Note: Books are available on various websites at different prices, and the prices listed with each book are subject to change at any moment due to holiday sales, promotions, and so forth. Additionally, hardcover, ebook, and paperback prices vary by seller.

For younger bookworms

Thumbuddy to Love by Andrea Van Ness, Karla Trapp (Ills) $19.95
This is both a finger puppet and illustrated story book which encourages children to stop sucking their thumbs in a supportive, fun way. The book includes a calendar with stickers, so children get involved, marking off days they do not suck their thumb/fingers. Available titles include Fireman Fred and Ballerina Sue. (Suggested reading level: 3-6 for the thumb sucking books; and 2-4 for pacifier book.)

Half Popped by Jeff Feuerstein, Dayna Brandoff (Ills) $9.99
Half Popped is a whimsical story about Kenny the Kernel, a friendly popcorn kernel who believes he never reached his full potential. As Kenny journeys through the kitchen, he helps cheer up other down-on-their-luck snacks. Written in a Shel Silverstein-esque silly, story-telling rhyme, this cute tale reminds young readers that compliments can brighten anyone’s day. (Suggested reading level: 5-8)

Red is the Color Of… by Tiffany Haisten $7.99
Perfect for the charming redhead in your life (Besides “Annie”, of course!) In this book, readers meet young Tiffany, who is self-conscious about her red mane. But her mother knows that the color red is unique, and explains red makes things “vibrantly beautiful,” such as Christmas stockings. Readers listen in on the sweet conversation between Tiffany and her mother as Tiffany is taught what else Red Is the Color Of... (Suggested reading level: 6+)

The Carpenter's Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree by David Rubel, Jim LaMarche (Ills) $11.29
This beautiful hardcover book—also available on Kindle— brings together two great traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and Habitat for Humanity charity program. Set in Depression-era New York City, readers are introduced to young Henry and his father, who give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center. Through the kindness of the construction workers, Henry gets his wish for a warm home to replace his family's drafty shack. He then plants a pinecone from that first Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree—and from that pinecone, the kindness continues on over the years, as Henry ages. (Suggested reading level: 5 - 9)

The Man With the Violin by Kathy Stinson, Dusan Petricic (Ills) $19.95
In 2007, professional musician Joshua Bell played his violin in the L’Enfant Plaza Station in Washington, D.C. Over 1,000 busy commuters rushed past, only seven stopped to listen. Many children wanted to stop, but an adult inevitably rushed them along. Inspired by this event, writer Kathy Stinson created a storyline. When young Dylan hears the beautiful violin music, he unsuccessfully tries to get his mother to stop and listen. The music lingers in his Dylan’s mind all day long...eventually impacting the mother. (Suggested reading level: 5-8)

Seaper Powers: In Search of Bleu Jay's Treasure by Kim Cameron, John DePatie $7.20
Musicians Kim Cameron and John DePatie’s book for ocean lovers is about a little girl who finds that magical sea grass allows her to communicate with fish! She befriends two unlikely sea creatures as they search for buried treasure while harping on the importance of friendship. This is the first book in a planned series. Also available in audio. (Suggested reading level: 5-8)

Mirabelle Goes for a Walk by Michael Muller $6.95
Young dog lovers will enjoy traveling with Mirabella, a loveable and playful Boston terrier who likes exploring anything and everything with her owner. The board books in the series include Mirabella Goes For a Walk, Mirabelle and the Bouncy Red Ball and Mirabelle and the Butterfly. (Suggested reading level: 2+)

The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny) by Kathleen Krull, Paul Brewer, Stacy Innerst (Ills) $16.99
This is a whimsical account of how the Fab Four's sense of humor and musical talent sparked Beatlemania. Colorful, informative text and illustrations showcase how the Fab Four’s sense of humor helped the British superstars handle everything thrown their way—including jelly beans! Parents and grandparents who listened to the Beatles growing up will love introducing their kids to the band. (Suggested reading level: 6-9)

Dot. by Randi Zuckerberg, Joe Berger (Ills) $13
Randi Zuckerberg's picture book Dot. introduces children to a confident and spunky girl who's appetite for technology is unlimited, but she soon learns that there's a balance between being digital and enjoying other forms of play. Zuckerberg—a former facebook staffer and sister of facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg—was inspired to write Dot. after noticing her young son was intrigued by her cell phone. Through Dot.’s journey, Zuckerberg shows kids the value of playing outside—and that there can be a balance between the gadget world and other activities. (Suggested reading level: 4-8)

Baby Santa by M. Maitland DeLand, Phil Wilson (Ills) $13.46
Santa Claus made a boo-boo—he left name tags off all the Christmas gifts. How will he know which child gets what present? Have no fear, Baby Santa is here! Santa's inquisitive young son helped wrapped all the gifts and knows where each one is going. Father and son fly off into the Christmas Eve sky, and an adventure of gift-giving begins. This is the first book in the Baby Santa series, the latest book in the series is titled Baby Santa and the Missing Reindeer. (Suggested reading level: 3+)

Tractor Mac by Billy Steers $7.95
Tractor Mac is a series of children's books, the most recent title is Mac Family Reunion. In his latest book, Billy Steers presents a new character, Iron Dave, a steam train that introduces Tractor Mac to red tractors just like him! Mac is excited about meeting his new family, but his farm friends help him realize that his real family is right at home at Stony Meadow Farm. For toddlers, Tractor Mac also has a 5 x 7 board book titled Tractor Mac Farm Days. Also available on amazon.com. (Suggested reading level: 1+)

We Three Kings by Brent L. Anderson $11.69
A great family book, Wee Three Kings explores issues of redemption, coping with tragedy, overcoming obstacles and through its grand host of characters explores the underlying message that no matter how small or insignificant a person may appear, they all have worth and a purpose. Both kids and adults love the featured characters, especially Thunder, the Wee King’s camel companion. The plot: Each Christmas Eve, the main characters miraculously turn from ceramic statues into real little men and pursue an adventure—which ultimately culminates into a battle against the forces of evil as they race to save the life of a young man. (Suggested reading level: 8+)

For the tween crowd

Guinness Book of World Records 2014 $14.87; Hardcover/3-D
Ok, let’s face it—you are never too young or old to enjoy the famous Guinness Book of World Records. In the newest edition, readers meet the planet's most awe-inspiring people, pets, and products. Chock-full of new achievements, the 2014 edition features an all-new layout and more images than ever before—including over 100 all-new original photographs one won't find anywhere else. The best part? It’s 3D! Just download the free app to your phone or tablet device and look for the "See-It-3D" icons scattered throughout the book to view brilliant photos. Awesome.

The Last Time by Jacquelyn Eubanks $8.99
Written by a teenager, The Last Time takes place in 1955. Charlotte “Charley” Mason has just moved to New York, leaving behind her hometown in Georgia, her group of baseball-playing best friends, and her boyfriend. In her new hometown she struggles with her mom’s illness, her grandpa’s leukemia, and a brand new school where the students aren’t super friendly. The Last Time is an engaging novel about a girl who faces universal high school challenges with grace and courage. This is Eubank’s second novel in The Last Summer series. (Suggested reading level: 10-14)

Bumbler by Troy Fohrman, Anthony Clark
A venture out into the wild unknown brings together unlikely friends for the adventure of their lifetime. Who knew that teenage bees had so much drama in their lives? Twenty percent of net proceeds from this book benefits The Orphan Children’s Fund in their mission to bring education, medical care and HOPE to critically-endangered children. Available in NOOK and hardcover. (This is a teen novel version of this book for older readers who like chapter books, and for younger readers, Bumbler, Prince of Bees is available, suggested reading level 5+)

The Winter of the Robots by Kurtis Scaletta
Great for young scientists! Jim dumps his robot-obsessed buddy Oliver and teams up with a girl instead for a science fair project. Rocky and Jim has study wild otters down by the river, but what they discover is bigger—and much more menacing—than fuzzy otters: a desolate junkyard with something living inside. Can Jim and Rocky—along with Oliver and his new science-fair partner—put aside their rivalry and unite their robot-building skills to learn more about their discovery? (Suggested reading level: 10+)

Travels with Gannon & Wyatt by Patti Wheeler, Keith Hemstreet $10.74
Author Patti Wheeler, her sons, Gannon and Wyatt, and her co-author, Keith Hemstreet, all Aspen natives, are passionate about educating and inspiring children to become champions of conservation—which lead to the creation of this action-packed series! From Africa to the South Pacific, real-life twin brothers Gannon and Wyatt, along with help from their parents, chronicled, photographed and videotaped their amazing expeditions, providing the true foundation for the Travels with Gannon & Wyatt series. Books include: Botswana (June 2013), Great Bear Rainforest (Oct 2013), and Egypt (Jan 2014). Check out the book’s official website for interactive videos, family photos, animations and more. (Suggested reading level: 8-12)

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids by Kevin Sorbo, Amy Newmark, others $14.95
Those tear-jerking and heartwarming “Chicken Soup” books are still being published, and for that we’re pleased because they give teens a much-needed voice. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids, co-authored by Kevin Sorbo, who starred in the television show Hercules, contains 101 stories about kids dealing with modern day pressures and problems. Kids and tweens will learn about making good choices, gratitude, developing their self-esteem and staying true to their convictions. The stories also cover topics such as bullying, disabilities, helping others, relationships, and more. (Suggested reading level: 7 to teens)

Face-Off by Stacy Drumtra-Juba $7.19
Written when Drumtra-Juba was just a teenager herself, in this tween novel, we meet twins Brad and T.J. T.J. the shining star in his father’s eyes, plays on the hockey team where Brad once held the spotlight—and he’s testing his popularity with Brad’s friends, eyeing Brad’s girl, and competing to be captain of the team. The whole school is rooting for a big double-strength win…not knowing that their twin hockey stars are heating up the ice for a winner takes all face-off. (Suggested reading level: 9-16)

Today’s sassy teens need a tote bag to carry all their books, don’t they? Two literary-themed canvas tote bags ($24 each) were created by NYC-based designer Shien-ru Tsao, founder of Let’s Support. “We are a social enterprise studio that delivers market-driven products,” says Tsao. “We develop design solutions to help inspire and create social-awareness in our communities.”

Personalized books

Fans of I See Me! personalized books include Jessica Alba, Brooke Shields, and Courteney Cox. The company’s recently-published storybook Goodnight Little Me [insert Child’s Name where the “Me” is] by Jennifer Dewing is illustrated by Mary GrandPre, best known for illustrating the world-famous Harry Potter book series.

In Goodnight Little (Me) readers meet a “goodnight parade” of crickets, owls, and other creatures that march through your child’s sweetest dreams. "I See Me's books are high quality, beautiful keepsakes that last a lifetime,” says GrandPre. “I knew wanted to be involved with a company who took such great pride in their work and whose goal was to help strengthen the child's self-image.”

GrandPre adds: “Story telling is really an art form; to learn from a character's experience, to put ourselves in their shoes and to imagine what is possible that didn't seem possible before, is a powerful thing.”

Other book titles available include: Hello World, It's Me; A Christmas Bear for Me, and more.

Chester, NY-based MyFairyTaleBooks offer personalized books in a variety of genres, including super hero books, adventure books, religious books, and more. “My two children, Natalie (8) and Gus (3) were the inspiration for the books A to Z and The Counting Party,” says writer Eileen Schlesier. “Not only do the books reinforce the fundamentals of the alphabet and counting, but both books have a touch of whimsy in their narrative. If my kids laughed when I was reading them the manuscript, then I knew I was on the right track!”

According to Schlesier, The Good Friend, authored by Rachel Marie Brown, is recommended for a slightly older age group (3-10). “In a time where bullying is on the forefront of many families minds, The Good Friend is a story of friendship and positive character development,” she says. Ten percent of all annual sales of The Good Friend go to PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. 

Other titles available for personalization include: Football Star, Ballerina Princess, Noah’s Ark, and more.

MyChronicleBooks put a spin on the holiday classic "Night Before Christmas” in a fully personalized version of Clement Clarke Moore's historic poem. With just a few clicks, this holiday book can be customized with your child's name, town, favorite pet, and more. Write a special dedication message, upload your child's photo, and even include your child on Santa's "Naughty or Nice" list. Other personalized books for kids include: What Big Sister (Name) Does Best, Speedster (Name) and Princess (Name) They even offer personalized baby books including one based on the classic story The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

“I've really enjoyed how MyChronicleBooks has brought my book to life with unique, personalized products that extend beyond the bookshelf,” says Sherri Duskey Rinker, author of Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, which features delightful artwork and fun rhymes that appeal to truck and construction equipment lovers of all ages. The book can be purchased with a special, personalized dedication.

This book gadget is a great addition to any personalized children’s book. Created by entrepreneur Roei Siman-Tov, Sparkup helps kids, and families, rediscover the non-digital world while improving basic development skills. The Sparkup reads any book with words aloud and gives you the option of recording your own voice to a story. The innovative device allows kids to indulge in the world of paperback books and let their imaginations run wild. Sparkup’s microscopic camera reads the exact page that’s open- even if you accidentally skipped a few! If parents miss bedtime, they can still read their little ones their favorite bedtime story. See how it works here.