Holidays with young kids at home always adds a bit of wow factor to the season. This year, give the gift of children’s books that offer different kinds of “wow”—from pop-ups to sounds to breathtaking illustrations—for children with a variety of interests.

For Kids Who Love Details

Jan Brett’s The Nutcracker

by Jan Brett (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2021)

The latest book from beloved author and illustrator Jan Brett was inspired by her travels to snowy Russia and features a girl and her adventures with a special Christmas nutcracker. Brett’s signature illustration style offers an abundance of details that children can explore on each page.

For Young Chefs

Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook

by David Atherton; illustrated by Rachel Stubbs (Candlewick Press, 2021)

Find whimsically illustrated recipes from Great British Baking Show winner David Atherton to cook together throughout the holiday season. The book includes breakfast recipes, lunches, speedy suppers, bite-size treats, and teatime bakes, along with tips and a glossary of cooking terms.

For Curious Kids

The Strangest Thing in the Sea

by Rachel Poliquin; illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler (Kids Can Press, 2021)

Inquisitive children can learn about a wide range of bizarre animals of the sea, accompanied by gate-fold elements revealing facts about each creature. Learn about the yeti crab, goblin shark, and vampire squid, among others, through detailed illustrations and information that aligns with elementary level life sciences curriculum.

For Artists

Opposites Abstract

by Mo Willems (Disney Books, 2021)

The bestselling author of the popular Elephant & Piggie series has released a stunning new book filled with abstract paintings, paired in opposites. It includes questions to get kids curious about what they see. “I love questions and I want to invite my audience to participate in the looking and the doing and perhaps even the making,” Willems says in a video about the book.

For Little Musicians

Jingle Bells: A Musical Instrument Song Book

by James Lord Pierpont; illustrated by Nicola Slater (Nosy Crow, 2021)

Very young “readers” can press the buttons in this board book to hear the musical instruments depicted in the story, as a band goes on a sleigh ride. The story ends with a festive finale in which all instruments play together.

For Pop-Up Fans

Love

by Robert Sabuda (Candlewick Press, 2021)

The latest creation from master paper artist Robert Sabuda will show your kids expressions of love through six captivating pop-up spreads. It’s a great gift for a loved one that you’ll want to pull off the shelf and pop up again and again.

Jan Brett’s The Nutcracker: Penguin Random House. Bake, Make, and Learn to Cook; Jingle Bells; A Musical Instrument Song Book; Love: Candlewick Press. The Strangest Thing in the Sea: Kids Can Press. Opposites Abstract: Disney Books. Background: Getty Images.