For Children Age 0-6
The preschooler who loves polar bears will love getting “A Bear Far from Home” by Susan Fletcher and Rebecca Green. It’s based on the true story of a gift from Norway to England, and the meaning of home. Wrap it up with 
“The Worst Teddy Ever” by Marcelo Verdad. It’s the story of another kind of bear and its love of a little girl.
If you’ve got a young environmentalist on your list, “A Planet Like Ours” by Frank Mu
rphy and Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Kayla Harren could be a great gift. It’s a sweet, uncomplicated reminder to love the Earth we have.
For young Black boys, a book like “Black Boy, Black Boy, Celebrate the Power of YOU” by
Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond, pictures by Ken Daley is a welcome gift. It’s an inspirational book full of all the good that Black men do, and that a Black boy can hope for.
The child who’s having a rough holiday may want to have “There Was a Hole” by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated 
by Carrie O’Neill read to them. It’s the story of a little girl who’s missing something, and she thinks she’s the only one. It’s a tale of loss and coping, and it’s pretty sweet. Pair it up with “Everything Will Be Okay” by Anna Dewdney, pictures by Judy Schachner, a comforting book for when nothing goes right.
For the kid who needs a boost of confidence, “Most Perfect You” by Jazmyn Simon,
illustrated by Tamisha Anthony is a good choice. Irie hates her hair, and she wishes it were different. Her mother’s answer is perfect.
For the littlest reader (think: someone wh
o entered the world this year), “Hello, Baby! I’m Your Mom” by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Jui Ishida is the sweetest, gentlest, most perfect gift. Hint: it’s really for mom… Pair it with “My Hero” by Brian Biggs, which is really a good book for dads and kids.
Youngsters who love the water will love opening “Monsters in the Briny” by Lnn Becker, illustrated by Scott Brundage. It’s a book about the monsters that live in the 
sea, and it’s a great introduction to mythology and cryptozoology. Wrap it up with “Too Many Pigs in the Pool” by Wendy Hinote Lanier, illustrated by Iris Amaya. Yep, it’s a pigsty in there.
