This month’s roundup includes books that would make great holiday gifts for adults and kids, from beautifully illustrated stories to a thoughtful guide for working parents.
Hacking the Code: The Ziggety Zaggety Road of a D-Kid
By Gea Meijering, Illustrated by Mads Johan Øgaard
The illustrated chapter book follows 5th grader Kees as he navigates school with his dyslexia. Writing assignments are challenging but fixing things or science experiments come easy.
Written by a mother of a dyslexic son, “Hacking the Code” reveals how every brain operates in different ways giving each of us unique strengths. Ages 8-12.
Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable
By Meteor 17 Books
Inspired by the iconic pop song from 1971, Don McLean’s American Pie: A Fable is a beautifully illustrated story about a lonely newspaper boy who discovers friendship, creativity and melody through his daily paper route. The poetic and bittersweet book explores the meaning behind the words of the classic song. Ages 4-7.
Guinness World Records 2023
By Guinness World Records
A fun read for both kids and adults alike, the classic “Guinness World Records” returns with new record-breaking achievements in the 2032 edition. The jam-packed book features celebrities like Rihanna and Billie Eilish, star animals like Alvin the Shetland pony and incredible kids like 7-year-old blind skateboarder.
Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like Too Much)
By Yael Schonbrun, PhD
In “Work, Parent, Thrive,” clinical psychologist and parent Dr. Schonbrun offers practical steps we can take to rethink the challenges of working parent life. Early in her own journey as a working parent she felt, “no matter what I was doing, I felt like I could and perhaps should be doing something else.” Instead of listing ways we can juggle more, the book addresses these feelings around being a working parent and how we can shift our perspective.
Dragonboy and the Wonderful Night
Written and illustrated by Fabio Napoleoni
“Dragonboy and the Wonderful Night” is the follow-up to fine artist Fabio Napoleoni’s debut picture book series “Dragonboy.” With Unicorngirl and his stuffed animal friends, Darwin, Yellow Kitty, Drako and Simon by his side, Dragonboy embarks on a backyard adventure to discover the wonder and magic of the night and of our world. Ages 4-8.
For more book suggestions, check out out October Book Corner.
