For the mini mathematician: 

Circle! Sphere! 

The Last Marshmallow 

Up To My Knees

What Will Fit? all by Grace Lin 

Babies and toddlers don’t need advanced calculus to be mathematically-minded. They need simple yet charming stories that gently examine ideas like size, shape, and number, which is exactly what the Story Telling Math board books provide!

For the preschool puppy pal: 

Paolo, Emperor of Rome by Mac Barnett

An old-fashioned story book about a little daring dog who seeks out adventure through the streets and sites of Rome. Give a young child the gift of travel through books, while most international vacations are still off the table.

For a little language learner:

Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From by Patrick Skipworth, illustrated by Nicholas Stevenson

Discover the meaning and rich global history of twelve fascinating and fun-to-say words, including ukulele, zero, karaoke, and jaguar. Dynamic, two-page artworks accompany each short entry. A beautiful and engaging introduction to etymology. 

For a young romantic:

Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirrorby Natasha Farrant

An enchantress agrees to help bring up her brand-new goddaughter to be an "excellent princess," but she realizes she’s not sure what that means! So she sends her Magic Mirror across the world to learn about 8 different princesses and what makes them extraordinary. A gorgeous, full-color book, great for ages 8-11, sure to be a keepsake turned to again and again.

For the curious-about-anything-but-books child:

What Breathes Through Its Butt? Mind-Blowing Science Questions Answered by Emily Grossman, illustrated by Alice Bowsher 

Over 200 pages of mind-blowing answers to all kinds of questions kids might wonder themselves. Color art, photography, speech bubbles, and a dynamic layout may get your reluctant reader turning pages way past bedtime.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

This adaptation of Ibram X. Kendi’sStamped From the Beginningis a mega-bestseller, and for good reason - it’s a powerful, inspiring read for young activists.

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow (plus Books 1-2) by Jessica Townsend

For middle-grade fantasy fanatics, this fun series may be a good choice, since it’s flown a bit under the radar. Give your reader all three books (so far - 9 are planned) for a Morrigan Marathon!