Like this article? Support us by subscribing here. Your donation will help us continue to provide quality-of-life news and make local impact possible.
By Ashley Riggleson
The Christmas holidays are quickly approaching, and if you are looking for gift ideas for your child, look no further. Below is a list of children’s books that the staff at Prince William Living have loved over the years. And now we invite readers to join in on the fun and read these books with your child this holiday season.
“The Little Engine That Could” written by Watty Piper, illustrated by George Hauman and Doris Houman, and selected for this list by Genevieve Britten (Prince William Living intern)—This classic picture book, first published in 1930, tells the now-famous story of a blue steam engine who manages to make it over a mountain, despite great hardship. A book for celebrating milestones, “The Little Engine That Could” has been beloved for generations.
“Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss and selected for this list by Carole Keily (Online Editor)—Another classic book for celebrating milestones, this classic children’s book is the perfect story to let your child know they are ready to take on the world.
“The Betsy-Tacy Treasury” by Maud Hart Lovelace, illustrated by Lois Lenski, and selected for this list by Carole Keily (Online Editor) and Wendy Migdal (Freelance Writer)—This classic series, of which “Betsy-Tacy” is the first, tells the story of a strong friendship between two young girls. Over the course of the series, they grow up together.
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh” by Mo Willems and selected for this list by Erin Pittman (Editor in Chief)—The now famous pigeon only wants to do one thing this holiday season – drive a sleigh! This recent addition to the Mo Willems Pigeon Series is the perfect way to get your little one excited for the holiday season.
“Goodnight Moon” written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd and selected for this list by Erin Pittman (Editor in Chief)—This beloved and poetic picture book tells the story of a little bunny being put to bed at the end of the day. The little bunny says goodnight to everything around them in this beautifully illustrated classic.
“James and the Giant Peach” by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake and selected for this list by Rena Malai (Freelance Writer)—This classic novel, one of Dahl’s most famous, tells the story of a boy who goes to live with his horrible relatives after losing his parents. He does not expect to be entertained at all, but things quickly change when he drops some magic crystals at the base of a peach tree. Soon there is a giant peach with larger-than-life bugs living in it. This fantastical story is infused with Dahl’s customary humor and heart.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake, and selected for this list by Rena Malai (Freelance Writer)—This novel tells the story of a young and virtuous boy called Charlie whose life is changed forever when he finds an oft-mentioned golden ticket inside a candy bar. This ticket allows him and one family member to tour a chocolate factory with four other children, all of whom are dreadfully flawed. This fantastical adventure, in which good wins out, has remained in the public consciousness even years after publication.
“Beezus and Ramona” by Beverly Cleary and illustrated by Tracy Dockray and selected for this list by Wendy Midgal (Freelance Writer)—This classic series, of which “Ramona and Beezus” is the first, follows the adventures of a funny and spirited girl called Ramona as she is growing up. This series continues to inspire new readers.
“The Hardy Boys Mystery Series” by Franklin W. Dixon and selected for this list by Tavan Smith (Freelance Photographer)—This series, originally published beginning in the 1920s, begins with “The Tower Treasure” and continues to inspire readers and hold them in thrall until the end.
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak and selected for this list by Katherine Gotthardt (Social Media Specialist)—When precocious child Max dresses as a wolf and causes chaos in his home, his mother sends him to bed where an extraordinary adventure of the imagination begins. This classic picture book has become one of the most celebrated children’s books of all time.
“Molly Moon’s Incredible Book of Hypnotism” by Georgia Byng and selected for this list by Dominique McIndoe (Freelance Writer)—Available at Prince William Public Libraries as a movie, this middle grade novel tells the story of Molly Moon, an extraordinary orphan who finds a book about hypnotism and discovers she can use it to control those around her. This eerie series sounds perfect for the winter season.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio-selected for this list by Ashley Riggleson (Freelance Writer)—This incredible novel tells the story of a boy called August who has a facial difference. Up to now, he has been homeschooled, but as the novel opens, his parents decide to send him to school with other children. The upcoming school year has many challenges in store, but this story is ultimately uplifting without being too sentimental. This compassionate novel inspired the Choose Kind Movement and is sure to captivate any reader.
Children’s books are beloved here at Prince William Living, and the staff hopes that these books all of which are available at Prince William Public Libraries, will bring joy and laugh to the holiday season. To find the closest library to visit, click here.
Ashley Riggleson is a contributing freelance writer for Prince William Living.
