When it comes to gift giving, books continue to stand the test of time. Not only is reading crucial for kids’ cognitive development, it’s also great for expanding their vocabularies, building confidence and fuelling their imaginations. Unlike many gifts, books can be passed onto siblings or cherished on the shelf for the next generation of curious little minds.

• Around 0 – 3 years, babies and toddlers benefit from high contrast images, rhymes and stories that let them interact like touch and feel books.  It’s also wise to opt for board books as they’re much more durable.
• From ages 3 – 5, this is where you can start to introduce extended story lines. We love prompting our kids to guess what’s going to happen while we’re reading and then talk about the story after.
• 6 – 8 year olds are ready for big tales as well as non-fiction. We love books that allow children to feel empathy, inspired and motivated!

To help you find the perfect books, we’ve listed our absolute favorite children’s classics by age group below.

 

Books for Ages 0 – 3 years

 

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

 

All over the world, babies are different. Yet in some ways they are very much the same: each one has ten little fingers and ten little toes – to play with, to tickle, to wave. Buy the Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes book here.

 

Pat the Bunny

 

Pat The Bunny is one of the bestselling children’s books of all time. This deluxe edition includes four pages restored from the first and second printings: Mummy’s button box to shake and Dolly’s ball to squeak. Buy the Pat the Bunny book here.

 

Baby’s Box of Fun Board Book Set

 

Filled with the most popular Karen Katz illustrated lift-the-flap board books, this set includes “Where Is Baby’s Belly Button?, Where Is Baby’s Mommy?,” and “Toes, Ears, and Nose.” Buy the Baby’s Box of Fun Board Book Set here.

 

Wee Gallery Slide and Play Board Book

 

Featuring high contract illustrations and a sliding feature, this book is great for strengthening eyesight and developing hand-eye coordination. Buy the Wee Gallery Slide and Play Safari Board Book here.

 

Opposites with Frank Lloyd Wright

 

 

This book does double time introducing kids to the mind of architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as teaching them all about opposites! Buy the Opposites with Frank Lloyd Wright book here.

 

Goodnight Moon

 

Beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day. Buy the Goodnight Moon book here.

 

The First Thanksgiving

 

This book is a beautiful way to teach kids about generosity and gratitude! Buy The First Thanksgiving Lift-The-Flap book here.

 

D is for Dreidel

 

Looking for the perfect Chanukah present? This holiday alphabet themed book is both fun and educational! Buy the D is for Dreidel book here.

 

Christmas is Here

 

A true classic, Christmas is Here makes for a great stocking stuffer. Buy the Christmas is Here book here.

 

Little Scientist Board Book Set

 

 

Raising a budding scientist? This box set will introduce them to astronomers, physicists, chemists and earth and life scientists! Buy the Mudpuppy Little Scientist Board Book Set here.

 

Little Feminist Board Book Set

 

Raising a little feminist? This set will introduce them to artists, leaders, pioneers and activists. Buy the Mudpuppy Little Feminist Board Book Set here.

 

Hug Machine

 

his endearing story encourages a warm, caring, and buoyantly affectionate approach to life. Buy the Hug Machine book here.

 

Books for Ages 3 – 5 years

 

Time For Bed

With rhythmic verse and gentle illustrations, Time for Bed is ideal for helping little ones drift off to sleep. Buy the Time For Bed book here.

 

A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers

 

Designed to help kids navigate feelings of anxiety, this sweet book gives kids the tools they need to overcome their worries. Buy A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers here.

 

Guess How Much I Love You Pop-Up Book

 

This timeless classic is back with pop-ups! Sentimental and interactive, it’s a sentimental book every shelf needs. Buy the Guess How Much I Love You Pop Up edition here.

 

LOVE from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

 

Using a range of images from the World of Eric Carle, and featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar, this special gift book gives all the reasons why someone special makes the world a better and brighter place. Buy the Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar book here.

 

The Day the Crayons Quit

 

Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! They quit! What can Duncan possibly do to appease all of the crayons and get them back to doing what they do best? Kids will have a great time imagining their own humorous conversations with crayons. Buy The Day the Crayons Quit book here.

 

Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes

 

A story that’s equal parts fashion fairy-tale and guide to girl power, both parents and kids will fall in love with the brilliantly spirited Juno Valentine. Buy Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes book here.

 

Little People, Big Dreams – Stephen Hawking

 

The Little People, Big Dreams series introduces kids to the great minds and big hearts of our times! In this book – kids get to learn all about Stephen Hawking. Buy the Little People, Big Dreams Stephen Hawking book here.

 

Madeline 

 

Set in Paris, this tale of a brave little girl’s trip to the hospital is as appealing today as it was in 1940. The combination of spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes Madeline a favorite. Buy the Madeline book here.

 

The Polar Express

 

The Polar Express makes the silly season extra sentimental. If you’re looking for books to read the night before Christmas, this one is a total winner Buy The Polar Express book here.

 

Books for Ages 5 – 8 years

 

The Story of Ferdinand

 

Translated into more than sixty languages, this classic tale of a peaceable bull has been a favorite of readers across the world for generations. Buy The Story of Ferdinand book here.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

 

Featuring stories and illustrations of women who led extraordinary lives, this collection will leave both boys and girls feeling all sorts of inspired! Buy Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls here.

 

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Volume 2

 

Even more great minds for kids to be inspired by! Buy Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Volume 2 here.

 

The Giving Tree

 

Since The Giving Tree was first published fifty years ago, Shel Silverstein’s poignant picture book for readers of all ages has offered a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return. Buy The Giving Tree book here.

 

Room on the Broom

 

While this book is extra fun at Halloween, it offers themes of kindness, generosity and friendship all year round. Buy the Room on the Broom book here.

 

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

 

For lovers of Dr Seuss (the whole world) – this classic tale is fun for the whole family! Buy How The Grinch Stole Christmas here.

 

Continue exploring

• What we’re reading: How Many Words Should Your Toddler Know By Two?
• Need last minute presents for the holidays? Visit The Tot Holiday Shop.