Holiday Gift Guide 2024
We truly believe that books make the best gifts! In this guide, you’ll find some of our favorite books of the year for kids of all ages. There’s truly something for everyone on your list!
This year, we're honored to include recommendations from two of our favorite bookish friends in Madison. Hannah is a local bookseller and the soon-to-be new co-owner (!) of A Mystery to Me Bookstore, and Molly is the owner of Lake City Books downtown. Both of these incredible independent bookstores support us throughout the year, and are excellent places to shop this winter, and all year long! You can also view more of their holiday gift recommendations on their websites and in-store.
We encourage you to shop small this season by purchasing books for your classrooms, colleagues, friends, and family directly through your favorite local bookstore and/or our Bookshop.
You can purchase books for our giving programs this year by visiting our Wish List Registry.
From Hannah at A Mystery To Me Bookstore
Don’t Tickle the Penguin by Sam Taplin and Martin Larranaga
This series is one of my absolute favorite gifts for babies and toddlers. Don’t Tickle
the Penguin is a delight for kids and caregivers with unique sounds and textures on
every page. Kiddos as young as four months can use their teeny tiny fingers to bring
the animals to life while toddlers will laugh out loud as they attempt to mimic the
wintery creatures. Fun fact for parents: there is a very convenient on/off switch on
the back of the book when you need a quieter reading experience.
All the Books by John and Hayley Rocco
I love, love, love this picture book! The story follows a young mouse who is, shall we
say, a bit overly protective of her books. When tragedy strikes and her books are
ruined in the rain, she’s introduced to the most wonderful place she’s ever seen: the
library! Inside the library, she discovers that it’s possible to have all the books she
could ever want and share them with her community too! In addition to its beautifully
bookish plot, All the Books has some of the best illustrations I’ve seen this year.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
You’ve almost certainly heard of Katherine Rundell’s incredible middle-grade fantasy,
Impossible Creatures, but we’re going to talk about it anyway. Within minutes of
reading the first chapter, I could just tell that I was holding a future “classic” in my
hands. Rundell weaves an amazing story of adventure, heartache, magic, and hope
while highlighting the everyday magic of friendship. If you loved Skandar and the
Unicorn Thief, Keeper of the Lost Cities and Amari and the Night Brothers, this book
is for you!
Not Nothing by Gayle Forman
Gayle Forman is well-known in the young adult reading universe, but if you haven’t
read her middle-grade novels, you’re missing out! Not Nothing follows a young boy
who has made more mistakes than he can count, the most recent landing him with
mandatory community service. While serving in a local retirement home, Alex meets
Josie, 107-year-old man who has refused to speak for years…until now. Through
alternating points of view, readers learn the stories of two very different people
desperate to know the answer to one question: Am I still worthy of forgiveness?
A Study in Drowning (Collector’s Edition) by Ava Reid
Aside from the fact that this book is gorgeous (have you seen those bookish sprayed
edges?!), A Study in Drowning is a haunting fantasy that is sure keep readers
hooked until the very end. Following Effy, a girl who has taken solace in fairytales all
her life, as she is given the chance to learn about the mysterious writer who created
the magical world of Angharad. With the help of a young scholar, Effy desperately
works to learn the truth behind the tale of the Fairy King. As the lines between make
believe and reality begin to blur, Effy’s story becomes more intriguing (and more
dangerous) than ever.
From Molly at Lake City Books
A Magnificent Misunderstanding by Molly Raske
Ages 2-12
Local author, local press, universal story! Young readers learn the importance of listening—especially when you want to throw a great, big party like little heiress Georgia and her pet Jitterbug—in the beautifully-crafted, whimsically-written book, “A Magnificent Misunderstanding” by Madison author Molly Raske and award-winning illustrator Matthew LaFleur.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess by Jeff Kinney
Ages 8-12
The pressure is building for Greg Heffley, who discovers that when you mix heaps of family, a tiny beach house, and sweltering heat, it’s a recipe for disaster. Speaking of recipes—the secret ingredients behind Gramma’s famous meatballs have been closely guarded for years. Can Greg unpack all of his family’s mysteries before their vacation is over? Or will he just stir the pot?
Bonus deal: We have signed copies of ALL the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books in stock right now, and if you buy two you get a free Greg stuffy (while supplies last)!
Usborne Book Advent Calendar
24 Mini Books for only $24.99!
Ages 4-10
This luxury advent calendar contains a beautifully illustrated mini-sized storybook behind each window to fire up children's imaginations in the build up to the big day. Perfect for December bedtime reading and cozy story times.
From Madison Reading Project
We Share This Neighborhood by Dan Saks and Brooke Smart
We Share This Neighborhood is part of a great new board book series that is so fun for little ones. The rhyming and heartfelt stories feature universal scenarios that all little ones will resonate with. The pictures also feature bright and lively pictures include a diverse cast of characters.
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kelb
We LOVE this book! It is such a fun book to read aloud with kids - its certain to delight and entertain people of all ages. We also love the important lessons about embracing who you are and healthy masculinity.
Towed by Toad by Jashar Awan
Hop on a tow-truck ride with Toad as he learns that everyone needs help sometimes, even the helpers! The first in a new series for fans of Frog and Toad and Little Blue Truck!
Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet by Geo Rutherford
Get ready, this book is creepy in all the best and most interesting ways! Dive into the most mysterious waters around the world (if you dare) in Spooky Lakes, an illustrated nonfiction book from TikTok star and educator Geo Rutherford. An instant New York Times bestseller!
Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas
A video gamer’s championship aspirations are dashed when his parents send him to Camp Reset, where electronics are forbidden and you're forced to socialize, eat healthy, and spend time outside. Gamerville is a timely and vulnerable exploration of the importance of human connection and what it means to run in a pack, brought to you by award-winning author Johnnie Christmas.
The Davenports: More Than This by Krystal Marquis
The anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller featuring escapist romance and a wealthy Black family in 1910s Chicago.
Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, More Than This is the second book in critically adored Davenports series, following four empowered and passionate young Black women as they navigate a rapidly changing society and discover the courage to steer their own paths in life—and love.
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