As the December gift-giving season approaches, picture books stand out as thoughtful and joyful presents for young readers across Canada. Their slim profiles make them easy to wrap and mail, and their vibrant artwork and memorable stories often appeal to a wide age range, from preschoolers to older children and even adults sharing a read-aloud moment.
Festive Tales for the Holiday Season
A new selection of titles offers magic and lessons for the festive period. In When Santa Wrote Back! by Nathan Christopher, illustrated by Pablo Pino, a boy named Jake learns a profound lesson about the Christmas spirit. Jake, who is focused solely on receiving gifts, receives letters from Santa reminding him that "it's better to give than receive." When Jake dismissively tells Santa to take a vacation, he finds himself unexpectedly tasked with running the Christmas operation, leading to a humorous and heartfelt change of perspective.
Another story celebrating generosity is The Gift of Words by Peter H. Reynolds. It follows Jerome, who collects joyful words to give as gifts. When he encounters too many harsh words in the world, he decides to share his curated collection by hanging them on a tree in a park, sparking a community-wide celebration of kindness.
For pure holiday hilarity, The 13th Day of Christmas by Adam Rex offers a fresh take on the classic carol. The story follows a bewildered man whose true love sends him an escalating series of gifts, starting with a partridge in a pear tree. The cumulative presents quickly overrun his life, resulting in a riotously funny and occasionally poignant narrative that delights readers of all ages.
The magic of Christmas Eve is captured in Steam Train, Dream Train: Next Stop, Christmas! by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by AG Ford. This rhyming tale takes a train crew of animals on a nighttime journey to spread Christmas fragrances, music, and glittering decorations across the world, ensuring a dazzling wake-up for all.
Celebrating Hanukkah and Diverse Traditions
The season also brings beautiful books celebrating Hanukkah. For the youngest readers (ages two to four), Construction Site Hanukkah Lights by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Shawna J.C. Tenney, is a lift-the-flap board book. It features enthusiastic construction trucks preparing to light a giant makeshift menorah, with surprises hidden under each flap.
The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Leanne Hatch, offers a lyrical and informative look at the Festival of Lights through the eyes of a family's youngest child. Warm illustrations and eight informative insets explain traditions, making it an enriching read for both Jewish families and those learning about the holiday.
Timeless Gifts Beyond the Holidays
Gift books can also inspire creativity and celebrate culture year-round. Montreal-based illustrator Jacques Goldstyn's Sketch tells the story of a uniquely drawn boy named Sketch whose parents encourage his artistic talents. Aimed at ages seven to ten, it's a perfect pairing with a sketchpad and art supplies.
The power of music and intergenerational bonds is the heart of The One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence, illustrated by Matt James. It follows Jack, who learns to play guitar from his grandfather, surrounded by a vast record collection. The evocative acrylic paintings create a poignant story that transcends its suggested age group of four to eight.
Fans of iconic Canadian storyteller Robert Munsch can rejoice with the new publication The Perfect Paper Airplane, illustrated by Michael Martchenko. This book for ages three to seven comes with instructions for folding a paper airplane, making it an ideal gift when combined with paper.
For young foodies, Soup's On Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth, illustrated by Chelsea O'Byrne, features over 20 global soup recipes. The colourful and informative book is sure to whet appetites and could be wonderfully paired with a pot of homemade soup.
A truly significant and inspiring collection is You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People, edited by Stephanie Sinclair and Sara Sinclair. This anthology features words and artwork from more than 40 Indigenous individuals across Turtle Island, aimed at instilling pride and confidence in readers aged eight to twelve. It includes a foreword by the late Murray Sinclair, who served as chief commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, making it a powerful and educational gift for anyone interested in Indigenous culture and history.
