wrong? Kids will love the silly characters and the brightly colored illustrations.
How to Build a Haunted House
Written by Frank Tupta and illustrated by Kyle Beckett
When a Vampire family moves to town, it will take all of the spooky creatures working through the night to get the house ready. The rhyming text takes the reader through the process of building a house, with fun spins on regular construction vehicles. Everyone pitches in, from skeletons and monsters to witches and werewolves, to get the job done. Kids will love the funny and colorful illustrations, and this seasonal take on the classic construction story.
It’s Halloween Little Monster
Written by Helen Ketteman and illustrated by Bonnie Leick
This adorable book follows a little monster and his Papa as they go trick or treating for the first time. As they make their way around the neighborhood visiting houses, Papa helps Little Monster to be brave in the face of scary sights. But if Papa gets scared, will Little Monster be brave? The rhyming text is paired with adorable illustrations of the monster and his Papa. Kids will love the sweet story, and the reminder that even grownups get scared sometimes.
Related Post: 13 Monstrously Fun Monster Books
I Love My Fangs
Written by Kelly Leigh Miller
What happens when a young Dracula loses one of his famous fangs? This book is a fun spin on the classic story of losing a tooth and meeting the tooth fairy. When Dracula’s fang falls out, he starts to panic and tries to hold on to it. But his parents explain that it just means that his adult teeth are coming in. The text is minimal and sometimes silly, and the illustrations are full of action. The story will resonate with little ones who are worried about losing their teeth, while also making them laugh out loud.
Gustavo the Shy Ghost
New Books for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is right around the corner, so I wanted to share some new children’s books about dads and kids that are perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Daddy and Me
Written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Jane Massey
This sweet board book uses a rhyming text and soothing illustrations to celebrate all the small everyday ways that dads show their love to their kids. Each two page spread features another father and child pairing participating in regular day to day activities, with rhyming text from the perspective of the young child. The text is soothing, and allows kids to easily connect the book to their own lives, and the illustrations feature a diverse group of fathers and children.
Related Post: 8 Children’s Books about Dads & Grandpas
Cave Dada
Written and illustrated by Brandon Reese
This hilarious picture book follows a caveman as he attempts to put his baby to bed. But his baby doesn’t want to go to bed until he has heard a story. The caveman dad tries to dissuade the little baby, but gives in at the first sign of tears. However, reading a bedtime story isn’t as easy as we think it is, especially when baby asks for the BIG book. Kids will love the mischievous baby, and parents will recognize the bedtime struggles illustrated in the story.
Three Squeezes
Written by Jason Pratt and illustrated by Chris Sheban
This sweet book follows a father and son as their relationship grows and develops over the years. The rhyming text celebrates the repeated use of three small squeezes to offer love and comfort through the ups and downs of life. The illustrations are adorable, highlighting the young boy as he grows up, and the loving relationship between father and son.
Related Post: Sentimental Children’s Books that Make Me Cry
New Children’s Books for Easter
The world feels a little weird right now. We are all at a standstill, waiting to see what happens. But whether it feels like it or not, the world is still spinning, and Easter and Spring are right around the corner. So we are thrilled to bring a little sunshine to your day with these new children’s books for Easter!
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Bella’s Meadow Adventure
Written by Hannah Jardine and illustrated by Zoe Waring
This adorable shaped board book follows a little white bunny named Bella as she goes on an adventure to explore the meadow. Along the way, she meets a variety of birds and animals, and they share interesting facts about themselves. The brightly colored illustrations will keep little ones engaged while they learn about animals in the forest.
Danny’s Pond Adventure
Written by Hannah Jardine and illustrated by Zoe Waring
This shaped board book follows a bright yellow duckling named Danny as he visits his neighbors around the pond. Each of his neighbors shares facts about themselves, and the vibrant illustrations showcase the beautiful sights around his pond.
Related Post: Easter Board Books for Little Ones
Easter Egg Day
Written by Tara Knudson and illustrated by Pauline Siewert
This vivid and colorful board book highlights all of the fun of Easter egg decorating. The illustrations show an adorable bunny family as they draw designs on the eggs, dip them, and mix colors to make new ones. The rhyming text is short and peppy, and follows the family as they take part in all kinds of egg themed fun with their friends and loved ones. The back of the book even includes decorating tips to help you create your own egg masterpieces!
Hoppy Floppy’s Carrot Hunt
Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti
This lift the flap board book encourages kids to help Hoppy Floppy the bunny and her friends to find different colored carrots. The text on each two page spread asks kids to find a certain colored carrot. Lifting the flaps unearths all kinds of silly items, until kids find what they are looking for. The last page includes a spinning wheel that shows the rainbow of carrots that they have found.
Related Post: 50+ Educational Uses for Plastic Easter Eggs
Art Themed Easter Baskets for Kids
Time seems to be dragging to a stop lately with all of the quarantines and closures. But Easter is right around the corner, and we are still looking forward to it! Since school is closed and we are doing our learning at home, I was inspired to create some fun art themed Easter baskets for kids, with our favorite Crayola products, and art themed children’s books! Check out the different variations below for inspiration!
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received these Crayola products in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love a good theme, and Easter baskets offer a great opportunity to gather themed items for kids. So I was inspired to create some themed Easter baskets around our favorite stories. Some of our favorite stories around art supplies include:
Snap! by Hazel Hutchins and Dusan Petricic inspires kids to think outside the box and create with what they have.
When the Pencil Met the Eraser by Karen Kilpatrick, Luis O. Ramos, Jr. and German Blanco shows how pencils and erasers can work together to create art.
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers features letters from each crayon in the box as they share their greivances with their owner.
Ish by Peter H. Reynolds teaches kids that their artwork doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds inspires kids to never give up when it comes to their artwork, and to inspire others as well.
Check out some of our favorite art supply books here!
Coloring Basket
We love coloring in our house. So of course we are always excited for new art supplies! This fun Easter basket is full of quality
Crayola art supplies
Children’s Books for Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and there are lots of inspirational kid’s books coming out that are perfect for adding to your family library. From anthologies and poetry to biographies and tributes, these children’s books for Black History Month are sure to inspire and educate.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of some of these books in exchange for my honest review. These are marked with an *. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Black is a Rainbow Color*
Written by Angela Joy and illustrated by Ekua Holmes
This poetic book follows a young child while she reflects on the meaning of being Black, and the culture, legacy, and history surrounding her. The rhyming text starts out by exploring all the places that she sees black in the world around her. Then it ties in historical figures and lyrical passages inspired by famous people, events, and works of art. The illustrations are vibrantly colored, using various textures and styles to pay tribute to the history around her. There are tons of details hidden in the pictures, while the back of the book includes more information about the events and texts that inspired the author.
Little Heroes of Color*
Written and illustrated by David Heredia
This large board book introduce young readers to 50 people of color who have made history and blazed trails in their chosen fields. While the people included are various races and skin colors, there are several black heroes included in this book. Each hero is introduced with a small paragraph detailing their background, as well as the amazing things they have done. The illustrations are small, adorable cartoon versions of the people being showcased, with big eyes, bright smiles, and clothing that suits their professions. This is a fun way for kids to explore history, as well as finding new people to look up to.
Related Post: Girl Power: Women Who Changed History
A Ride to Remember*
Written by Sharon Langley and Amy Nathan and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
When Sharon Langley was a little girl, amusement parks were segregated. She loved carousels, but because of the color of her skin, she wasn’t allowed to enter the amusement park. But in 1963, a community came together and protested, leading to the desegregation of the Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Maryland. This book tells the story from Sharon Langley’s point of view, as the first African American child to ride the carousel. That ride came on the same day as Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington. This book shares a remarkable point in history, while the beautiful and sumptuous illustrations take the reader right to the amusement park with her.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment
More Children’s Books about Love
Reading to kids not only introduces them to the joy of books and reading, but it also helps them to build a connection between books and feelings of love. So all that time snuggled up together with a great book is building the connection between you. This list of children’s books about love is full of beautiful stories that can make those moments even more special by sharing your emotions for them.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received copies of these books in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I Love You Like No Otter
Written by Rose Rossner and illustrated by Sydney Hanson
This adorable board book uses sweet and funny animal puns to showcase the love between parent and child. Each two page spread features another pair of cute animals, and a simple message of love tied in with a funny play on words. Whether the seals are sealing their love with a kiss, or lions are sharing how they are the purrrfect pair, kids will love the silly text and soft illustrations.
One More Hug
Written by Megan Alexander and illustrated by Hiroe Nakata
This beautiful and heartwarming story follows a mother and her little boy as he grows up. When he is younger, he asks his mother for one more hug. As he grows up, he continues to need that one more hug from his mother, even as he starts to stand on his own. Then one day he is all grown up and leaving home, and his mother watches him drive away, but he may still need a little something from her. This story had me in tears as I read it to my daughter for the first time. (She calls them “Mommy Tears” when they are over something emotional). Parents will especially appreciate the reminder that while they may be grown, they still need love and support from us.
Related Post: A Mother’s Love: 18 Books for Moms
Love: From Sesame Street
Written by Sesame Workshop and illustrated by Ernie Kwiat
Join the beloved characters from Sesame Street as they share their definitions of what love means. Each two page spread offers a simple sentence defining a form that love can take, and featuring a colorful illustration of one of Sesame Street’s popular characters. The end of the book shares the important message that love is all around us. There is even a look and find challenge at the back of the book encouraging little ones to search the illustrations further.
I Love You All Ways
Written by Marianne Richmond and illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic
This adorable board book celebrates the love between parent and child through a rhyming text and gentle watercolor illustrations. The text shares all of the ways that a parent loves a child, through all of their emotions and actions. The sweet message is brought to life by adorable illustrations of animal parents and children, both big and small. Kids will enjoy the sweet animal pairs doing a lot of the things that they do, while parents will appreciate the message that a parent’s love knows no bounds.
Related Post: Fantastic Children’s Books about Love
I’ll Love You For Always: Love Notes for Kids
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. So this is the perfect time to share your love with your kids and encourage them to do the same. This beautiful children’s book about love gives parents, grandparents, and loved ones an opportunity to tell kids what they love, appreciate, and respect about them, and to create special love notes for kids.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ll Love You For Always was written by Peter Hinckley and illustrated by Lu Green. This beautiful interactive book includes 6 real love notes that adults can write out to their children and place in the book to keep forever.
The story follows a mother as she tells her daughter about love note birds. They fly high above and bring loving words to her, no matter where she is. As the little girl finds herself out on all kinds of adventures, the love note birds still find her, and bring positive and encouraging words and memories from her mother.
Every few pages, there is an envelope or folded note with a writing prompt on it. These prompts help guide adults to write kind words about the kids in their life. The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful, weaving the love notes into the story, and showing how loving words from a parent can find you and stay with you no matter what situation you find yourself in.
Writing Love Notes
As we were reading this story together, my daughter kept jumping at the chance to write love notes to me. So this book was the perfect opportunity to talk about sharing kind and loving words, and writing love notes to those that we care about.
I created these printable love notes with various writing prompts to help kids get writing. Talk to them about the many people that they care about, and the things that they appreciate and love about them. Encourage them to think about how it feels to receive a heartfelt note of love and appreciation, and how it will make others feel to receive one from them.
Check out this post for fun scratch off love notes you can make with your kids!
Writing Center
A few months ago, my aunt gifted my daughter with a small box stuffed with stickers, envelopes, old notecards, and address labels. There are very few days that she doesn’t open the box up and start creating notes for people. She is just starting to write out letters and names, so this is fantastic practice for her. We recently cleaned out a desk and set it up as a homework station for her, and it has only added to her interest in writing.
You can easily set up a writing center in your home without spending much money. Gather up any extra notecards, stickers, envelopes, or address labels that you have and don’t use. This is a great use for any freebie labels you get in the mail. You should also gather a variety of different writing utensils. You could even set up a letter box to write notes back and forth with your kids. 
Related Post: Fantastic Children’s Books about Love
