If fairytales and fun reign supreme in your house, there are oodles of new books that have your back. From gnomes to dinosaurs to dragons, authors were on fire in 2019 coming up with all kinds of new stories to feed the minds of kids from 0-99 (yes, many on this list you won’t mind reading for the 98th time).
Twinkle Twinkle Dinosaur, by Jeffrey Burton
Best for ages: 0-3
For the parents who have read, sung or said “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” a million times comes a book that changes up the lyrics a little bit. Dino fans will love the pictures by Zoe Waring and the go-to-sleep lyrics that are perfect for bedtime. Also check out Twinkle Twinkle Unicorn.
My Magical Dragon, by Yujin Shin
Best for ages: 1-4
Push, pull and slide to advance the story. Finding Dragon in a fairytale land with unicorns, fairies and a special tea party will open imaginations. The board book is thick, making it perfect for littles who are still teething or working on their dexterity. Also in the series: My Magical Mermaid, My Magical Sea Unicorn, My Magical Unicorn and My Magical Fairy.
I’m a Gnome!, by Jessica Peill-Meininghaus
Best for ages: 3-7
Gnomes are gnomes. They are not trolls, fairies, elves or dwarfs. In a story style akin to Mo Willems with first-person telling, youngsters will enjoy learning how gnomes are gnomes (and the g is silent).
I Love My Dragon, by Jodi Moore
Best for ages: 3-5
The pictures by Howard McWilliam make this book dynamic with images that can see how an imaginary friend heightens a young boy’s day.
T. Rex Time Machine: Dinos in De-Nile, by Jared Chapman
Best for ages: 3-5
What happens when a couple of T. Rex dinosaurs nab a time machine and drop in the middle of ancient Egypt breaking a pyramid being built by an alien? So begins the graphic tale that is a follow-up to the popular T. Rex Time Machine. The adventures continue, and so do the laughs.
What Kind of Car Does a T-Rex drive?, by Mark Lee
Best for ages: 3-7
This is the perfect book for kids who love both dinosaurs and vehicles. Uncle Otto is having a sale on cars while most of his customers are on vacation. That’s when the dinos show up. Kids will learn a little bit about each one as the perfect car is picked. Fun, engaging and enchanting, even for parents.
Rosie and Rasmus, by Serena Geddes
Best for ages: 4-8
Rosie is a shy girl who wishes to be seen and Rasmus is a big dragon who wishes to fly. The pair find each other and work toward a goal together. What they learn is the importance of friendship. A darling book for any age, with warm illustrations by the author/illustrator.
Gondra’s Treasure, by Linda Sue Park
Best for ages: 4-7
Gondra is the perfect mix of her parents: a fire-breathing, winged Mom from the west and the mist-spewing, magical Dad from the east. As kids learn about how Gondra fits in, they can also soak up the differences that Eastern and Western cultures used to create dragon lore. The beautiful dragon imagery comes from illustrator Jennifer Black Reinhardt.
How to Light Your Dragon, by Didier Levy
Best for ages: 4-8
Can making him jealous, cheating at cards or jumping on his belly make a dragon reignite his lost flame? Maybe. As this bright story of friendship kindles, kids will love the illustrations and imagination of the antics of a child and a dragon.
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