For some, winter break doesn’t always mean getting a break. From running errands for holiday preparations to long car rides on the way to relatives, there’s such a focus on what to get for who, it’s easy to forget to pause for some genuine, quality family time.
Taking even thirty minutes before bed to read together can make all the difference during the busiest season and our librarian has prepared a list of recommendations that make excellent gifts and even better reads.
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Elephant & Piggie Books These picture books—and many others from Mo Willems—are extremely popular amongst children (and their parents). From zany adventures, breaking the fourth wall to valuable life lessons about being patient and understanding, these high-spirited books inspire creativity and a touch of mindfulness. Each book in the Elephant & Piggie series was evaluated by an early learning specialist and several of Willems publications were even awarded the Caldecott Honor. |
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The Rainbow Magic Books With so many titles to choose from, it can be tricky knowing where to start with the Rainbow Magic books. Luckily, they can be ready and enjoyed in any order! There are ones for every holiday, season, and occasion with tons of wholesome and driven characters whose goal is to keep their home in Fairyland bright and colorful. These books make the perfect holiday gift for even the more reluctant readers with easy-to-read print and engaging stories. |
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The Bad Guys Books Get ready to laugh out loud with these ones. Not only are these books hysterical, but their unique, graphic novel format helped them become an instant hit. Referencing classic fairy tale stories, The Bad Guys refreshes age-old tales for a new generation of readers to fall in love with. Each book is also pretty long—with lots of pictures—making it a great choice for kids who are transitioning into chapter books. |
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I am Not a Label This inspiring book helps reinforce the author’s motto: “That we all have a place in the world, and that we are enough, just as we are. We all have the power to shine our own light.” In it, Cerrie Burnell shines a light on 34 academics, activists, athletes, and creatives who made big impacts in the world. These mini-biographies shed light on the more challenging moments faced by recognizable figures like Ludwig van Beethoven and Lady Gaga, Abraham Lincoln and Aaron Philip. |
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The Who Was?/Who Is? Books With more than two-hundred titles from just as many writers, these books give insight into some of history and today’s most influential figures. If your child has an interest in astronomy, why not show them what a life and career as a scientist would be like? Steve Jobs, Lucille Ball, Catherine the Great, and Confucius (to name a few), these books offer a spectacular opportunity to educate while nurturing and inspiring one’s interests. |
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The Sunny Series These poignant graphic novels were in one review called “heartbreaking and hopeful.” They’re about a girl named Sunny, who at the beginning of the story was sent away to live with her grandfather in Florida. Back home, her parents worked to get help for her older brother, who was struggling with a mental health crisis. It’s important for your child to know that they can count on you, especially when they find themselves in unexpected circumstances. These books provide parents a chance to talk to their children about what to do if they’re ever feeling unsafe and even open the conversation to areas of life that are more challenging to address without context. |
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The Amulet Series A #1 New York Times bestselling series, each of the Amulet books tells an epic adventure as its protagonists, siblings Emily and Navin, travel through mysterious worlds of robots and magic creatures to rescue their mother. Visually stunning and completely engrossing, Amulet shows how two ordinary children can accomplish anything, even when the odds are stacked against them. |
Don’t forget – it’s important to involve your child in their reading choices! Talk to them to get a sense of what they’re interested in reading. Looking for more recommendations? Click here to read more great books for readers with learning differences.
