Calling all aunties and uncles! Looking for picture books to give to a niece or nephew this holiday? Right this way, I have some great recommendations for you.
This post includes affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase (thanks!). As always, check your local library first.
FYI, this is a book list for scoring bonus points with the preschooler in your life. This isn’t a social justice, important message, or other “learn this thing” list. This is all about favorite books that will be read and loved. If you’re looking for a book about an important topic, find some of the ones we love in How To Choose A Picture Book.
Ready to be the best aunt/uncle ever? Here are your books:
Bob Not Bob!: *to be read as though you have the worst cold ever by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Matthew Cordell. My kid literally cackles when he reads this book. Have you heard a four-year-old cackle? Its infectious right? You’ll be the best auntie/uncle ever when you read this book with them. Don’t forget, you have to do the voice!
Chicken In Space by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Shahar Kober. We could say I love this because of the STEM connection, but really it’s because my kid wants to read it over and over again.
Danbi Leads the School Parade is on every one of my lists. I effing love this book! Great for any kids who have felt nervous going to a new place, or who have food that’s different from the people sitting next to them, or who have a non-white name, or for a thousand other reasons. This is one of those gems that has a great message and also will be asked for night after night. By Anna Kim.
Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems are just everything for this age group. Our favorite right now is An Elephant & Piggie Biggie! Volume 4 which includes five favorites. If you’re looking for just one or two Elephant and Piggie stories, some of the favorites in this household are Pigs Make Me Sneeze and I Really Like Slop (it’s part of pig culture!) . And if you’re really going for it, the complete set is available for $100 and looks incredible.
Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. This is my favorite of the Construction Site series, especially because the trucks are not all male (THANK YOU). If you want to go wild and get the whole series, find it here.
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung is a frequently requested bedtime book. It’s a story of how unhappy a neighborhood becomes when the colors choose to segregate, and then when Blue and Yellow become parents together the colors realize how much better life is when they’re connected. I’m not crying you’re crying.
The Nerdy Babies series is my absolute favorite gift right now. My favorite is Dinosaurs, my son’s favorite is Space, Dad’s favorite is Rocks. There’s also Ocean, Weather, Transportation and others we haven’t read yet. I love the part at the end where we learn the title of the person who has a job related to the book… hearing my kiddo talk about a “paleontologist” was worth every penny. PS they’re only $8 each! These are an awesome gift. As I write this, we have a three sitting in a certain hidden place waiting to be wrapped. By Emmy Kastner.
Those are my recommendations, I hope they make you the most popular family member on the block! Let me know if they’re as beloved by your preschooler as they are by mine! And if you have other suggestions, leave a note below or reach out on Instagram.
Looking for more? Take a look at our last read, Change Sings, by the awe-inspiring Amanda Gorman (who performed her poem The Hill We Climb at Biden’s inauguration). Or if you need a few options, take a look through some quick reviews.
Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash