Hamptons Holiday Gifts: Best Kids Books of the Year

The best kids books of the year for 2012 also make some to the best holiday gifts for young readers. And our friends at Books & Books in Westhampton Beach have the best of the best for all the kids on your list!

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? by Jane Yolen

America’s favorite dinosaurs celebrate Chanukah. A joyful romp full of tumbling dreidels, melting gelt and a little bit of mischief. A laugh-out-loud tribute to the candles of the menorah, the family gatherings and all that makes the Festival of Lights. These dinosaurs say Happy Chanukah with love and gratitude.

 Splat Says Thank You by Rob Scotton 

Splat the cat’s mouse friend Seymour needs some cheering up and Splat is on a mission to help. So what’s his plan? A thank you book – full of sweet and hilarious reasons he is thankful for his friend. The authentic illustrations and laugh-out-loud text are full of adventure.

Pete the Cat Save’s Christmas by James Dean

“Twas the day before Christmas and Santa was ill. In the cold winter wind he had caught a bad chill…” With a new spin on the classic tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat teaches us that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is what the cool cats do.

The Christmas Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood

The holidays may be filled with joy and noise, but Christmas can sometimes be quiet too. This book gives us some great examples: “Searching for presents quiet,” “Getting caught quiet,” and “Hoping for a snow day quiet.” The soft-colored pencil illustrations of bunnies and bears paint a magical picture.

Reached by Ally Condie

In book three of the Matched trilogy, Cassia’s journey continues. It began with a glitch, she crossed canyons to break free, and now she waits in silk and paper, ready to take on the final chapter. The wait is over. Cassia’s quiet revolution is about to explode, as she rages against those who took away her family, love, and choice – a gripping conclusion to the bestselling trilogy.

The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney

In book seven of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, love is in the air. A Valentine’s Day dance at the middle school has turned Greg’s life upside down as he scrambles to find a date. Luckily, his best friend Rowley doesn’t have any prospects either. An unexpected twist lands Greg a partner and leaves Rowley the odd one out, but a lot can happen in a night.

Visit Books & Books at 130 Main Street in Westhampton Beach or online at booksandbookswhb.com

Read the Books & Books picks for Best Nonfiction Gift Books here.