Children’s Books for the Holidays

Highlights launched a new initiative last year that goes beyond its unmistakable brand of “fun with a purpose” to help kids develop specific skills for school success through puzzles, activities and games. The new line, Highlights Learning, is headlined by a series of “Big Fun Workbooks” that introduce, reinforce and strengthen skills in reading, writing and early math for kids in Pre-K, Kindergarten and first grades. But this October, the progressive framework developed in collaboration with teachers is expanding up a grade with the release of Highlights’ Big Fun Second Grade Workbook! $10

These three hardcover instructional books are great for those artists with a quirky side. Folk Art Fusion, teaches how to paint folk art subjects in a vibrant yet homespun style. Doodled Cats and Doodled Dogs, meanwhile, are packed with creative prompts, fun animal facts, and step-by-step doodling projects. Cats - $14 Dogs - $11

Mind your manners! There's more to good manners than just saying "please" and "thank you"! With 44 simple rules on how to behave, and how not to behave, this giggly guidebook shows you exactly what it means to have good manners, and what happens when you don't follow the rules of good behavior... Kids and their parents will giggle their way through this clever and colorful guide on polite behavior, and are sure to want the companion book on how to behave at school, too! $13

This essential guide covers a multitude of worries and anxieties that a young person may face while growing up—from peer pressure to puberty and all the worries in between. This friendly and funny book aims to reassure tweens that their worries and fears are normal and offers practical tips for managing anxiety and stress, such as practicing mindfulness and meditation. $10

Spend the day at school and join the little girl in everything she does in a day—from breakfast to bedtime. Meet her classmates and try to spot what each friend is up to in every lesson throughout the book. Can you guess what they want to be when they grow up? This reassuring introduction to the school day for little ones has bright, friendly artwork and is perfect for children about to go off to school for the first time. $12

A pod of dolphins (and their porpoise friend, Petey) is in trouble. Their reef no longer provides the food they need to survive. The pod can't figure out what to do until Petey suggests they hold an election to decide. $15

Discover what daily life is like for kids all around the world! Meet children from over 40 countries and explore the differences and similarities between their daily routines. Over 24 hours, follow a wide variety of children as they wake up, eat, go to school, play, talk, learn, and go about their everyday routine in this stunning retro-style illustrated picture book that celebrates different cultures. $16

Pairing simplified mindfulness principles with each letter of the alphabet, ABC Mindful Me features colorful illustrations of children and animals, as well as playful rhymes to explain each concept to toddlers (and their parents!). $15

Be curious! Be imaginative! Be determined! Develop your talents by drawing inspiration from the greatest of geniuses. In a world that changes quickly, the future belongs to those who have an open, flexible mind: like John Lennon, they will imagine the impossible; like Walt Disney, they will work as a team; and like Copernicus, they will be able to think backwards! If you’re worried you might not be up to the job, have no fear! This fascinating book will show you the way. Meet 27 geniuses from different eras and disciplines – artists, scientists, thinkers or writers – and learn from their "creative methods". Packed with facts, games and activity ideas to boost your intelligence, creative, inventive, and critical thinking skills, this book will show you that you can become absolutely awesome at whatever you put your mind to! $11

Learn all about scientists who changed history in this engaging and colorful board book perfect for inventors-in-training! $8

Journey with a little girl through her dreams, alongside her friend Sleep. Meet friendly aliens, ride on a dragon's back and meet a scary monster... who turns out to be not-so scary after all. With Sleep by your side, nothing is as terrifying as it seems. This magical picture book delights in the joy of dreams, opens a door to children’s imaginations and helps to contain their fears around sleep and night terrors. Featuring stunning, atmospheric illustrations, this beautiful story is the perfect book for getting little ones off to sleep at bedtime. $12

A fun and playful back-to-school twist on the popular nursery rhyme “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”!
The itsy bitsy school bus was ready for the day. Backpack was full with lunch and books, hooray!
Dropped off at school, it was time to learn and play, $6

New from beloved author Joan Holub, Hello Knights! is a fun, playful board book about unexpected friendship! Knights run up. Knights run down. Take the queen her royal crown. $8

Help little ones learn how to use their inside voices with this second story in the brand-new Wee Beasties series from New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman. Roary the Lion loves to roar. The only problem is, he roars WAY too loud. WAIT! Can you show Roary how to be quiet? $7