Book gifts for kids under 10

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – book gifts make the best gifts. If you’ve got gifts for kids under 10 on your Christmas shopping list this year, you really can’t go wrong with a book. Adventure, imagination, rip-roaring humour – the best contemporary kids’ books have it all! And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. We’ve put together a guide to some of the best book gifts for kids under 10 in 2023.

Funny books for kids under 10

 

The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell-Boyce

When the famous Blackpool Tower dramatically vanishes the night of the Grand Lights Switch-On, showman and magician Nathan announces live on TV that he and his cousin will magic it back home! Packed with heart, adventure and laugh-out-loud moments, we're thrilled to be offering signed copies through our online bookshop.

 

Kevin the Vampire: A Most Mysterious Monster by Matt Brown

This monstrously funny, illustrated adventure was a hit with our Parakeet subscribers in October 2023. When Kevin and his family of carnival performers arrive in the quiet, boring town of Lower Drudging they discover that it has a monstrous secret of its own. A secret that is old, very hungry and has just woken up! 

Oh Maya Gods! by Maz Evans

This hilarious mythic adventure is perfect for readers aged 8 and up. This is the first in a spin-off series from the bestselling Who Let the Gods Out series. It's the turn of football-loving Vesper and super bright Aster to take on the world's worst-behaved immortals - beginning with Maya bad boy, Kizin, and his Lords and Ladies of Death!

 

Fantasy books for kids under 10

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

The reigning queen of children’s literature is back with a brand-new fantasy series full of thrilling adventures and marvellous magic. Christopher's grandfather is the guardian of one of the ways between the non-magical world and the Archipelago, a cluster of magical islands where mythical creatures live and breed and thrive alongside humans. They have been protected from discovery for thousands of years but now, terrifyingly, the protection has worn thin and creatures are breaking through!

 

Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam

This is the first in an exciting graphic novel series featuring a band of outcasts in an epic fantasy adventure. Bullied by the other demons, twelve-year-old Meesh is more likely to be reading magazines from Plumeria City - the fairy realm - and fangirling about the fairy princesses. But when disaster strikes and all of demon-kind is threatened, Meesh must journey to other worlds in search of help.

 

Casander Darkbloom and the Threads of Power by P. A. Staff

This is a gripping and powerful debut novel set in an imaginative and spectacular fantasy world. Casander Darkbloom has no memory, lives outside a curiosity shop, and experiences random surges of uncontrollable energy in his limbs. When he inexplicably brings a stuffed raven to life, he unravels a strange and thrilling magical world. 

 

Books for animal-loving kids under 10

Honey's Hive by Mo O'Hara

This delightful early chapter book, perfect for newly independent readers, was an easy pick for our Parakeet boxes earlier this year. All the bees in Honey's HIve have a job to do. But Honey is buzzing for adventure and none of the jobs seem right for her. Until the hive is attacked and someone has to save the Queen. Could it BEE Honey?

Finding Bear by Hanna Gold

Hannah Gold’s multi award-winning The Last Bear combined phenomenal storytelling, an inspiring lead character, a stunning setting and an important message. This much anticipated sequel sees April Wood return to the Arctic and set off on a dramatic journey to save a polar bear cub. Perfect for animal lovers aged 8+.

 

Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog by Terrie Chilvers

This is a funny and heartwarming illustrated tale, perfect for newly independent readers. Michael’s dream is to go from being an unknown pup to a Hollywoof sensation and global su-paw-star. But becoming famous is no walkies in the park...

 

Beautifully illustrated books for kids under 10

The Snow Girl by Sophie Anderson

This beautiful hardback edition, complete with detailed two-colour illustrations, is a book to be treasured and would make a perfect gift. This wintery tale, from master storyteller Sophie Anderson, is about friendship, belonging and bravery. Ideal for readers aged 8+.

 

Adventuremice: Mice on the Ice by Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre

For slightly younger readers aged 5+, this colourful illustrated chapter book is packed with fun and adventure. The Frost Fair is coming but when a surprise snowfall puts the mice's plans at risk, it's up to Pedro and the team to save the Fair and bring joy to the town! Grab a copy from us and we'll include a signed bookplate and exclusive print too.

 

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King's Christmas Shenanigans by Alex T. Smith

Another hardback edition to treasure, this is the newest Christmas story from author and illustrator Alex T. Smith. In this fun retelling of a classic story the Mouse King is up to some very sneaky shenanigans. The night before Christmas he steals the key to the Kingdom of Sweets and sets out to cause as much festive mayhem as he can! Clara and Fritz Strudel, and their new friend the Nutcracker, are the only ones who can stop him!

 

Fun reading-themed gifts for bookworms

 

The Really Tiny Booklight

Perfect for reading in bed or snuggled in a reading den, kids will love this fantastic booklight which clips directly onto their book.

 

Forest Friends Bookplates

This beautifully illustrated set of 80 labels feature 8 adorable forest friends and are perfect to help any bookworm keep track of their personal library! 

 

For more brilliant bookish Christmas gifts for girls and boys, head to our dedicated Christmas page, where you’ll find all the information you need on our gift subscriptions, gift sets and stocking fillers for young bookworms and more.