Gift Books for Kids

Now many of you will be getting your kids books for the holidays.  Yipee!  If there is a sequel to their favorite series or there is a new release they have been coveting, it is a wonderful gift.

But sometimes you just want to give a gift book and you may not be sure what the recipient enjoys.  This is when it is time to bring out the impressive kid gift books.  These books are larger in size, stunning in illustrations and look quite substantial when sitting under the tree.  A nice way to bridge the gap between a cool present and, let's face it, a book which rarely gets the "ooh" "ah" factor it deserves!

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Guinness World Records 2016

This is the one book that will be manhandled over and over again.  Between the outrageous and sometimes weird photos, the litany of records and the ability to pour over it for hours your kids cannot help but be drawn to this one.

Guinness World Records 2016 Gamer's Edition

Of course no collection would be complete without the Gamer's Edition.  This one has a whole section on Minecraft for the obsessed, and gives kids records in their own game playing to aspire to.   Just like the original but with video games ... how can the holidays get any better?

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Anna Bond

This version of the classic story has just been released for the 150 year anniversary and the illustrations by Anna Bond are gorgeous and whimsical.  I dare any child not to fall in love with this new version.

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A with 50 fact-filled maps! by Gabrielle Balkan and Sol Linero 

For any child obsessed with maps or geography, this book is a colorful and delightful gift that shares plenty of facts and trivia to keep a kid occupied for hours.  I love having these books around as questions come up about places where our family resides or where we plan on going on vacation and we can quickly pull out these guides.  We reference these on a regular basis and this one is easy to navigate and incredibly appealing.  If you are giving this to someone who lives far away, why not bookmark your own town?

Who Done It? by Olivier Tallec (Illustrator)

This fun French import recently arrived stateside.  Kids will initially be drawn to the horizontal story but the fun is guessing which character "forgot their swimsuit?" or other fun and giggle inducing questions.  They must search for clues in the stance and expression of the characters which will hone their keen eye for detail.  C'est bien, n'est pas?

Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan (Author), John Rocco  (Illustrator)

Of course no list would be complete without the latest book of Greek Heroes as narrated by Percy Jackson.  If you are looking for a book that is big. heavy, impressive and funny this is your ticket.  For any fan of the Greek Myths, this will be a can't put down read and the illustrations by John Rocco are breathtaking. 

The Puffin in Bloom Collection

This collection features Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, Little Women, and A Little Princess and uses the same illustrator, Anna Bond, as the Alice in Wonderland edition above.  I am a bit obsessed with these reproductions by Riffle Paper Co, but they are so impressive that any girl in your life will pour over the beautiful and alluring cover designs and be enchanted.

Star Wars The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight by Tony DiTerlizzi  (Author), Ralph McQuarrie (Illustrator)

I haven't forgotten that this is the year for Star Wars.  This picture book is for the young in age, but the gorgeous illustrations by Ralph McQuarrie, the original concept artist who worked with George Lucas, makes it for the young at heart as well.  The artwork selected really shines in this book and any parent wanting to share the beginnings of the Star War's Saga with their kids will enjoy it just as much as their children.  Important when you are rereading a picture book for the umpteenth time!

Asterix and The Missing Scroll (At Home with) by Jean-Yves Ferri (Author), Didier Conrad (Illustrator)

Ok, having gone to a French school, I had to include the new Asterix.  If you are shopping for kids who love comics, good guffaws and history, Asterix is just the thing.  A new writing and illustrating team has taken over the brand and this is the second of their new releases.  Get some new readers invested in this Gallic duo!