‘Tis the season to start thinking about gifts for all the little ones! And while it may be tempting to give in and purchase the hottest new toy or most popular cartoon character this holiday season, the gift of a book arguably opens so many more doors to imagination and new perspectives. If you’re not quite sure what to put under the tree this year, read on to this age-appropriate list of children’s books from BC publishers for a bit of inspiration.
Years 0–5
The under-five crowd can be tough to please. Picking out the perfect book for the toddler years can be especially challenging when they’re just as likely to chew a corner as they are to become engrossed in the story. Fortunately these colourful, educational and silly stories below are sure to hold a small child’s attention—at least for a short while.
- Bedtime, Not Playtime by Lawrence Schimel, illustrated by Elina Braslina (Orca Book Publishers)
- A is for Anemone by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd (Harbour Publishing)
- City Day by Glenn Brucker (Douglas & McIntyre)
- Taan’s Moons: A Haida Moon Story by Alison Gear illustrated by Kiki van der Heiden (McKellar & Martin Publishing Group, Ltd)
Years 5–8
There eventually comes an age when the taste of a good book isn’t enough of an appeal to lure young readers. For the grade school crowd it’s all about story, discovery, and the thrill of learning something new! These books all have adventures in spades, be it a space-voyaging dog, acquiring new skills, or simply exploring the great outdoors.
- For Laika: The Dog Who Learned the Names of the Stars by Kai Cheng Thom illustrated by Kai Yun Ching (Arsenal Pulp Press)
- Dipnetting with Dad by Willie Sellars, illustrated by Kevin Easthope (Caitlin Press)
- The Wonders That I Find by Meghan J. Ward illustrated by Taylor Odynski (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
Years 9–12
As reading competence increases, so too does the thirst for longer stories with complexity and nuance. Expand knowledge horizons for 9–12 children this holiday season with the following book selections. From the history of Louis Riel Day to the accomplishments of a very determined guinea pig, there’s something here to captivate any middle grade reader.
- Louis Riel Day: The Fur Trade Project by Deborah L. Delaronde illustrated by Sheldon Dawson (Theytus Books Ltd.)
- Peggy’s Impossible Tale by Roy & Slavia Miki (Tradewind Books)
- Aggie and Mudgy: The Journey of Two Kaska Dena Children by Wendy Proverbs (Heritage House Publishing)