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.
In a world full of screens and endless distractions, few things are as grounding—or as meaningful—as sitting down with a child and opening a real book. Reading together isn’t just about literacy. It’s about connection, comfort, and creating memories that last far beyond childhood.
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to assume screens are the best route for children’s reading and learning. But there’s plenty of research showing that real, physical books hold unique benefits for kids — benefits that matter for language development, emotional bonding, attention spans, and lifelong reading habits. Let’s dig into why printed books still matter for children, and how parents, educators, and caregivers can make the most of them.
IntroductionWe’re in a world where screens — TVs, tablets, phones — are everywhere. For kids under five, whose brains are growing fast, how they engage with screens matters. Plenty of peer-reviewed research now shows that more screen time isn’t just “quiet time for mom/dad” — it can have measurable effects on development, behaviour, sleep and more. In this post I’ll summarise what the research says and pull out practical take-aways for parents, caregivers and educators.
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.
