The concept of “give a book, share a story, make a memory” doesn’t need to be limited to Iceland. Norway shares the same values of coziness, reading, and relational gift-giving. By adopting even a version of it—a deliberate book-gift, a reading evening, a book-ish holiday rhythm—you bring richness, connection, and literature into the heart of a season.
Discover the top five literary-themed Christmas gifts for kids, from the Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy to puzzles, poetry kits, totes and reading challenges.
Top New Children's Books Released in May 2025
May 2025 brought a fresh wave of children's books that are as engaging as they are diverse. Whether you're looking for heartfelt stories, laugh-out-loud adventures, or tales that spark the imagination, this month's releases have something for every young reader. Here's a curated list of standout titles that deserve a spot on your bookshelf.
📚 Picture Books
1. Growing Home by Beth FerryA charming tale about friendship and family, featuring chatty houseplants and a quirky man in purple shoes.
2. Papa Doesn't Do Anything! by Jimmy FallonA humorous and joyful celebration of dads, perfect for Father's Day reading.
3. I Am NOT a Vampire by Miles McKennaAn empowering story about self-acceptance, following Arlo, a boy who doesn't quite fit into his vampire family.
4. Sato the Rabbit: Morning Light by Yuki AinoyaA meditative and beautifully illustrated journey with Sato, who embarks on surreal adventures in a magical world.
📖 Middle Grade Novels
5. J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry CraftA hilarious tale of two creative fifth graders engaged in a battle of wits and creativity.
6. The Doughnut Club by Kristina RahimExplores diverse family dynamics through the eyes of Quinn, a girl seeking connection with her donor siblings
7. Land of the Last Wildcat by Lui SitA fantasy adventure with environmental themes, as Puffin Lau sets out to save a magical wildcat species.
8. Stuck by Kayla MillerDelves into middle school friendships and the challenges of summer camp, resonating with fans of Raina Telgemeier.
🌟 Noteworthy Mentions
9. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine ApplegateA novel-in-verse that tells the story of Ruby, a baby elephant, offering a fresh perspective in the beloved series.
10. The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon by Grace LinAn enchanting tale that weaves together magic and adventure, perfect for young fantasy enthusiasts.
These titles offer a blend of humor, heart, and imagination, making them excellent additions to any young reader's collection. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply a book lover, these new releases are worth exploring.
The Best New Children’s Books to Brighten Your April 2025
Spring has sprung, and so have a fresh crop of beautifully written, brilliantly illustrated children’s books that are perfect for reading together. Whether you’re looking for laugh-out-loud picture books, heartwarming bedtime stories, or empowering tales for independent readers, April 2025 delivers a bookshelf full of gems.
Here are some of the best new children's books to check out this month:
This is a really special book. Maybe even a really important book if you're a man or helping to raise a young man. I fall into both categories. Masculinity always seemed
Big Boys Cry is a tender, empowering picture book that gently challenges outdated notions of masculinity. Written and illustrated by Jonty Howley, the story follows a young boy on his first day of school. The boy is scared. His father is scared too and doesn't know what to do. He tells his son, “big boys don’t cry.” It's advice most of us men have received for a myriad of different reasons, but even if well-intended, it can have chilling effects as we grow into men. On his way to school, the boy sees a big tough fisherman with tears in his eyes as he says goodbye to his family. On his journey to school, the boy sees men of all sorts crying for a wide range of reasons. Spoiler alert: the boy has a good day at school and when he gets home, he finds his father with tears in his eyes. It was your fist day at a new school and I was scared for you his father tells him.
The magic of this book lies in its simplicity and heart. Howley’s lyrical prose is spare yet deeply resonant, creating space for children (and adults) to reflect on their own feelings. The illustrations are bold and expressive, full of whimsical details and vivid color that capture both Levi’s internal emotional world and the supportive, tear-friendly community he finds.
Without preaching, it opens a window into the emotional lives of boys and encourages self-expression with compassion and grace. It’s an ideal read-aloud for families, teachers, or counselors looking to start conversations about feelings, empathy, and the power of vulnerability.
This book is a wonderful tool for helping all children understand that there's a width and breadth to any emotion and that when men (or anyone for that matter) are more open to examining and understanding those emotions, they become stronger and the world becomes a better place.
Gentle, affirming, and beautifully illustrated, Big Boys Cry deserves a place on every child’s bookshelf.
Dream Animals is the perfect book to pair with the Read To Me Recordable Book Buddy because its gentle, rhythmic storytelling and dreamy illustrations create an ideal atmosphere for a recorded bedtime story. With the Recordable Book Buddy, loved ones can record themselves reading this magical tale, allowing children to hear a familiar, soothing voice whenever they need comfort—whether it’s at bedtime, naptime, or during moments of quiet reflection.
