Needing inspiration for what to gift the young people in your life this Christmas? Whether you’re looking for a present for a mythology lover, an outdoor explorer, a curious toddler, or a little one facing new experiences, our gift guide will help you to find the perfect books for the wee readers in your life.

Gifts for mythology and folktale lovers

From Cinderella to The Princess and the Frog, the Brothers Grimm stories are beloved around the world. Within An Illustrated Treasury of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, thirty of the best-loved Grimm stories are beautifully brought to life by Daniela Drescher in a collection that is sure to delight any young reader.

If you prefer your mythology with a Scottish twist, immerse yourself in slithering stoorworms, fierce kelpies and magical selkies in An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales. The perfect gift that will be enjoyed by parent and child alike.

Helpful dwarfs, mischievous gnomes and powerful fairy folk are brought to life in vibrant watercolour and ink illustrations from Daniela Drescher in the enchanting collection of Illustrated Tales of Dwarfs, Gnomes and Fairy Folk.

Illustration from Illustrated Tales of Dwarfs, Gnomes and Fairy Folk by Daniela Drescher

Gifts for outdoor explorers

The Whale, the Sea and the Stars sees a little whale’s first journey into the world: her excitement, challenges, fears and wonder. In this moving coming-of-age picture book, the wonder of our oceans is celebrated alongside the amazing wildlife that inhabit it.

Illustration from The Whale, the Sea and the Stars by Adrian Macho

A child embarks on remarkable adventures when their treehouse becomes a gateway to fantastical other worlds. Joyful and lyrical, This is My Treehouse observes the endless adventures our imaginations can take us on, and the sanctuary offered by a space to call our own. 

Grandpa and Little Bear go on a voyage to try to find Faraway Valley. But does the beautiful place of their dreams still exist, and can they find it? Finding the Way to Faraway Valley is a magical, heart-warming tale of wonder and adventure, this moving picture book gently explores themes of celebrating nature and respecting wild landscapes.

Illustration from Finding the Way to Faraway Valley by Cecilia Heikkila

Gifts for curious toddlers

Celebrate the seasons with Gerda Muller’s charming, wordless Seasons Gift Collection, featuring four mini boards books – one for each season. Explore the lively scenes with your little one and spot the gorgeous seasonal details: a girl feeding chicks in Spring, fun with homemade lanterns in Summer, children flying kites in strong Autumn winds, and cosy Christmas story time in Winter.

Illustration from Winter by Gerda Muller

Say hello to sleepy animals, special animals, adorable baby animals and brilliant bugs in this vibrant and engaging board book set for babies and toddlers. Hello Animals Gift Collection includes four delightful mini board books that are a charming introduction to a range of wonderful animals and insects.

It’s winter and Norbert the Gnome is worried that his animal friends won’t have enough to eat. He decides to bring them each a delicious gift. A sweet seasonal story about kindness by bestselling illustrator Daniela Drescher.

Illustration from Norbert the Winter Gnome by Daniela Drescher

Books about facing new experiences

In I Will Swim Next Time, a young child gradually overcomes their fear of the water. With lyrical words and vibrant illustrations, this gently powerful story shares the importance of listening to yourself and not rushing into things.

Sam the dog helps his young owner find happiness in the little things by encouraging him to be a little less sad and a little more dog! Be More Dog is a funny, feel-good story that celebrates the connection between children and pets while encouraging us all to be more dog.

Illustration from Be More Dog by Caroline Crowe and Carlos Velez

When Mina starts kindergarten in her new country the only word she understands is her name. As her understanding steadily grows, Mina realises this new language now belongs to her. Mina Belongs Here is a heartfelt and uplifting exploration of a migrant child’s journey to belonging.

Illustration from Mina Belongs Here by Sandra Niebuhr-Siebert and Lars Baus