Clever Holiday Gift Pairings for Young Readers

Books make great holiday gifts. But paired with the perfect something? Well, then, that’s bound to result in bigger smiles. Here are some book pairings we recommend.

SPRINGTIME STORKS: A MIGRATION LOVE STORY

Katerina and Luka, two majestic, mated white storks, are migrating when Katerina falls from the sky, wounded by a hunter. Nearby, a farmer and his granddaughter rush to her rescue, determined to nurse her back to health with Luka by her side. However, when Katerina feels the coming cold, she must urge her beloved Luka to migrate, despite knowing he faces a difficult journey alone – and she is left hoping for his springtime return.

Springtime Storks is inspired by the true story of two storks in Croatia.

A starred review from School Library Journal stated that this book would appeal to budding ornithologists, and they’re right! Consider pairing Springtime Storks with fun bird stickers and these binoculars.

Or give your picture book lover something to cuddle with as you read Springtime Storks to them. Check out this soft stork chick, a perfect size for tiny hands (about 10″ from head to feet).

BEFORE I LIVED HERE

A boy peels away each layer of the history of the land his house sits on. Follow along from the construction of the neighborhood back to the planning of it; from the ranchers and log cabins that predated it, back to the region’s Indigenous people and their eviction from the land . . . all the way back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Young builders can build their own neighborhood with a LEGO set. Consider this classic set #11035 to create a variety of buildings for your own neighborhood.

Learn about different continents and the history and culture of cities, countries, and regions around the world with this card game. 

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A SEASON FOR FISHIN’: A FISH FRY TRADITION

Chér wakes before sunrise. It’s the start of the fishing season, and her wish is coming true: She’s finally big enough to join her papére on Ol’ Cane River! She can’t wait to catch a mess of bream for Mamére to fry up for the evening feast. But when things don’t go as planned, Chér learns the true importance of Fish Fry Friday, and it’s not the big catch . . .

Plates clatter.
Kinfolk gather.
Chér is part of tradition. It’s her season of fishin’.

Inspired by the author’s intergenerational and multicultural Louisiana upbringing, A Season For Fishin’: A Fish Fry Tradition brings a multitude of fun ideas for book & gift pairings. Take a look!

Your family fish fry cook will look sizzlin’ hot in their very own personalized Fish Fry Friday apron. Howeeee, looks like Fish Fry Friday!

Here’s a wonderful way to honor and save your family’s culinary history with a family cookbook, or by preserving a beloved family member’s favorite dish on the cutest oven mitt.

For your little angler enthusiast, here are two fun-packed gift suggestions: a lure-making kit and a rod and reel combo kit.

SPARKLES FOR SUNNY: A LUNAR NEW YEAR STORY

Lunar New Year is coming up, and Sunny is stuck wearing hand-me-downs to the party AGAIN.

The Lao family has four rules:
1. Make what you can yourself.
2. Get good deals.
3. Share extras with others.
4. Never waste anything.

…which means every year for Lunar New Year, Sunny winds up wearing a hand-me-down qípáo from her sisters. Just once Sunny wants to wear something that’s so her and not so one of her sisters! Can Sunny uphold the Lao Family Way while also staying true to herself? Take a peek at this sweet, funny sister tale to find out!

Looking for a fun and casual gift to pair with this book that has cute hair accessory-making options for kids? Try pairing this cool kit with this book.

Or… take inspiration from Sunny in this delightful picture book and make your own DIY plan! Search all around your home for sparkly and colorful trinkets and neat scraps to craft your own stylish accessory of your choice! For those looking to gift a book + memoraboe experience, perhaps this can even be a special coupon (e.g. “Let’s DIY a fun accessory together!”) given with the book. Find your own creative gift-giving spark!

OUR JOYFUL NOISE

For this loving family, each moment of the day is filled with music, from dawn, when they wake to the sound of Mama humming them into a happy day, to dusk when Daddy’s smooth voice soothes them to sleep. A joyful, jazzy picture book, woven through with hidden musical jewels from spirituals and songs.

A New England Book Awards Finalist!

“Music has a message, and in this charming tale, the message is love.” ~Kirkus Review

Introduce young readers to a variety of instruments with this set of non-toxic, BPA-free miniatures. Includes a trombone, flute, saxophone, classical guitar, violin, French horn, trumpet, and clarinet.

Help young readers make their own joyful noise with this sturdy set of wind instruments!

Older readers might enjoy these beginner instruments: a bugle and a slide trombone.

Thanks for considering our books as gifts for your loved ones. Whether or not you celebrate a holiday at this time of year, KidLit Works wishes you a safe and happy season and a wonderful new year.