Books make the best holiday gifts: Not only do they introduce kids to new worlds and language, but the act of giving books shows just how much you value literacy and learning!
Ahead of the holiday gift-giving season, we asked parents which titles their children have loved returning to again and again — and why. Here are three things to consider when you’re selecting book gifts this holiday season.
1. Choose series to set your child up for deeper, long-term engagement.
Series are great for avid and striving readers alike. Readers who are drawn to the characters and universe of the first book will want to read more.
“Dog Man and Captain Underpants are huge in our household,” says Laura Banfield, a parent of a 3-year-old and 6-year-old in Florida. “Not a day goes by without reading one or the other to my kids.”
Once your child is immersed in the world a series author has created, they’ll want to continue exploring the adventures and plot twists of the main characters to see where they end up next.
2. Look for nonfiction and biographical books to build topical knowledge — and opinions.
Readers whose interests have developed and who are forming opinions may be interested in biographies or nonfiction titles that discuss historical characters and their contributions.
Book gifts are also a wonderful opportunity to teach children more about the world around them. Those interested in science and learning about the planet will love the Fly Guy series, a favorite among kids and parents that tackles several topics, from animals to weather.
3. Read-alouds create time for bonding year-round (not just at the holidays).
The benefits of reading aloud with your child are plentiful and proven. Whether introducing concepts like the ABCs and counting or integrating rhyme and repetition, which help with fluency and spelling, contemporary read-aloud books like Dav Pilkey’s The Paperboy and the Peppa Pig series are a cornerstone of reading development.
And of course, the classics never go out of style. “Norman Bridwell's Clifford the Big Red Dog is an enjoyable classic,” says Michelle Roberts, a parent of three children ranging in age from infancy to 5 years old. “We have a family dog, so our kids find the Clifford stories relatable.”
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