Year End 2024 Gifts, Toys, Books

A parent's ode to "anticipatory joy," by Caldecott Award-winner Matthew Cordell. The sweet companion to Dream and Hope.

As an elephant couple embarks on their life together, thoughts of children are far away -- at first. But as the desire for a child grows, so do unexpected challenges. And it's only after thwarted plans and bitter disappointment that their deepest wish miraculously comes true. This "deceptively simple" story celebrates the profound joy of becoming a parent.

This interactive board book series features the classic touch-and-feel concept but with a fun, stylish Wee Gallery twist! Each spread features an intriguing textile and a different animal character to spark the curiosity of babies and toddlers. In Wee Gallery: Touch and Feel Wings, meet seven stunning creatures who all feature wonderful wings! Little ones will love feeling the different textures and materials, whether it be the glittery, sparkling dragonfly wings, or the fluffy pink wings of a swooping flamingo. Striking illustrations from Wee Gallery plus clever textures will excite the reader and help develop sensory and motor skills, and expand language skills. Bold, high contrast, colorful artwork will keep young children engaged and stimulated for hours on end, while encouraging key recognition and identification skills. Also available in the Wee Gallery Touch-and-Feel series are Scales, Tails and Ears.

Step into The Jungle Book. This exquisite board book introduces the classic story to the youngest children with engaging text, beautiful illustrations, and die-cut and layered pages.

Long ago, a baby named Mowgli, was left alone, deep in the jungle. A wise panther, Bagheera, asked a wolf family to care for the baby. Mowgli grew up happy and safe among the wolves…

The Jungle Book combines a simple narrative with die-cut holes and high-contrast illustrations to create a captivating storytelling experience that encourages tactile interaction. Turn each page to delight in the increasingly expansive spreads.

Keep the magic of The Jungle Book alive for the next generation with this gorgeous interactive retelling.

The Layer-by-Layer series of interactive board books introduces the youngest children to classic stories through beautifully layered pages featuring bright, contemporary illustrations, die cuts, and gentle text. The illustrations, and wonders, expand as each new layer is revealed.

Smooth hair. Rough sideburns. Long jumpsuit. Short lei. Celebrate the King of Rock n' Roll with little ones in this vibrant, playful, and fun board book.

In this board book version of Mother Teresa – from the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series – discover the incredible life of this Nobel Peace Prize–winning nun, along with her message of love and charity.

Agnes (later to become Mother Teresa) was born in Skopje, Macedonia. From an early age, she knew she wanted to dedicate herself to religion. She was fascinated by stories of missionaries helping people and wanted to do the same. She spent the rest of her life caring for the sick and poor around the world and is now remembered as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this amazing missionary, and will also enjoy exploring the stylish and quirky illustrations of this sturdy board book on their own.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

B is for Breathe, C is for Calm and F is for Feelings in this beautiful ABC book designed to teach very young children the basic concepts of mindfulness and meditation.

Baby Loves is a new range of giftable preschool ABC books that taps into the trends that matter. Stunningly illustrated with a cut-to-white aesthetic, each pocket-sized book is a perfect introduction to a key topic for babies. 

What really happened over the summer break? A curious teacher wants to know. The epic explanation? What started out as a day at the beach turned into a globe-spanning treasure hunt with high-flying hijinks, exotic detours, an outrageous cast of characters, and one very mischievous bird! Is this yet another tall tale, or is the truth just waiting to be revealed? From the team behind I Didn't Do My Homework Because . . . and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School . . . comes a fantastical fast-paced, detail-rich illustrated summer adventure that's so unbelievable, it just might be true!

Rule age 10 with the earth-shattering secrets and must-know tips they won’t teach you in school with the “fun and humorous” (School Library Connection) Everything You Need to Know When You Are 10 from New York Times bestselling author Kirsten Miller.

What’s the best gift for a kid who’s turned 10? Everything they need to know! Ten is a major year in every kid’s life. It’s when they finally reach double digits—and that means more freedom and responsibility. It also means there’s a ton of stuff to learn, and some of it’s pretty important.

Inside this hilarious handbook is the information kids need to make 10 one of the best years of their lives—from the fun to the serious to the downright disgusting.

In New York Times bestselling author Kirsten Miller’s Everything You Need to Know When You Are 8, dominate age eight with a trove of earth-shattering secrets, jokes, and tips they won’t teach you in school!

What’s the best gift for a kid who’s turned eight? Everything they need to know! Eight is a banner year in every kid’s life. It’s when they’re finally granted “big kid” status. That means more freedom and responsibility. It also means there’s a ton of stuff to learn, and some of it’s pretty important.

Inside this hilarious handbook is the information kids need to make eight one of the best years of their lives—from the fun (How to Win Halloween) to the serious (How to Get Germs Before They Get You) and the downright disgusting (How to Make Boogers You Can Eat).

“Miller discusses a vast amount of topics in a straightforward yet casually conversational manner . . . a welcome supplement for kids who need to learn that it is okay to get mad or when to call 911 versus simply reach for a Band-Aid.” —School Library Connection

A rhythmically told and vibrantly illustrated picture book biography of Dolly Parton: an American icon beloved by all.

You’ve likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? As one of twelve children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly was determined to be seen and heard. From her front porch to her church choir, every stage was an opportunity to perform and share her many talents. While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen. 

With lilting language and vibrant artwork, this childhood story captures the unique gifts of Dolly Parton, while also honoring the measures of her success: resilience, confidence, family, and kindness.

This interactive board book series features the classic touch-and-feel concept but with a fun, stylish Wee Gallery twist! Each spread features an intriguing textile and a different animal character to spark the curiosity of babies and toddlers. In Wee Gallery: Touch-and-Feel Ears, meet seven incredibly cute creatures who all feature excellent ears! Little ones will love feeling the different textures and materials, whether it be the soft, fluffy ears of a cute koala, or the glittery, scratchy ears of a perfect pig. Striking illustrations from Wee Gallery plus clever textures will excite the reader and help develop sensory and motor skills, and expand language skills. Bold, high contrast, colourful artwork will keep young children engaged and stimulated for hours on end, while encouraging key recognition and identification skills.

Journey into the world of the Little Mermaid in this exquisite board book, which introduces the classic story to the youngest children with beautiful illustrations and innovative peek-through layered pages.

​The Little Mermaid combines a simple narrative with die-cut holes and high-contrast illustrations to create a captivating storytelling experience that encourages tactile interaction.

Turn each page to delight in the increasingly expansive spreads as the Little Mermaid's journey is brought to life, from the magical underwater seascapes of her home to her dramatic encounter with the evil sea witch to her time on land with the handsome prince.

Keep the magic of The Little Mermaid alive for the next generation with this gorgeous interactive retelling, which kids will love to read again and again.

Journey into the world of Pinocchio in this exquisite board book, which introduces the classic story to the youngest children with beautiful illustrations, and innovative peek-through layered pages.

​Pinocchio combines a simple narrative with die-cut holes and high-contrast illustrations to create a captivating storytelling experience that encourages tactile interaction.

Turn each page to delight in the increasingly expansive spreads as Pinocchio's journey is brought to life, from his beginnings in Geppetto's workshop to his magical encounter with the Blue Fairy to his eventual lifting of the curse to become a real boy.

Keep the magic of Pinocchio alive for the next generation with this gorgeous interactive retelling, which kids will love to read again and again.

From the fearless leadership of Sam Houston to the determination of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, Courageous People from Texas Who Changed the World is a young child's first introduction to the brave people from their home state who made a difference. 

Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of more than a dozen courageous Texans: Stephen Austin, Sam Houston, Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson, the Bush Family, Sandra Day O’Connor, Ann Richards, Buddy Holly, Barbara Jordan, Selena Quintanilla-Perez, Vickie Gutierrez, and J. J. Watt. A quote from each hero is included on each spread along with colorful, delightful artwork. 

Smooth hair. Rough sideburns. Long jumpsuit. Short lei. Celebrate the King of Rock n' Roll with little ones in this vibrant, playful, and fun board book.

Dinosaurs to Scale 300 Piece Octagon Shaped Puzzle from Mudpuppy features bold artwork of your favorite dinosaurs such as the T-Rex and Stegosaurus in a unique puzzle shape. Multi-directional artwork can be pieced together from any side, creating a wonderful family or group activity.

• 300 pieces, octagon shaped: 20 x 20”, 51 x 51 cm
• Box: 8 x 8 x 2”, 20 x 20 x 5 cm
• Includes insert with labels
• Ages 7 – 99
• Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper. Printed with nontoxic, soy-based inks
• All Mudpuppy products adhere to CPSIA, ASTM, and CE Safety Regulations

A graphic paper-collage of familiar animals associates their behaviors with simple descriptive language to foster recognition and reading.

This board book version of Frida Kahlo – an international bestseller in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series – introduces the youngest dreamers to this world-renowned painter.

When Frida was a teenager, a terrible road accident changed her life forever. Unable to walk, she began painting from her bed. Her self-portraits, which show her pain and grief, but also her passion for life and instinct for survival, have made her one of the most famous artists of the twentieth century. Babies and toddlers will love to snuggle as you read to them the engaging story of this fascinating painter, and will also enjoy exploring the stylish and quirky illustrations of this sturdy board book on their own.

Little People, BIG DREAMS is a bestselling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.

This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.

Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!

For every dad, grandfather, father-to-be, step-dad, or father figure, this book is the ultimate expression of love. Featuring compelling quotes, literary excerpts, and pop culture references as well as inspiring photographs of fathers (some are famous and some are heroes only to their own families), The Greatness of Dads celebrates the unique bond between dads and their children in an unforgettable book that showcases the universal threads of fatherhood: love, discipline, responsibility, fun, embarrassment, sadness, and joy. The compelling prose, heartwarming images of fathers and their children, and variety of dads included make this handsome volume the ideal gift for Father's Day, birthdays, holidays, or just to say "I love you."

How exciting! Mr. Lion has been invited to a party. But, uh-oh, what will he wear? His mischievous friend Monkey offers lots of suggestions. Perhaps Mr. Lion can wear a handsome suit . . . striped pajamas . . . a superhero costume . . . or maybe an evening gown? Renowned author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup’s playful dress-up book with a die-cut on every spread takes readers on a fanciful journey through Mr. Lion’s many wardrobe changes. Children will laugh out loud at the increasingly crazy outfits and will join Mr. Lion in learning that it’s not about what you wear, but about always being yourself.

Beware of . . . this school?! Henry is taking his new classmate on a whirlwind tour of their school. Mysterious inventions lurk, the cafeteria requires ninja skills, and some teachers may be monsters! Is this fantastical school to be believed? Or is there an even more outrageous surprise in store? Celebrated international author-illustrator team Davide Cali and Benjamin Chaud—the duo behind Junior Library Guild selections I Didn't Do My Homework Because . . . and The Truth About My Unbelievable Summer . . . —are back with yet another rollicking tale about truth, lies, and . . . school!

The 100-piece Tuna Turner Music Cats Puzzle from Mudpuppy is perfect for family fun! The finished puzzle measures 14” x 14”

GOLD FOIL EMBELLISHMENTS – This funny cat puzzle has gold foil embellishments on both the pieces and the box to add an extra element of appeal 

UNIQUE ARTWORK – Introduce a music legend with this puzzle inspired by the iconic pop star The clever kitty-inspired illustration makes for an animal puzzle that’s fun for the whole family!