Are all of your friends getting married and having kids? Are your kids all grown up and you haven’t picked up any children’s picture books it for years? Suddenly have a bunch of small children to buy presents for and don’t want to get another toy to end up in the plastic toys from China landfill?
Here are the picture books to buy for the little ones on your list this holiday season.
1. Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese cat.
But forget about that.
Skippyjon Jones is a delightful, colorful, vibrant journey into the power of imagination. Skippyjon is really a Siamese cat, but he likes to think he’s a chihuahua. Once he slips into his closet the adventure begins as his mind takes on the costume of his alter-ego, Skippito Friskito, the Great Sword Fighter! And chihuahua.
This children’s picture book is chocked full of rhymes, sing along, daring escapades, and silly scenarios. Everything the young mind craves. This book is great for any age (including adults!).
2. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Even dinosaurs don’t like to go to bed.
This silly romp through the nighttime task of putting children to bed takes an appealing turn when the role of the children are played by dinosaurs. But even dinosaurs can pull some stunts to avoid dropping off into dream land.
This children’s picture book contains amazing illustrations with exquisite detail that will make it a repeat read. This book is appropriate for younger readers, newborn to 3 years of age.
3. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault, Illustrated by Lois Ehlert
I’ll meet you at the top of the coconut tree.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is the perfect book to get your toddlers hooked on reading. With its fast-paced rhymes, alphabet characters, and dangerous antics, this picture book will keep the attention of even the fussiest crawler. Not to mention the potential for the reader to entertain through the sing-along-ish verses and explosive plot twists!
This children’s picture book is always on my list of children’s picture books for expectant parents as it’s ideal for newborns through 3 years of age.
4. Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins
Yes, I typed that correctly. I really did mean Mother Bruce and not Mother Goose.
This crazy spin on a classic will have your little ones grabbing for this book again and again. Poor Bruce is a bear whose dinner of goose eggs turn out to be – gulp! – live goslings! Hilarity ensues when Bruce tries to shed himself of the gosling entourage, but it might just be too late.
This children’s picture book contains a twist on a classic story line inherently appealing in its mistaken-identity romp. With silly antics and laughable mix ups, this picture book is perfect for your older readers ages 3 years and up.
5. The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak
Yes, that is the same B.J. Novak of The Office fame, and yes, he did write a children’s book with absolutely no pictures.
So why is this on my list of picture books to buy this holiday season?
Because it doesn’t need the pictures.
Novak takes the entire idea of the picture book and turns it on its head. Aren’t picture books meant to be read to children? So wouldn’t it stand that whatever is written in the book must be read by the reader?
This book encourages a silly good time when the reader must contort his or her mouth into the silliest sounds to the delight of the youngster listener. This picture book is perfect for any age.
