Few things can ever beat a good book, I think we can all agree.
When given to children, it is the gift that will keep on giving, and be something you can all enjoy together.
We recently caught up with Programme & Events Manager at Children’s Books Ireland, Aoife Murray, to pick her brain about why books really are the perfect gift for kids this Christmas, and what books you should be putting under the tree this holiday season.
“The long, cosy days of Christmas are the perfect opportunity to grab a book and snuggle up with your little ones, which is why books make the perfect Christmas gift,” Murray explains. “Reading opens up a child’s imagination, generates empathy and helps them experience places and people they might never otherwise encounter. Also books don’t need batteries, are fully portable and a nice chunky one can keep a child quiet for days.”
Murray explains that children’s books are dominating the bestsellers charts this year, with beautiful, engaging and special books available for all ages of reader and every interest.
Here are 10 really amazing books every child will love:
1. A Busy Day for Birds (Age: 0-4)
A beautiful book by Lucy Cousins about all the busy birds that surround us from bird of the year, the flamingo to starling and woodpeckers.
A Busy Day for Birds, €16, Easons and other bookstores nationwide
2. Luna Loves Library Day (Age: 5-8)
A beautiful story by Joseph Coelho about a little girl called Luna who loves visiting the library every week with her dad. Touches on a love of reading and spending time with Dad.
Luna Loves Library Day, £11,68, from Amazon.co.uk
3. Something’s Fishy (Age: 0-4)
This ice fishing mystery features a grumpy penguin, a troupe of curious onlookers, and a surprise ending!
Something’s Fishy, €16,73, Easons and other good bookstores nationwide
4. The Lotteries Plus One (Age: 9-11, preteens)
The Lotteries Plus One is a story about a blended family living in Canada, the first children’s book from award winning Irish author Emma Donoghue.
The Lotteries Plus One, €15,39, Easons and other bookstores nationwide
5. Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals (Age: 4-12)
Readers examine animals’ skeletons and guess to whom they belong; the answers are revealed in vibrant, full-color scenic habitats, with easily understood ― and humorous ― explanations.
Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals, £16,95, Amazon.co.uk
6. Twinkle, Twinkle ABC (Age: 0-4)
This sing-aloud book sure has enduring appeal! Though “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “The Alphabet Song” follow the same exact tune, never before has a children’s book mashed up these two quintessential songs of childhood.
Twinkle, Twinkle ABC, £8,95, Amazon.co.uk
7. The Bubble Street Gang: The Clubhouse Mystery (Age: 5-8)
The next installment from Erika McGann in this fun series about a gang of kids who hang out at their own fabulous secret clubhouse.
The Bubble Street Gang: The Clubhouse Mystery, £6,99, from Amazon.co.uk
8. Kids in the Kitchen
This book by Amanda Grant encourages kids (and parents) to get into the kitchen for some cooking fun. Discover 50 fun recipes that will not only encourage future healthy eating habits, but also develop motor skills, cognitive development and self-confidence.
Kids in the Kitchen, €13, Bookdepository.com
9. A Dangerous Crossing (Age: 12-14)
This book by Jane Mitchell is a poignant, timely story about a Syrian refugee’s journey to safety.
A Dangerous Crossing, €9,99, Little Island
10. One Christmas Wish
This new book by Katherine Rundell is already a modern Christmas classic, the perfect mix of traditional and modern.
One Christmas Wish, £10, from Amazon.co.uk
