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To the surprise of no one reading this newsletter, I have declared myself The Book Aunt. I’ve currently got 9(!) niblings1 and for each of their birthdays and Christmas I get them books because there is no greater gift. I seek to fill their shelves with stories that expose them to different cultures and world views, that connect them with nature and the wider world and that contain humor, history, new ideas and challenges. I also look for main characters that are smart, curious and nuanced, who go against the grain and have a character arc. I’ve gotten dozens of books for these kiddos over the years so I’ve assembled some of them here and then bullied my sisters2 into recording videos of their kids sharing their own favorites. I asked them what their favorite books are, why they enjoy them, why other kids may enjoy them and if there is anything they’d change about the story.
If you’re looking for ideas for children’s books this holiday season here are some ideas from a bookish aunt and her nerdy niblings.
The Boring Book by Shinsuke Yoshitake
As the story progresses, our protagonist discovers there's actually more to boredom than what meets the eye—more questions, more theories, and heaps of humor.
This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World by Matt LaMothe
Follow one day in the real lives of seven kids from around the world—Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia. While the way they play may differ, the shared rhythm of their days—and this one world we all share—unites them.
Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl
An earthy and beautiful collection of four stories that celebrate the seasons, nature, and life… Little Witch Hazel is a tiny witch who lives in the forest, helping creatures big and small. She's a midwife, an intrepid explorer, a hard worker and a kind friend.
You Matter by Christian Robinson
In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. … see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.
This travel journal is filled with thought-starters so kids can capture important stuff about their trip – like cool things they spot, new things they try and people they meet.
Arthur and the Golden Rope by Joe Todd-Stanton + entire Brownstone Mythical Collection
Imagine a vault so cavernous that it could contain all the world's greatest treasures and relics, from mummified remains of ancient monarchs to glistening swords brandished by legendary warriors. Who could be in charge of such a vault and how did he come into possession of such a unique collection? Who is...Professor Brownstone?
This series is special to me as I bought this first title for my nephew T when he was about 3ish and upon opening, he immediately sat on my lap and demanded to be read to.3 Over the years I’ve given him the rest of the series, even buying one for myself too so we could have Zoom read alongs in 2020. Its a terrific series; full of adventure, lore and legends from a variety of backgrounds and it has imperfect protagonists with commendable attributes. The artwork is arresting and full of layers and little details that reward keen attention and I love the Indiana Jones vibe. I highly recommend this whole series and I know T does too.
Atlas of Dinosaur Adventures by Emily Hawkins
Travel back in time to lock horns with a triceratops, stalk prey with a T. rex, and learn to fly with a baby pteranodon. With hundreds of things to spot and facts to learn, this is the biggest adventure yet!
Atlas of Ocean Adventures by Emily Hawkins
Set your spirit of adventure free with this journey to the world’s great oceans, discovering the diversity of life that exists in the deep blue sea.
Each section begins with an infographic map of the ocean it explores —Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern and Arctic—followed by richly detailed two-page spreads exploring its depths and the denizens within , as well as seabirds , coral reefs and shoreline critters
I’ve heard that the Dino Atlas was so beloved that it fell apart so I suppose I shall need to replace it. This atlas series is extremely educational but with lots of humor and fun illustrations. So many of my niblings went through a dinosaur phase that I think I got a copy for multiple families and the ocean atlas made the perfect gift for T who has aspirations of becoming a marine biologist.
Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror by Natasha Farrant
When an enchantress flings her magic mirror into our universe, its reflection reveals princesses who refuse to be just pretty, polite, and obedient. These are girls determined to do the rescuing themselves. Connecting these stories is the magic mirror, which reveals itself when each girl needs it most, illuminating how a princess’s power comes not from her title or beauty, but from her own inner strength.
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood (The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place #1)
Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position.
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale
Stopping monsters is no job for dainty Princess Magnolia. But luckily Princess Magnolia has a secret —she’s also the Princess in Black, and stopping monsters is the perfect job for her.
The Queen in the Cave by Júlia Sardà
It’s a story of three sisters who explore a nearby forest in pursuit of a dream. As they go deeper, the forest gets darker and its magical secrets come to life. Stunning, stylish and slightly psychedelic… packed with smart little details to pore over.
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
When Enola Holmes, sister to the detective Sherlock Holmes, discovers her mother has disappeared, she quickly embarks on a journey to London in search of her. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits.
There's A Bear on My Chair by Ross Collins
While a recorder plays in the background J says (through giggles) that he likes this book “because its a bear on a chair and he is too small for it!” before spoiling a major plot twist at the end.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole4 by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Shape Books5 by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Circle is J’s favorite “because she floats” but also “definitely Triangle because he breaks the rules”.6 J then decided to eeny, meeny, miny, moe to choose his real favorite before saying that though he doesn’t know how to read yet, he likes looking at books and says it is “good practice for reading so (he) can be a third grader faster” and leaves us with the call to action “buy this book or I could just give it to you if you can’t find it”.
Squid Happens by Isabel Roxas7
According to A, this book is about “a team and a water competition, they’re called Team Pom and they would do anything for peanut butter jelly. It’s funny, its cute and I think other kids will love it as much as I do because you just never know whats gonna happen next!”
An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! by Mo Willems
This is about “two best friends that never leave each other, its super funny and so interesting to read, you know when its really interesting and you like it? You just buy this one for $5 and it comes with 5 books8. If I would change anything I would change that they’d stop being idiots.”
The Essential Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
“I read it day after day, its just so funny to read and so many interesting reads. There should be more pages, 253 pages is not enough, I want 5 million and 27 pages. What the fart?”
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women9 by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
A says “I like this book, its really important to me. I don’t really read it, I just look at the pages and pretend that I’m just calling my friends.”
Whenever a niece is born I send them a copy of Rebel Girls (along with this one)10. The true stories are fascinating and it is nuts how little of them we know about. I also love the variety of illustrations inside as many different artists did the portraits of each of the women. This brand has many more in its series as well.
DOG MAN by Dav Pilkey
E yells “MY FAVORITE BOOK IS DOG MAN. It is about a dog and a man that got hurt in an explosion and the cop’s head was really hurt and it was dying and the dog’s body was dying and then the nurse got an idea to switch, to put the dog’s head on the cop’s body - here his mother, my sister M, interrupts and exclaims “THAT is the book you’re reading!?” - yeah, then it turned into Dog man. Like my whole entire class likes it, there’s even songs and the first one says on the book ‘a ton of good a ton of evil a ton of heroes’.
E says its such a good book that he even makes his own versions of the story, though he didn’t know what ‘fanfic’ meant. He ends by saying he likes science books about creatures and that he likes reading because “it teaches me a bunch of new words, like crazy English!”
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
F has read this “like 800 times. I like the pigeon, they’re my favorite character. It is kinda fun because you have to talk in the story and interact. It is such a good book I wouldn’t change it.”
Miles Morales Shock Wave by Justin A. Reynolds
In F’s opinion “this looks pretty awesome cause Spiderman is pretty good, its cool and he shoot webs.”
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
F breaks all of our hearts by saying “if you really love your mom and you’re a momma's boy, you might like this book because it teaches you all about the invisible string and I wouldn’t change this book because its filled with love.” His mom then melted to the floor.
The Three Little Sprigs by Terry Ann Marsh
“I’ve never seen a book like this. I would change the villains, cause they are pretty freaky.”
Harry Potter Illustrated versions 11
F declares that he “loves Harry Potter12 with all my heart, yeah so. The details, I mean are so good. The paintings! If I had to change the story, in Harry Potter 3 I would have my mom be in this story and in the movies helping Hermione punch Malfoy in the face.”
F signs off the 11 minute Marco Polo message by saying “I hope you like this channel, yeah I hope you like and subscribe” before his mom exclaims “This is not a channel, it is your FAMILY!”
Eragon series by Christopher Paolini
S loves this book “because its about dragons and I love dragons, I mean its me S! Its very adventurous and I love all the connections with people in that book.” She complains that the chapters end with cliffhangers, apparently not realizing that cliffhangers are a good thing. She thinks its good for 7th or 8th graders and that other kids would like it because kids like adventure stories. Her little brother E jumps into frame to say “Yeah! They actually do!”.
Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland13
“People will love it, its really fun and there’s so many books that you could read and there’s no cliffhangers”.14
Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
S says “I love it, its so fun and actiony. Its about ancient myth things, like the greek gods.”
The Wild Robot series15 by Peter Brown
“I love all of the love between the characters, the robot and the animals. Well, I think I’d change the first book’s ending to say that she’d come back one day.” I guess S really cannot deal with unresolved tension…
She ends her list by encouraging other kids to “Keep reading! Its fun!”. 16
any other kid’s books you’d like to share?
i’m an aunt not a mom
my family is scattered about the world. one sister’s family is in maryland while the other family is in budapest.
he can be particular about who he bestows attention to so this was a real win
from aunt abby!
from aunt abby!
is this book responsible for this child’s recent rebellious streak!? one can only hope
from aunt abby!
should probably fact check this
from aunt abby!
as i mentioned in the fuck the patriarchy shelf
from aunt abby!
pronouncing it in a british accent: “Harry Pawwter”
comes highly recommended from another nibling, T, as well! especially the graphic novel versions
s must not deal well with suspense…
from aunt abby!
the way to a bookish aunt’s heart
The best newsletter yet!! Can’t get enough of the goofy niblings
This column is a classic!!
Will def go down in the annals!!