Holiday Gift Guide 2025!

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 (and adults!) 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 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.

Hannah's Picks

Snow Kid by Jessie Sima (Author/Illustrator), Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

[Picture Book]

Meet Twig, the snow kid! Like all snow kids, Twig was made from many snowflakes, twigs, stones, a crisp orange carrot, and a very fine hat. What a wonderful thing it is to be Twig! Except…could they still be Twig if a strong breeze blows away their hat? As Twig chases after the hat, more things keep changing, and they keep growing and moving and talking. Is there still a way to go back to being Twig?

Maybe not. But maybe there’s more than one way to be a snow person, and it can be fun to walk and talk and grow and change. Twig can find snow people like them even as they’re still learning how to become Twig, and that’s a wonderful thing!

The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall (Author), Matt Phelan (Illustrator), Knopf Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

[Middle Grade]

Gwen MacKinnon's parents are dreadful. Truly, deeply, almost impressively dreadful. So Gwen's not upset at all when she's foisted onto her never-before-seen Uncle Matthew for two weeks. Especially when it turns out he has a very opinionated dog named Pumpkin.

Things take a turn for the weird when Gwen makes a discovery in the local library. A discovery that involves tiny creatures with wings. And no, they're not birds. They're called Lahdukan. But why can only Gwen and the youngest children, gathered for storytime, see them?

The Lahdukan insist that Gwen is destined to help them find a new home. But how can a girl as unwanted, uncourageous, and generally unheroic as Gwen possibly come to the rescue? Pumpkin has a few ideas...

Dragonborn by Struan Murray (Author), Dutton Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

[Middle Grade]

There is a secret world of dragons that lurks at the edges of our own. But dragons also live among us. These Slumberers have been human for so long they have forgotten their true selves—until something awakens the dragon within.

Twelve-year-old Alex Evans is about to wake up.

Ever since her father’s death, Alex’s overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. Feeling trapped, Alex’s frustration has become too big to hide away. Burning inside, she erupts into a fierce, fiery roar.

A new school and a new life await Alex on the legendary island of Skralla, one of the last surviving dragon havens. There, she will train alongside other young dragons who are wild, untamed, and—unlike Alex—skilled at transforming and embracing their dragons within.

As dark factions begin to rise, Alex finds herself in a race to unlock her long-dormant power before Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, rises again to wage war against the human world.

If Looks Could Kill by Julie Berry (Author), Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

[Young Adult]

It’s autumn 1888, and Jack the Ripper is on the run. As London police close in, he flees England for New York City seeking new victims. But a primal force of female vengeance has had enough. With serpents for hair and a fearsome gaze, an awakened Medusa is hunting for one thing: Jack.

And other dangers lurk in Manhattan’s Bowery. Salvation Army volunteers Tabitha and Pearl discover that a girl they once helped has been forced to work in a local brothel. Tabitha’s an upstate city girl with a wry humor and a thirst for adventure, while farmgirl Pearl takes everything with stone-cold seriousness. Their brittle partnership is tested as they team up with an aspiring girl reporter and a handsome Irish bartender to mount a rescue effort, only to find their fates entwine with Medusa’s and Jack’s.

Shady Hollow: A Murder Mystery Series by Juneau Black (Author), Vintage (Publisher)

[YA/Adult Mystery]

The first book in the Shady Hollow series, in which we are introduced to the village of Shady Hollow, a place where woodland creatures live together in harmony—until a curmudgeonly toad turns up dead and the local reporter has to solve the case.

From Hannah - "I know this has been out for a few years, but I just read this and am obsessed! It's the coziest little murder series filled with woodland creatures, and I just think it's the best!"

Molly's Picks

Cows are Pink! by Becky Davies (Author), Gareth Lucas (Illustrator), Silver Dolphin Books (Publisher)

[Board Book]

Why we love it: This book is colorful, interactive, and silly; the perfect book to interest little minds.

The colors on the farm are all mixed up—cows are pink, sheep are red, and cats are green! Cows Are Pink! is a clever, interactive board book with cut-out pages that little ones can turn to bring the right colors back to the farm. With humorous text, bold and bright illustrations, and fun reveals, this hands-on board book is sure to charm children and parents alike.

The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake by Devin Elle Kurtz (Author/Illustrator), Knopf Books for Young Readers (Publisher)

[Picture Book]

Why we love it: A beautifully illustrated story about learning something new. In this book The Bakery Dragon discovers the best place in the world to learn a new skill - the library!

Batter up!

Ember is in charge while the baker takes a trip and he's excited to show what he can do! When an opinionated fairy princess swoops in demanding a cake, he eagerly agrees. So what if he's only baked bread before? How hard can it be?

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo by Bess Kalb (Author), Erin Kraan (Illustrator), Random House Studio (Publisher)

[Picture Book]

Why we love it: This sequel to the hit "Buffalo Fluffalo" is somehow even cuter than the original and there is even a cuddly stuffy to go with it!

Every day, Buffalo Fluffalo goes about his usual routine. He munches all the grass he can eat, frolics and rollicks with his friends, and at noontime, lies down for a nap in the shade. But one morning, Fluffalo wakes up to a loud wailing cry and, to his surprise, finds a little buffalo named Puffalo with the tiniest, shiniest eyes!

At first, Fluffalo does not like Puffalo. “What does it need?” he huffs in alarm. But Crow wisely explains that Puffalo doesn't need much—just time to learn and grow. Slowly, Fluffalo watches as Puffalo learns to trip, slip, gallop, and trot. He teaches Puffalo to eat plants and to keep away from red ants. Together, the two take long strolls and snuggle for naps. And even though Puffalo sometimes slows him down, Fluffalo realizes that life is much better with Puffalo by his side.

Click the images to purchase!

A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff (Author), Dial Books (Publisher)

[Middle Grade/Young Adult]

Why we love it: A groundbreaking, action-packed, and ultimately uplifting adventure that intertwines elements of Jewish mythology with an unflinching examination of the impacts of transphobia, from Newbery Honor winner Kyle Lukoff.

Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm by Charlie Mackesy (Author/Illustrator), Penguin Life (Publisher)

[All ages!]

Why we love it: Revisit the beloved characters from The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse as they wander the wilderness and face new challenges - a perfect gift for anyone who loved the original story!

Charlie Mackesy’s four unlikely friends are wandering through the wilds again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer.

When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm?

You can also shop in person at Lake City Books this season, and score all sorts of deals! Don't miss their sales over Thanksgiving weekend!

Madison Reading Project's Picks

Your Places by Jon Klassen (Author/Illustrator), Candlewick (Publisher)

[Board Book]

We love anything by Jon Klassen! This is such a beautiful trio of board books for our youngest readers. Perfect for a new baby and nursery!

With a minimal tableau of familiar objects and a gentle rhythm suited for reading aloud, a farm, a forest, and an island are assembled with all their items, ending with bedtime as the sun goes down. These are places for a young child to have whenever they want to go there. This trio of board books, focusing on safe spaces, comfort, and imagination, signals new ground for Jon Klassen, even as peculiar touches of whimsy stamp them as iconically his.

People are Weird by Victor D.O. Santos (Author), Catarina Sobral (Illustrator), Milky Way (Publisher)

[Picture Book]

This is such a beautiful, fun and thought-provoking book about all the weird things that make people in this world so special! Kids will LOVE it and adults will, too.

A lighthearted, thought-provoking―and yes, weird!―story about celebrating the different quirks we all have, from award-winning creators Victor D.O. Santos and Catarina Sobral

Axolotl and Axolittle by Jess Hitchman (Author), Sarah Rebar (Illustrator), Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (Publisher)

[Picture Book]

If you spend any time with kids, you know that axolotl's are having a moment this year! This is such a silly book that's just perfect for siblings to enjoy together.

Axolotl snacks-alotl.

And lives life to the max-alotl.

Little brother Axolittle

likes to study facts a little.

For total opposites like these two, sometimes differences can lead them to poke-a-little and joke-a-little, then shout-a-lotl and pout-a-lotl. This axo-lutely hilarious new read-aloud about fighting and making up is a must-buy for siblings and friends who need to chill their gills and learn to get along.

Hogbert by Briony May Smith (Author/Illustrator), Candlewick (Publisher)

[Picture Book]

This book is such a feast for the eyes! Its gorgeous and sweet, and the perfect story for cozy bedtime reading with kids of all ages.

Uh-oh! When a tasty trail lures Hogbert away from his family, he ends up all alone in the forest. Can he find his way home? Lush artwork, subtle fairy-tale references, and the kindness of new friends keep readers smiling.

Grimms' Fairy Tales by Sandra Dieckmann (Author/Illustrator), Brothers Grimms (Authors), Candlewick (Publisher)

[Picture Book]

Twenty classic stories get a gently modernized twist in Sandra Dieckmann’s beautifully illustrated collection of treasured and lesser-known fairy tales.

From internationally acclaimed creator Sandra Dieckmann comes a captivating collection of Grimms’ fairy tales, accessibly written and illustrated with an eye to inclusivity. Including much-loved stories like “Rapunzel” and “Sleeping Beauty” as well as more obscure gems from the author’s childhood in northern Germany, this splendidly illustrated gift book of twenty tales is poised to charm readers of all ages. Enchanted forests, wild animals, powerful princesses, and brave heroes all reflect a lightly modern take in this Grimms’ collection to be cherished by all.

Oh, Bother! Winnie-the-Pooh is Befuddled, Too - A Smackerel-Sized Parody of Modern Life by Jennie Egerdie (Author), Ellie Hajdu (Illustrator), Running Press Adult (Publisher)

[Adult/Young Adult]

This book is perfect for the Winnie-the-Pooh fans in your life! It has the same charm and wisdom of the kid stories, but its made for adults and modern times. If you like this, you'll also love the Frog and Toad parody by Jennie Egerdie!

Welcome back to the Hundred Acre Wood as Winnie-the-Pooh and friends acclimate to the joys and worries of the 21st century in this heartfelt parody.