Skip to main content

Picture Books from 2021 That Would Make Great Gifts

I am one of those librarians that always gives books for gifts. And there have been some pretty good books this past year—okay so there are always good new books—and I have a few that I think are especially good if you are looking for a book to give away this holiday season. Just don’t tell my family what is on this list—or they might not be surprised as to what is coming their way… 

Written by Hannah Carmona 
Illustrated by Anna Cunha
Oxford, United Kingdom: Lantana Publishing Ltd., 2021.

This is a good book to give kids who aspire to being brave. In the story, Anita must face her fear of moving away and flying in an airplane (dragon). 

Written by Jonathan Stutzman
Illustrated by Dan Santat 
New York, NY : Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2021.

This is a book that I just gave to my newest nephew. It is a sentimental story about how specific treasured toys can impact a child—and be impactful for multiple generations. 

By Bob Shea
New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2021.
 
If you have someone who needs a good book that is funny but also sweet at the same time, then this is the book for you. Bob wants to make a bird restaurant so he doesn’t have to go find dinner—until he realizes dinner might be friends. 

Written by Joanna Ho 
Illustrated by Dung Ho
New York, New York : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2021.

This is one of those powerhouse books that tells readers that they are of value and how value and strength can come from themselves and their relatives. So powerful! 

By Jessica Young 
Illustrated by Rafael López 
New York : Little, Brown and Company, 2021.

This is a sweet book that talks about how even though people may be far apart—they can still be together in spirit or in their dreams. A great book to give to those loved ones who live far away. 


By The Fan Brothers
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2021.

If you know someone who loves beautiful illustrations, then this is the book to give. The Fan Brothers are known for some breathtaking illustrations, and this book is no exception. 

Written by Shelly Anand 
Illustrated by Nabi H. Ali 
New York : Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House, 2021.

This is another book about self-worth—particularly about body image. If you know a young reader who would benefit from a sweet story about being excited about their body, then this is the book to give. 

Written by Kim Norman
Illustrated by Pierre Collet-Derby 
Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Press, 2021.

I have a dinosaur fan at my house. This is a clever and silly book that is full of counting and dinosaur fun. 

By Andrea Wang
Illustrated by Jason Chin 
New York : Holiday House, 2021.

Every now and then there comes along a book that makes me think about my ancestors and how I am better off because of the sacrifices that they made for me. This is one of those books. 

By Leo Timmers 
Wellington, New Zealand : Gecko Press, 2021.

If you know someone who loves to laugh and likes dragons and clever stories and illustrations, then you may want to gift this book. I already gave this one as a gift multiple times this year, and it has been a hit every time with my dragon-loving nephews!

Comments

Ramona said…
How delightful to find your post and head to my library site to put the books on hold! I have grandsons who love dinosaurs and dragons. And this grandma loves any book that celebrates family.

Popular posts from this blog

De la hora del cuento: La letra "H"

  Cuentos Cuando tu niñera es una bruja Escrito por Ana Siqueira Ilustrado por Irena Freitas New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. Libro ilustrado. "Si consigues una nueva niñera y ya casi es Halloween, ten cuidado ... ¡porque podría ser una bruja!" --Editor Cuentitos Mi ofrenda Por Mariana Galvez   Los Angeles, California: Little Libros, LLC, 2022. Pequeño libro ilustrado. "Finalmente ha llegado el momento y Amelia necesita tu ayuda para recoger art̕culos para la ofrenda de su familia. A través del uso de colores, este libro de buscar y encontrar les enseñará a sus pequeños el significado especial que tienen los artículos cotidianos durante el Día de Muertos." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "H" Hola. ¡Adiós! Hermana pegajosa Hansel y Gretel ¡Hola, Capitán! Nuestras Ancestras: Tejiendo Historias En Mi Huipil

If You Like ... Super Silly Read Alouds

If you like super silly read alouds, these playful picture books are for you! Young readers get to laugh, imagine, and become part of the storytelling fun! From upside-down adventures and magical spells to silly surprises and unexpected telephone calls, each book offers something delightfully different. These books are sure to inspire giggles, curiosity, and plenty of conversation. Pandamonium! Written by Annie Bailey Illusrated by Bonnie Wong New York : Feiwel and Freinds, 2026. When the panda family gathers for a reunion, they attempt to take the perfect family photograph. Despite their best efforts to look their finest and sit still, the little pandas become increasingly wiggly and giggly. Fun panda facts at the end add an educational touch to this playful celebration of family togetherness. I Think We're Upside Down! By Marcus Cutler New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2026. Rabbit and Raccoon discover that something is very wrong with their world. When Raccoon’s new basketball ...

Books to Read When... You're Feeling Dreamy

As the days get shorter and the nights feel darker, my dreams become more vivid. I love waking up remembering little pieces of the adventures my mind had while I slept. Here are some fanciful picture books to take you to dreamland. If the Moon Written by Matthew Burgess Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe Naperville, IL : Stonefruit Studio, an imprint of Sourcebooks, 2026. Picture book. This lyrical bedtime picture book explores possibility and imagination through dreams. A little child transports and transforms between inner worlds (and outer space!) while falling asleep. White pages, variegated blacks, and blurry, cozy colors play together as the liminal spaces between waking and dreaming.  Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup Written by Giovanna Zoboli Illustrated by Mariachiara di Giorgio Translated from Italian by Denise Muir Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture book. Mr. Lepron's homemade vegetable soup is so extraordinary that he ...