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Astra Books for Young Readers Holiday Gift Guide
From budding history buffs to fans of graphic novels, Astra Books for Young Readers is here to help you find the perfect gift for all the young readers in your life this holiday season
For the young reader…
Who really wants a dog!
Fascinated with politics and current events
With an imaginative mind and loves nature
We Match!: In this hilarious dog book for kids, New York Times-bestselling author Chris Barton introduces social emotional learning and math concepts in a fun comics-style picture book format. Humor and high-energy abound as a lovable bunch of dogs discover what they have in common during an action-packed day at the dog park.
“Love this picture book that shows young readers that we have far more in common than just the way we look. Books like this are needed now more than ever.”—Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton, MA
White House Secrets: Here are the shocking, yet true, stories of presidential medical cover-ups from the 19th to the 21st century—the latest thrilling title in award-winning author Gail Jarrow’s Medical Fiascoes series for readers ages 10 and up.
★ “History lovers and budding political enthusiasts will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at presidential history.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Pencil: What is a pencil? A forest transformed. In this beautifully illustrated wordless picture book, young readers can follow a pencil’s life cycle from tree to factory to store shelf and back to tree.
★ “Impeccably told… an enchanting tribute to the creative process and a celebration of patience and the natural world. A stunning ode to the natural world and the cyclical nature of imagination.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book!
Who loves to cook!
With its unique visual format perfect for early readers and visual learners, the Look and Cook series lets kids ages 4–8 take charge of their cooking journey through delicious and easy-to-follow recipes for the whole family to enjoy.
Look and Cook Breakfast: A Good Housekeeping Best Kids’ Book of 2024!
Look and Cook Snacks: Featured in the 2023 New York Times Holiday Gift Guide!
Who loves silly, laugh-out loud picture books!
Who is interested in comics and graphic novels
The Dangerous Alphabet Book: From Diabolical Dart Frogs to Perilous Piranhas, here’s a unique, humorous alphabet book featuring a dangerous yet feisty cast of characters that will have readers gleefully giggling their way through the alphabet!
“Not your mother’s alphabet book! Great fun!”—Brynn Artley, Content Book Store, Northfield, MN
Little Mouse Saves the Day: What’s that in the closet—a robber? A monster? A CAT!? This book about overcoming fears is the highly anticipated follow-up to Eisner award-winning author Jeff Smith’s Little Mouse Gets Ready and is both a perfect read-aloud and a book that kids can begin to read on their own.
“A satisfying romp for new readers building their own confidence.” –The Horn Book
Who is really into family game night
Who loves dragons and bedtime reads!
Obsessed with bugs and fun facts
Piece Out: Toy Story meets Traction Man Is Here in this picture book that offers a fresh spin on a universal premise: the secret action-adventure story of a toy. When Red, a game piece, is accidentally left out of the game box, nothing—not a hungry robot nor the ferocious family dog Lady Flufferton—will stop them from reaching home.
“Bright, humorous cartoon illustrations will draw readers’ interest immediately, and Willan clearly understands how to appeal to his young audience… is a sequel in the works?”—Booklist
Dragon Dreams: After a day of bickering with her sister, might a magical journey on a dragon’s back show a girl the path to peace and reconciliation? This rhythmically written, beautifully illustrated picture book is a celebration of imagination, of kindness, and of dragons.
“The starry, jewel-toned illustrations sparkle, creating a dreamy nighttime environment filled with fantastical dragons. Whimsical…”—Kirkus Reviews
On the Air with Dr. Doodlebug: Something bugging you? Ask Dr. Doodlebug: He’s our on-the-air bug expert! Presented in a bright colorful comics-style and buzzing with insect facts and personality, young readers are introduced to a story with a question-and-answer format that is both engaging and entertaining.
★ “Imaginative and engaging, this mix of fact and fiction makes learning about insects fun.” —Booklist, starred review
Who likes birds, animals, and nature
Who loves stories with magic, adventure, and plenty of fun!
Sparrow: In this moving picture book on the importance of hope, a small bird—nestled in a dusty crack in the Western Wall—feels a deep shift within, setting her on a path to overcoming her fear of change.
★”Maybe every kid needs a moving story about hope… (a) powerful message about hope in the face of change…”—School Library Journal, starred review
Brume: Brume, a feisty wannabe witch, is on a quest to learn magic in the first volume of this enchanting graphic novel series for kids ages 7–11—perfect for fans of the Hicotea, Hilda, and Sorceline series.
“In a tiny medieval French village called Groach lived an even tinier, feisty wannabe witch named Brume… in lushly painted, cinematic artwork filled with humor and warmth, this series opener is a great cozy fall read for adventurous readers.”—Booklist