The 2023 holiday season is upon us, and high-quality children’s books make great additions to any shopping list. To encourage lifelong readers and make your holiday shopping quick and easy, our Growing Readers panel (composed of Bright Horizons early education experts) rounded up some of their favorite books for every age.
Infant/Toddler Recommendations
Calm
Written by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Reading this book together brings a peaceful reprieve for babies and the people who love them. It’s a beautiful depiction of caregivers offering their babies kind and calming moments.
Written by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Reading this book together brings a peaceful reprieve for babies and the people who love them. It’s a beautiful depiction of caregivers offering their babies kind and calming moments.
Grandma and Me
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford; Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
This glorious celebration of family captures the love between grandmother and child with brilliant illustrations and vibrant, rhyming prose and offers playful ideas for young children and the people who care for them.
Written by Carole Boston Weatherford; Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
This glorious celebration of family captures the love between grandmother and child with brilliant illustrations and vibrant, rhyming prose and offers playful ideas for young children and the people who care for them.
The Hair Book
Written by Latonya Yvette; Illustrated by Amanda Jane Jones
This lyrical book is an appreciation of every kind of hair. Poetic rhyme, bold graphics, and a mirror at the end make it a fun and engaging read for children and parents alike.
Written by Latonya Yvette; Illustrated by Amanda Jane Jones
This lyrical book is an appreciation of every kind of hair. Poetic rhyme, bold graphics, and a mirror at the end make it a fun and engaging read for children and parents alike.
How to Say Hello to a Worm
Written and Illustrated by Kari Percival
Through repetition and teamwork, a group of friends tends to their growing garden in this beautiful story of children’s sprouting curiosity about the outdoors and the creatures who live there.
Written and Illustrated by Kari Percival
Through repetition and teamwork, a group of friends tends to their growing garden in this beautiful story of children’s sprouting curiosity about the outdoors and the creatures who live there.
I Am a Baby
Written and Illustrated by Kathryn Madeline Allen; Photographs by Rebecca Gizicki
Vibrant, joyful photos depicting babies and their everyday lives will spark the interest of babies and caregivers alike.
Things I Know How to Do
Written and Illustrated by Amy Schwartz
This rollicking, silly story brilliantly captures children’s desire to feel mastery and independence. Young children will instantly relate and want to read this book over and over again.
Written and Illustrated by Kathryn Madeline Allen; Photographs by Rebecca Gizicki
Vibrant, joyful photos depicting babies and their everyday lives will spark the interest of babies and caregivers alike.
Written and Illustrated by Amy Schwartz
This rollicking, silly story brilliantly captures children’s desire to feel mastery and independence. Young children will instantly relate and want to read this book over and over again.
Whose Footprints Are These?
Written and Illustrated by Gerda Muller
A charming, wordless book with a mystery to solve: whose footprints are these? Infants and toddlers will enjoy looking at the bright illustrations while older children will delight in unraveling the young character’s morning adventure.
Written and Illustrated by Gerda Muller
A charming, wordless book with a mystery to solve: whose footprints are these? Infants and toddlers will enjoy looking at the bright illustrations while older children will delight in unraveling the young character’s morning adventure.
Preschool Recommendations
Berry Song
Written and Illustrated by Michaela Goade
In this celebration of the kinship between family, the community, and the land they inhabit, vivid illustrations take readers on a journey through Earth’s beautiful wonders and bountiful harvest.
Written and Illustrated by Michaela Goade
In this celebration of the kinship between family, the community, and the land they inhabit, vivid illustrations take readers on a journey through Earth’s beautiful wonders and bountiful harvest.
Big Truck Little Island
Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
On a tiny island’s narrow road, a big truck rumbles along carrying a mysterious package — until it gets stuck. Five resourceful kids and a tow truck help solve the problem and the mystery of the package. Rhyming text and whimsical illustrations bring this true story to life.
Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
On a tiny island’s narrow road, a big truck rumbles along carrying a mysterious package — until it gets stuck. Five resourceful kids and a tow truck help solve the problem and the mystery of the package. Rhyming text and whimsical illustrations bring this true story to life.
Brown
Written by Nancy Johnson James; Illustrated by Constance Moore
Told from the perspective of a young boy, this gentle narrative celebrates diversity and subtly dispels the idea that family members should all look the same. Familiar terms like polished pine, cinnamon, honey, and autumn leaf are used to describe his family’s skin tones.
Written by Nancy Johnson James; Illustrated by Constance Moore
Told from the perspective of a young boy, this gentle narrative celebrates diversity and subtly dispels the idea that family members should all look the same. Familiar terms like polished pine, cinnamon, honey, and autumn leaf are used to describe his family’s skin tones.
Fire Chief Fran
Written by Linda Ashman; Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
In this small-town story, Fire Chief Fran is ready to serve the community. From fighting fires to tending injuries, discover all the ways firefighters help keep people safe. Plus, get intriguing information about fire equipment, firefighter training, and much more at the end of the book.
Written by Linda Ashman; Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
In this small-town story, Fire Chief Fran is ready to serve the community. From fighting fires to tending injuries, discover all the ways firefighters help keep people safe. Plus, get intriguing information about fire equipment, firefighter training, and much more at the end of the book.
Home is in Between
Written by Mitali Perkins; Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Everything is different for a young girl and her family who leave their village in India to come to America — new weather, customs, traditions, and friends. This relatable story for children who have moved or immigrated will help those who have always lived in the same place gain understanding and empathy.
Everything is different for a young girl and her family who leave their village in India to come to America — new weather, customs, traditions, and friends. This relatable story for children who have moved or immigrated will help those who have always lived in the same place gain understanding and empathy.
Lift, Mix, Fling! Machines Can Do Anything
Written by Lola M. Schaeffer; Illustrated by James Yang
Children are naturally interested in machines. This book, with its colorful illustrations and lifting text, offers an engaging introduction to the topic. Children will be surprised to find that machines are all around them!
Written by Lola M. Schaeffer; Illustrated by James Yang
Children are naturally interested in machines. This book, with its colorful illustrations and lifting text, offers an engaging introduction to the topic. Children will be surprised to find that machines are all around them!
Listen
Written by Gabi Snyder; Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
This story follows a child’s typical day through the lens of intentional listening, which transforms an ordinary day into something special.
Written by Gabi Snyder; Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
This story follows a child’s typical day through the lens of intentional listening, which transforms an ordinary day into something special.
Love Makes a Garden Grow
Written and Illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
A young girl describes her experiences of growing flowers with her grandfather. As she grows, life inevitably changes, but her grandfather’s love remains. The story depicts rich family life and creates a deep sense of connectedness and security.
A young girl describes her experiences of growing flowers with her grandfather. As she grows, life inevitably changes, but her grandfather’s love remains. The story depicts rich family life and creates a deep sense of connectedness and security.
The Roar
Written by Eoin McLaughlin; Illustrated by Polly Dunbar
Tortoise is stuck — and frustrated! Hedgehog is determined to help, but what will he do when he can’t help Tortoise with his big feelings? Follow the animals as they try to help Tortoise in this gentle story about empathy and friendship.
Written by Eoin McLaughlin; Illustrated by Polly Dunbar
Tortoise is stuck — and frustrated! Hedgehog is determined to help, but what will he do when he can’t help Tortoise with his big feelings? Follow the animals as they try to help Tortoise in this gentle story about empathy and friendship.
Rumble and Roar
Written by Sue Fleiss; Illustrated by Khoa Le
Four children in different places of the world explore the sounds all around them. The onomatopoeia-inspired rhyming verses and animated illustrations take you on an adventure through swooshing waterfalls and rumbling volc
Written by Sue Fleiss; Illustrated by Khoa Le
Four children in different places of the world explore the sounds all around them. The onomatopoeia-inspired rhyming verses and animated illustrations take you on an adventure through swooshing waterfalls and rumbling volc
This is the Planet Where I Live
Written by K.L. Going; Illustrated by Debra Frasier
Brilliant illustrations and classic rhyming structure lead children through an exploration of Earth and the connections that bind us to it and to each other.
Written by K.L. Going; Illustrated by Debra Frasier
Brilliant illustrations and classic rhyming structure lead children through an exploration of Earth and the connections that bind us to it and to each other.
Wonder Walkers
Written and Illustrated by Micha Archer
From the author of Daniel’s Good Day comes another picture book to love. In Wonder Walkers, two siblings explore the natural world, describing it with awe and poetic beauty. Archer’s collage and oil illustrations are luminous.
Written and Illustrated by Micha Archer
From the author of Daniel’s Good Day comes another picture book to love. In Wonder Walkers, two siblings explore the natural world, describing it with awe and poetic beauty. Archer’s collage and oil illustrations are luminous.
School-Age (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade) Recommendations
A Library
Written by Nikki Giovanni; Illustrated by Erin K. Robinson
Acclaimed poet and New York Times bestselling author Nikki Giovanni shares the early library experiences that formed her. Inspiring and uplifting, this book offers a new way to look at our libraries.
Written by Nikki Giovanni; Illustrated by Erin K. Robinson
Acclaimed poet and New York Times bestselling author Nikki Giovanni shares the early library experiences that formed her. Inspiring and uplifting, this book offers a new way to look at our libraries.
Ice Cream Man
Written by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman; Illustrated by Keith Mallet
This book tells the story of Augustus Jackson — a poor boy from Philadelphia who left home when he was twelve to become a White House cook, and who later developed technologies to bring ice cream to the masses.
Written by Glenda Armand and Kim Freeman; Illustrated by Keith Mallet
This book tells the story of Augustus Jackson — a poor boy from Philadelphia who left home when he was twelve to become a White House cook, and who later developed technologies to bring ice cream to the masses.
Lion Lights
Written by Richard Turere with Shelly Pollock; Illustrated by Sonia Possentini
How did a nine-year-old boy use ingenuity and curiosity to save his family’s cattle while preserving lions’ safety on the plains of Kenya? Read this true story to find out.
Written by Richard Turere with Shelly Pollock; Illustrated by Sonia Possentini
How did a nine-year-old boy use ingenuity and curiosity to save his family’s cattle while preserving lions’ safety on the plains of Kenya? Read this true story to find out.
Luminous: Living Things That Light Up the Night
Written and Illustrated by Julia Kuo
This eye-catching book gives children an introduction to an incredible natural phenomenon called bioluminescence — light made from living things. Illustrations set upon black pages create a uniquely beautiful visual experience.
Written and Illustrated by Julia Kuo
This eye-catching book gives children an introduction to an incredible natural phenomenon called bioluminescence — light made from living things. Illustrations set upon black pages create a uniquely beautiful visual experience.
Make Way for Animals: A World of Wildlife Crossings
Written by Meeng Pincus; Illustrated by Bao Luu
What happens to animals when human activity blocks their paths? What can we do to help them? Meeng Pincus explores how people around the world have built wildlife crossings for animals. This immensely hopeful book will energize young readers to create solutions.
Written by Meeng Pincus; Illustrated by Bao Luu
What happens to animals when human activity blocks their paths? What can we do to help them? Meeng Pincus explores how people around the world have built wildlife crossings for animals. This immensely hopeful book will energize young readers to create solutions.
Older School-Age (3rd-6th Grade) Recommendations
Cress Watercress
Written by Gregory Maguire; Illustrated by David Litchfield
A rabbit’s life can be dangerous. And when young Cress’s father goes missing, her mother assumes the worst. The family moves to a drab apartment in an old oak tree where they meet a host of interesting characters. This instant classic is a coming-of-age story about friendship, bravery, and family.
Written by Gregory Maguire; Illustrated by David Litchfield
A rabbit’s life can be dangerous. And when young Cress’s father goes missing, her mother assumes the worst. The family moves to a drab apartment in an old oak tree where they meet a host of interesting characters. This instant classic is a coming-of-age story about friendship, bravery, and family.
