With just two weeks before Christmas, you're likely now beginning to shop for gifts for your little ones. You might even be looking at children's books to give your children.
Choosing the perfect book for a child can open doors to imagination, learning, and endless adventures. With so many wonderful stories available, deciding which ones will capture the minds of young ones can be challenging.
Fortunately, a fantastic selection of children's books has come out this year---many of which stood out for their creativity, storytelling, and ability to inspire. In this list, we included five of the best children's books of the year for children of all ages.
1. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Katherine Rundell's "Impossible Creatures" is a captivating middle-grade fantasy novel set in a hidden archipelago in the North Atlantic. The story introduces readers to a world where mythical beings like centaurs, sphinxes, dragons, and unicorns still exist---a world discovered by Christopher, who found out that his grandfather was the keeper of a portal to the island.
2. One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome
"One Big Open Sky" is a powerful historical novel in verse by Lesa Cline-Ransome. The story follows a Black family's perilous journey from Mississippi to Nebraska in search of freedom and land ownership.
This middle-grade book offers a unique perspective on an often-overlooked part of American history, including post-Reconstruction African American history, the Westward expansion, and the challenges faced by homesteaders.
3. Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
The story follows Jane, a young woman who is constantly told she is plain and unattractive. After her parents' sudden death, Jane faces eviction from her family home unless she marries quickly. She proposes to Peter, the handsome boy in town, but he is kidnapped by a mermaid and dragged underwater. Determined to save her chance at independence, Jane embarks on an underwater adventure to rescue Peter
The book explores several important themes, such as beauty standards, self-worth, and independence.
4. Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Olivia's "Where to Hide a Star" is a charming story that revolves around a boy who enjoys playing hide-and-seek with his friends: a star and a penguin. When the star goes missing one day, the boy goes on an adventure where he discovers the magic of friendship, sharing what brings us joy and letting go.
5. Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods by Grace Lin
"Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods" is a captivating and informative book by award-winning author and illustrator Grace Lin. The book explores the stories and folklore behind some of the most popular American Chinese dishes, such as dumplings, fortune cookies, scallion pancakes, and General Tso's Chicken.
The book has received acclaim from the New York Times, ALA, and the New York Public Library.
