Episode 12: Best gift books for kids of all ages

In episode 012 of the Your Kid’s Next Read podcast:

Best gift books for kids of all ages

Choosing the perfect book gift for a special occasion can be fraught, particularly if you don’t know the young reader very well. Megan and Allison share their go-to books to gift kids of all ages – right up until they leave home. Plus, kids often ask Allison how they’ll know if their writing is ‘good enough’ – she shares her own thoughts and some from friends. Meanwhile, Megan has tips on using books to spark an interest in sustainability.

Books we mention

Click on the links to buy from Booktopia or shop all of the YKNR Podcast recommendations on our dedicated Booktopia page.

Bookmail and TBR pile

‘The Underdogs: Catch a Cat Burgler’ by Kate Temple & Jol Temple. Illustrated by Shiloh Gordon
– Watch the Book trailer

‘Just One Bee’ by Margrete Lamond and Anthony Bertini. Illustrated by Christopher Nielsen

‘100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze’ by Clayton Zane Comber

 

Best special occasion gift books (beyond ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ and fairy tale anthologies)

Check out Megan’s full lists of the best books for EVERY age here.

‘Puffling’ by Margaret Wild. Illustrated by Julie Vivas

 

For babies (for more options see Megan’s list of ‘Best Books for Babies’)

‘This Small Blue Dot’ by Zeno Sworder

‘Welcome Baby’ by Jess Racklyeft

‘A Boat of Stars’ edited by Margaret Connolly & Natalie Jane Prior

For readers around age 7  

‘The Secrets of Magnolia Moon’ by Edwina Wyatt

‘Coco: Big City Kitty’ series. Megan’s series review is here. 

Sets of books such as ‘Nature Storybooks’ and the ‘Explore Your World’ series by Tim Flannery

Cookbooks like Donna Hay’s ‘Basics to Brilliance: Kids’ and ’Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street’ by Felicita Sala

For teens (check suitability for your reader)

‘The Bird Within Me’ by Sara Lundberg

‘Songwriters on Songwriting’ by Paul Zollo

‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ by Charlie Mackesy

‘Unbroken’ (YA Adaptation) by Laura Hillenbrand

 

Quick tips

Industry Insider: How to tell when your writing is ‘good enough’ by Allison Tait

Sustainability reads for children

‘Eco Rangers’ series by Candice Lemon Fox

‘Your Planet Needs You!’ by Philip Bunting

‘Iceberg’ by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft

Books to Support Earth Hour by Megan Daley (Childrens Books Daily)

 

 

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Find out more about your hosts here

Allison Tait – Allisontait.com

Megan Daley – Childrensbooksdaily.com

 

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@altait

@daleyreads

 

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Meet Allison Rushby

Allison is the third, much shyer member of #teamyknr

Find out about Allison and her books at allisonrushby.com