2018 Holiday Gift Guide - Best Books for Kids

This post features books I received a review copy for consideration in my holiday gift guide.

Does your family go by the four golden rules to gift giving? Something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read… Although we do not always stick to the rule of only four gifts, we always include something they can read under the tree. My teen daughter loves books and has since she was a toddler – they are always at the top of her list. But I also love finding a great book to keep my son engaged so it isn’t a struggle to get him to read nightly. Check out this 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers. Hopefully, you’ll find books for kids on your list.

Books for Kids

Do you have early readers or little ones that you take time to read a bedtime story to each night? These books for kids are geared towards keeping the younger kiddos entertained but are not necessarily easy reading. I love when my nieces come to visit so I can read to them. Reading bedtime stories was one of my favorite activities when my kids were little.

Vampirina In The Snow

This show is darling! During a trip to Disney Studios, I was able to visit with the creator behind Disney Junior Vampirina and learned a lot about the animated show for kids. This new story

Get ready for a monster storm! Vampirina and her clan are determined to suck as much fun as they can from a host of wintry activities. From sledding to snow angels, there is quite a lot to do on this hauntingly beautiful night—and it’s not complete until Vampirina tests her ballet skills on the ice!

Purchase Vampirina in the Snow on Amazon.

The Dance of the Realms

This storybook is beautiful. With the foreword written by the real-life ballerina – Misty Copeland, this book has a lot to cherish. It’ll quickly become a family tradition to read this extended story inspired by Disney The Nutcracker And The Four Realms.

With breathtaking painterly illustrations, a deeply enchanting story, and a foreword written by celebrated dancer Misty Copeland, this picture book brings The Nutcracker and the Four Realms to life in a brand-new way. As the adventure from the film jumps off of the screen and onto the page, a new generation of readers and fans will be drawn in and enchanted by the holiday spirit, the beauty of dance, and the magic of storytelling.

Have you seen Disney’s Nutcracker and The Four Realms yet? If not, check out my parental movie review of Disney’s Nutcracker and see why you need to add it to your list of things to do with the family this holiday season.

Purchase The Dance of the Realms on Amazon.

Mulan’s Lunar New Year

I encourage my children to learn about different cultures. We had a foreign exchange student from China live with us during her senior year in high school. She taught us a lot about the Chinese New Year and since then we remember the traditions she shared with us.

It’s the Lunar New Year, and it happens to be Mulan’s favorite festival! There is a lot to do to prepare for this important celebration, and for the first time, Mulan is old enough to help out. But everything Mulan does seems to turn out wrong. Follow along with Mulan in this special Lunar New Year story that captures the unique sense of magic, imagination, and possibility that surrounds the holiday!

Purchase Mulan’s Lunar New Year on Amazon.

Chapter Books for Kids

Explorer Academy – The Nebula Secret

It is no secret that our family is filled with explorers and adventurers. We love to travel and strive to instill those same traits in our children. This book is the perfect gift for my 12-year-old son this holiday season. He is eager to learn fun facts and the National Geographic uses this book to pull kids into the story and make them ready to explore.

Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret brings together a diverse, multicultural cast of characters for a thrilling quest that combines science-based fact with futuristic fun. This uniquely interactive series invites readers to break codes and solve puzzles alongside Cruz and his friends as they travel the world aboard the ship Orion, immersing themselves in other cultures and learning about science and technology from real explorers in the field.

Purchase Explorer Academy: The Nebula Secret on Amazon.

The Secret of The Realms

Going beyond the film and further than the children’s bedtime story, this chapter book explores further into the novel of The Nutcracker and The Four Realms. The Secret of the Realms is a book I’m excited to gift my daughter this Christmas and then read it as soon as she is done.

This dazzling novel will not only retell the moving story from The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, but half of the book will expand and explore the world of the Walt Disney Studios film with brand-new, exclusive content. Complete with beautiful full-page chapter opener illustrations and never-before-seen details that add new depth to the story, this novel will have readers eager to step into the resplendent world of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms for generations to come.

Purchase The Secret of The Realms on Amazon.

The Art of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse

This book can be appreciated by all Disney lovers and book nerds alike. I’ve never met someone that isn’t touched or inspired by Walt Disney’s story and the progress a mouse has made over 90 years. This very thick book is a great addition to any bookshelf but I love it as a coffee table book for anyone to browse through.

Not just for kids, this book is going to make a great gift for my mother.

The Art of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse is a celebration of the true original icon, spanning the ninety years that Mickey Mouse has been entertaining audiences with heartfelt performances and humorous antics. The book begins with a comprehensive filmography, listing Mickey’s animated performances in shorts, films, and television shows. This impressive résumé is followed by an analysis of Mickey’s milestones: the firsts he has attained, the achievements he has made, and the recognitions he has received throughout his life thus far. A special double gatefold commemorates Mickey and Minnie’s ninetieth anniversary with ninety pieces of artwork depicting the famous pair, from never-before-seen animation drawings to classic comic book covers.

Purchase The Art of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse on Amazon.

Do you know a book lover that keeps their reading list stocked? Although you may not know what book is next on their list to purchase, these fun gift ideas are perfect for the book lover in your life. From a funny book tee or a Christmas ornament that speaks to their favorite hobby, they will love these unique gifts.

I am most excited to order the Old Books candle – it promises the scent of your old library or reading corner. Even if you are reading your books on an e-reader, burn the candle for the smell of paperback books.

Who is the book lover in your family?

I hope this holiday gift guide helped you add some books for kids on your list to make shopping a little easier this season.

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers