Holiday Gift Guide: 10 Great Children’s Books (8 and under)

Welcome to the Book Dads Holiday Gift Guide! Below are 10 books we’ve reviewed this year on Book Dads which I think would make excellent gifts. Click on the books and the links to learn more about the book and maybe even purchase one from the Book Dads Powell’s Store.

* Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein - Each time the daddy reads the story the little chicken does not go to sleep . In fact the little chicken attempts to warn the characters in the book which totally exhausts the father chicken. Finally the daddy chicken who is so tired he asks the little chicken to read him a story and he falls asleep. This is a nice story for children, in preschool to 2nd grade, about options and reactions to books. (Dad of Divas, Book Dads)

* Hannah and the Talking Tree by Elke Weiss - Besides it’s ecological messages, there’s many other terrific messages to take from this story as well. Hannah is a wonderful character and a fantastic role model for children (especially girls) and shows so many positive traits I’d love to see my own daughter develop: strength to believe in yourself, the courage to speak up about injustice, empathy for those who are suffering, being a good listener, sensitivity to others needs and love for the world around her. (Chris Singer, Book Dads)

* Daddy Can You? by Monte White - I love how the book starts out with a picture of Naja sitting on her dad’s lap with him asking her: “What’s the nicest thing that happened to you today?” The story ends with the same picture of Naja sitting in her dad’s lap but this time he’s asking: “Where we gonna meet when we sleep?” The story also ends with a closing poem about the main theme of the story. If you’re a dad, this book would make a great gift for the kids. (Chris Singer, Book Dads)

* Mrs. P's Four Favorite Fairy Tales & Funny Stories - Although I haven't reviewed this book yet (it's coming up this week), I have read it and can tell you if you're familiar with Mrs. P's website, you'll enjoy the book very much. Make sure to check out her website and watch for the review this week on Book Dads. You may even have a chance to win your own copy! (Chris Singer, Book Dads)

* The Secret Message by Mina Javaherbin - Young readers will be riveted by the suspense of wondering what will happen to the beautiful parrot as well as mesmerized by Whatley’s stunning acrylic illustrations full of fun and interesting details sure to provoke young reader’s imaginations. (Chris Singer, Book Dads).

* We Are In A Book by Mo Willems - Willems does it again with another brilliant book for kids (and adults) to read. He’s become a favorite in our home and my favorite to read out loud with Tessa. The illustrations, as in all of his books, are very clear and expressive. With the white background toddlers can really focus on what the characters are doing and don’t get so distracted like they might while viewing other busier illustrated picture books. (Chris Singer, Book Dads)

* The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big Big Dark by Deborah Diesen - Diesen brings us an entertaining read aloud accompanied by Dan Hanna’s fabulous illustrations. It has a great message about friends helping others and also a light-hearted look at one of childhood’s biggest fears: the dark. I loved the “little voice” (the shimmer fish from the first book) which kept telling Mr. Fish to swim on even though he was starting to get worried about the water getting darker. It’s a great message for kids to do a little self-talk and trust that “little voice” which can give themselves the strength and extra encouragement to be brave and tackle their fears. (Chris Singer, Book Dads)

* Corduroy by Don Freeman - Corduroy embodies most everything that I hope my kids will one day stand for. My triplets are just three and as such are obviously unable to fully grasp the depth and beauty of this masterpiece. Just like I couldn’t when my parents first started reading it to me. But one day, I suspect, they will because Corduroy transcends the generations. Its simple messages are timeless and delivered lovingly, without an ounce of sanctimony. (John Cave Osborne, guest book reviewer & author of Tales From The Trips)

* The Daddy Book by Todd Parr - We know that no two daddies are the same and this book does seem to really touch a little of each of us like “Some daddies work at home…Some daddies work far away” – with a Dad blasting off into space (my son loves the rocket – but he calls it a plane). Parr’s bright and fun take on the “Daddy” story is such an easy read and is sure to be a favorite in every household. (Ryan LaLonde, Book Dads)

* Ballad of the Rag Man by Cynthia Gustavson - The Ballad of the Rag Man is a beautifully written story in rhyme with an easy to follow rhythm perfect for reading aloud. I was especially struck by Kristina Tosic’s unique illustrations which, through a little research, I found to be a combination of dip-pen drawings along with photographs. The visual effect of this combination is fascinating and can lead to a lot of interesting discussions about how the art interacts with the story and vice versa. (Chris Singer, Book Dads)

The final part 3 of our Gift Guide (Children's Books 8 and up) will come out later today.