Choosing Christmas gifts for children can be an overwhelming process, especially if you are trying to avoid plastic clutter and sugar highs.
This year, I wanted to gift my kids something meaningful, inspirational and something that they can be used all year round. So that idea inspired me to create this gift book guide for anyone who wants to branch out into some different gift book ideas, or to gift a small book as a “top-up” to the main present.
Coming from an educational background, I like to gift educational storybooks that help build a growth mindset, which is so vital for a developing child at any age. I hope you find these storybooks encouraging and inspiring confidence, resilience, problem-solving, and kindness while still feeling magical and fun.
In this Christmas gift book idea guide, I tried to find titles for the little and not-so-little stylish readers, for boys and girls from toddlers to tweens. They are organised by age and price (however, the price point can vary by currency or country of residence, making the price references somewhat irrelevant).
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, extended family member, or a teacher, I hope you can match the right story to the right child. As reading never goes out of style, these books can be re-read all year long, and be great companions in helping children build strong minds, brave hearts and a genuine love of learning.
I hope you will be able to return to this guide and find more book gift ideas beyond the Christmas period, as the books I listed here are suitable for any occasion.
Table of Contents
Book Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Girls Ages 2–4)
AU$20–$25 range
- Dream Big, Little One — Vashti Harrison
This sturdy board book introduces toddlers to real Black women leaders, artists, astronauts, and activists in simple, rhythmic lines and bold, friendly portraits. It’s a lovely “first heroes” book that quietly teaches that girls who look like her (and her friends) can grow up to change the world.
AU/NZ: Super Cheap Books/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Blackwell’s • US: Brave + Kind bookshop
2. ABC What Can She Be? Girls Can Be Anything They Want to Be, from A to Z — Sugar Snap Studio (Jessie Ford)
Each letter of the alphabet pairs with a different future career (engineer, neurosurgeon, pilot, zoologist, and more), starring diverse girls in both traditional and non-traditional roles. It doubles as an ABC book and a career-possibilities poster, building vocabulary and planting “you can do anything” seeds very early. AU/NZ: Booktopia • Europe: Amazon UK• US: Brave + Kind bookshop
3. This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer — Joan Holub & Daniel Roode
A chunky board book introducing ten trailblazing women (like suffragettes, scientists, and judges) with bouncy rhyming couplets and bright, toddler-friendly art. It’s an easy way to start talking about courage, fairness, and leadership while your child is still in the board-book stage.
AU/NZ: Booktopia • Europe: Bookdelivery• US: Amazon US
4. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: Baby’s First Book of Extraordinary Women — Rebel Girls
This board-book spin-off of the Rebel Girls series gives very short, simple introductions to extraordinary women from around the world—athletes, artists, activists, and more—paired with vivid portraits. Reviews highlight how it maintains the inspiring tone of the original series while remaining bite-sized for toddlers’ attention spans.
AU/NZ: Amazon (AU)/ BookHero (NZ) • Europe: Amazon UK (A Box Set)• US: Brave + Kind bookshop
5. A Is for Awesome! 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World — Eva Chen & Derek Desierto
An A-to-Z board book of real women—from trailblazing pilots and scientists to artists and judges—told in super-short lines with big, colourful portraits. Parents love that it reads quickly for toddlers but still sneaks in names and achievements that can be revisited in more depth as she grows.
AU/NZ: Booktopia (AU) • Europe: Waterstones • US: Amazon US
6. I Am Enough — Grace Byers & Keturah A. Bobo
This lyrical picture book affirms that every child is “enough” just as they are, celebrating kindness, empathy, and self-respect through diverse, joyful illustrations. It’s brilliant for building self-esteem in very young girls and comes highly rated by parents and teachers who use it to start conversations about confidence and inclusion.
AU/NZ: Booktopia (AU) • Europe: Amazon UK • US: Amazon US
7. I Believe I Can — Grace Byers & Keturah A. Bobo
A companion to I Am Enough, this book is full of “I can…” affirmations about trying, failing, practising, and persisting, with bold art that shows kids of many backgrounds in action. It’s a simple, catchy way to narrate a growth mindset—perfect for repeating before new skills, preschool, or big feelings.
AU/NZ: Booktopia (AU) • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
AU$25–$35
8. Ambitious Girl — Meena Harris & Marissa Valdez
When a little girl hears a woman dismissed as “too ambitious,” she goes on a journey through history and her own imagination to reclaim ambition as something powerful and positive. Reviewers love it as a girl-power pep talk about speaking up, dreaming big, and turning criticism into fuel.
AU/NZ: Booktopia (AU) • Europe: Blackwells UK • US: Amazon US
9. You Matter — Christian Robinson
Told in simple, repeating phrases, this picture book moves from dinosaurs to tiny microbes to kids in busy cities, gently insisting that every being—no matter how small or overlooked—matters. It’s fantastic for social-emotional learning: helping toddlers feel seen, valued, and connected to others.
AU/NZ: Amazon (AU) • Europe: Blackwells UK • US: Amazon US
Book Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Boys Ages 2–4)
AU$20–$29
1. Giraffes Can’t Dance — Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees (Ages 3–7)
A joyful rhyme about Gerald the giraffe learning to dance to his own beat—perfect for building confidence and perseverance. Bright art and rhythmic text make it a read-aloud that invites kids to try, try again.
AU/NZ: Dymocks (AU)/ Fishpond (NZ) • Europe: Amazon • US: Amazon.
2. Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site — Sherri Duskey Rinker & Tom Lichtenheld (Ages 2–5)
Beloved trucks finish their jobs and wind down for bed—quietly modelling teamwork, routines, and pride in a day’s work. Great for construction-mad toddlers and establishing calming bedtime habits.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia (HB) • Europe: Waterstones • US: Amazon.
3. Press Here — Hervé Tullet (Ages 3–5)
An interactive, instruction-following adventure that uses tapping, shaking, and tilting the book to teach cause-and-effect and listening skills. Simple directions + playful “results” spark focus and self-control.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia (HB)/ Whitcoulls (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones (board) • US: Amazon.
4. Mix It Up! — Hervé Tullet (Ages 2–6)
Kids “mix” painted dots to discover new colours—hands-on science for the very young that rewards curiosity and experimentation. It’s creative problem-solving wrapped in a game.
Australia/NZ: QBD (AU)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones • US: Amazon.
5. The Very Busy Spider — Eric Carle (Ages 2–5)
A determined spider ignores distractions to finish her web—an age-perfect parable about focus and persistence. Tactile elements keep little hands engaged while they see a project through.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia (board)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones • US: Amazon.
6. How to Catch a Star — Oliver Jeffers (Ages 3–7)
A dreamy tale of a boy who tries many strategies to reach an impossible goal—introducing resilience, patience, and creative thinking. Gentle pacing and luminous art soothe at bedtime.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia (HB, 10th/20th anniv.)/ The Nook Bookshop (NZ) • Europe: Blackwell’s • US: Amazon.
7. The Wonderful Things You Will Be — Emily Winfield Martin (Ages 3–7)
Tender rhymes celebrate kindness, bravery, and creativity—affirmations that help little ones see themselves as capable—a keepsake read-aloud for nurturing a growth mindset from the start.
Australia/NZ: QBD (AU)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones (UK ed.) • US: Amazon.
8. I Am Every Good Thing — Derrick Barnes, illus. Gordon C. James (Ages 3–7)
A proud Black boy narrates all the “good things” he is—curious, brave, smart, sensitive—and shows how he gets back up when life is hard, making this an incredibly empowering read about self-worth, resilience, and joy. The art is stunning, reviews are consistently sky-high, and it’s often recommended specifically as a celebration of boyhood, confidence, and possibility.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia (AU)/Paper Plus (NZ) Europe (UK/EU): Waterstones US: World of Books
AU$30–$39
9. The Colour Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings — Anna Llenas (Ages 3–6)
Spectacular pop-ups turn emotions into colours, giving toddlers language and tools for emotional regulation—a tremendous life skill at this age. Fun to open, grounded in SEL (social-emotional learning).
Australia/NZ: Amazon (AU)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones (Colour Monster series) • US: Amazon.
Book Ideas for Early Readers & Primary (Girls Ages 4–9)
AU$20–$29
1. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist — Jess Keating (Ages 4–8)
This picture-book biography follows Eugenie Clark, a Japanese-American girl who loved sharks so much she grew up to become a world-leading marine scientist and conservationist, smashing stereotypes along the way. Rhyming, energetic text and detailed art make perseverance, curiosity, and scientific thinking feel genuinely exciting.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe: Winstone’s UK • US: Amazon US
2. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr Temple Grandin — Julia Finley Mosca (Ages 5–9)
Told in bouncy rhyme, this book shows how Temple Grandin’s “different” brain and persistence helped her revolutionise animal science, turning challenges into strengths. Back-matter with a biography, timeline, and fun facts makes it a great early STEM and neurodiversity read.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe: Amazon UK • US: World of Books
3. Girls Can Do Anything — Caryl Hart, illus. Ali Pye (Ages 4–8)
Bursting with bright, inclusive illustrations, this rhyming picture book shows girls of all backgrounds skateboarding, exploring space, tinkering with inventions, and leading teams—explicitly stating that they “can do ANYTHING” they put their minds to. It’s simple, upbeat girl-power messaging that builds confidence and stretches their idea of what’s possible.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe/US: Blackwell’s UK
4. She Persisted Around the World: 13 Women Who Changed History — Chelsea Clinton, illus. Alexandra Boiger (Ages 5–9)
From scientists and writers to activists and ballerinas, this companion to She Persisted spotlights 13 girls and women from around the globe who refused to give up on their dreams, even when they were told to sit down or be quiet. Short, inspiring biographies and warm illustrations make perseverance, courage, and changing the world feel real and reachable for young readers.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
AU$30–$39
5. Mae Among the Stars — Roda Ahmed, illus. Stasia Burrington (Ages 4–8)
Inspired by the childhood of astronaut Dr Mae Jemison, this story follows a little girl who dreams of going to space and refuses to let anyone’s low expectations hold her back. It’s an accessible, aspirational STEM book that quietly normalises girls—and Black girls in particular—in science and big-dream careers.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe: • US:
6. Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World — Kate Pankhurst (Ages 5–9)
This colourful, globally focused collection introduces girls to trailblazers like Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, Jane Austen, Marie Curie and more, showing how women from all over the world used their talents and courage to change history. Short, fact-packed spreads and energetic illustrations make big ideas like activism, persistence and using your voice feel fun and inspiring for primary-age readers.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe: World of Books UK • US: Blackwell’s
AU$40–$50
7. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women — Elena Favilli & Francesca Cavallo / Rebel Girls (Ages 6–10)
This modern classic offers 100 one-page, bedtime-style stories about real women from all over the world—scientists, artists, athletes, activists and more—each paired with lush portrait art by female illustrators. It’s perfect for nightly “success story” snippets that seed ambition, resilience and a great sense of what girls can become.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe: • US:
8. Dear Girl — Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Paris Rosenthal, illus. Holly Hatam (Ages 4–8)
Structured as a series of short “notes” to a girl, this book gently reminds readers that they are strong, worthy, capable and allowed to take up space in the world, in the way they are. The messages are simple for younger kids but meaningful enough to revisit as they grow, anchoring self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe: Amazon UK • US:
Book Ideas for Early Readers & Primary (Boys Ages 4–9)
AU$20–$29
1. The Magical Yet — Angela DiTerlizzi, illus. Lorena Alvarez (Ages 4–8)
A rhyming growth-mindset story that flips “I can’t do it!” into “I can’t do it… yet,” following a child who keeps trying through bike-riding, sports, art, and more. It’s perfect for boys who get frustrated when skills don’t come instantly, and reviewers rave about how it encourages resilience, effort, and trying again.
AU/NZ: Booktopia (AU)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Amazon UK • US: Amazon US.
2. Iggy Peck, Architect — Andrea Beaty (Ages 4–8)
Irreverent rhymes celebrate a kid who can’t stop building, showing how passion + teamwork solve real problems: great STEM spark and confidence booster.
AU/NZ: QBD (AU)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: World of Books • US: Amazon US.
3. The Darkest Dark — Chris Hadfield & Kate Fillion, illus. The Fan Brothers (Ages 4–8)
Based on real astronaut Chris Hadfield’s childhood, this picture book follows a space-obsessed boy who’s terrified of the dark until watching the Apollo 11 moon landing helps him face his fear and dream bigger. It’s perfect for boys 4–9 who love space, and beautifully models courage, curiosity, and following your dreams.
Australia / NZ: Booktopia Europe (UK / EU): Waterstones United States:
AU$30–$39
4. After the Fall — Dan Santat (Ages 4–8)
A clever “what happened after Humpty Dumpty?” tale about fear, grit, and getting back up. It’s a pitch-perfect conversation starter on resilience.
AU/NZ: Booktopia (AU) /Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones • US: Amazon US.
5. A Boy Like You — Frank Murphy (Ages 4–7)
Affirming picture book that redefines “what it means to be a boy”: kindness, courage, empathy, and asking for help. Excellent for social-emotional learning.
AU/NZ: Booktopia • Europe: World of Books • US: Barnes & Noble.
6. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain — JoAnn Deak (Ages 4–8)
An engaging, kid-friendly tour of how the brain works and grows (neuroplasticity!), turning mistakes into superpowers. A staple for teaching a growth mindset.
AU/NZ: Dymocks/ • Europe: Waterstones • US: Amazon US.
7. How to Solve a Problem — Ashima Shiraishi (Ages 4–8)
World-class climber Ashima shows kids how she plans, falls, learns, and ultimately “sends” a challenging route—an inspiring blueprint for problem-solving in life: dynamic art + real-world grit.
AU/NZ: Amazon (AU)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Amazon UK • US: Amazon US.
8. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Picture Book Edition — William Kamkwamba & Bryan Mealer, illus. Elizabeth Zunon (Ages 4–9)
Based on a true story, this picture book follows William, a boy in Malawi who teaches himself enough science and engineering to build a windmill from scrap and bring electricity to his village—pure perseverance, curiosity, and problem-solving in action.
The text is inspiring but still very accessible as a read-aloud for 4–6 and an independent read for 7–9, so it fits neatly in your boys 4–9, positive/educational/success-oriented section.
Australia / NZ: Booktopia • Europe (UK / EU): Waterstones • United States: Amazon US
AU$40–$50
9. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream — Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan, illus. Kadir Nelson (Ages 4–8)
Young Michael Jordan worries he’s too short to play with the older boys, until his parents teach him that practice, determination and faith matter more than height. It’s a true, uplifting story about grit, family support, and working hard for your dreams—perfect for success-oriented, sports-loving boys.
AU/NZ: Booktopia (Hardcover)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones • US: Amazon US
10. What You Do Matters Boxed Set — Kobi Yamada $$$ (Ages 5–8)
Featuring all three New York Times best sellers (What Do You Do With an Idea?, What Do You Do With a Problem?, and What Do You Do With a Chance?)
A gentle growth-mindset story about meeting worries head-on and discovering the opportunity hiding inside them: calm, hopeful text + luminous art make it a go-to for resilience.
AU/NZ: Amazon (AU)/ Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Blackwell’s • US: Amazon US.
Book Ideas for Middle Grade / Upper Primary (Girls Ages 9–12)
AU$20–$29
1. Wonder — R. J. Palacio (Ages 9–12)
Auggie, a boy with a facial difference, starts school for the first time and discovers just how mighty kindness, courage, and true friendship can be. Multiple narrators help readers practise empathy and see how everyday choices can make school a kinder, more inclusive place.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia • Europe: World of Books • US: Amazon US
2. The Science of Breakable Things — Tae Keller (Ages 8–12)
Seventh-grader Natalie uses the scientific method (plus an egg-drop competition) to try to “solve” the problem of her mum’s depression, learning about hope, persistence, and asking for help along the way. It’s a smart, funny, STEM-flavoured novel that makes resilience and emotional literacy feel totally accessible. Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
3. Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World — Rachel Ignotofsky (Ages 9–12)
Fifty bite-sized biographies spotlight women from ancient to modern times who changed STEM forever—from Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie to lesser-known pioneers—paired with bold, infographic-style art. Kids see that scientists come from all backgrounds, and they pick up inspiring lessons about curiosity, grit, and turning ideas into world-changing work.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
4. The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self — Katty Kay, Claire Shipman & JillEllyn Riley (Ages 8–12)
Blending brain science, real-girl stories, comics, quizzes, and challenges, this book helps tweens understand what confidence actually is and how to build it by taking smart risks and learning from failure. It’s very practical—think scripts, scenarios, and exercises for handling friendship drama, performance nerves, and self-doubt.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
5. Living the Confidence Code: Real Girls, Real Stories, Real Confidence — Katty Kay, Claire Shipman & JillEllyn Riley (Ages 8–12)
Short, highly readable stories from dozens of diverse girls show real-life confidence in action—whether that’s speaking up in class, starting a club, coding, or standing up to unfairness. Photos, graphic-novel strips, and reflection prompts make it feel like a big-sisterly pep talk about the many ways to be brave.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
6. The Gutsy Girl: Escapades for Your Life of Epic Adventure — Caroline Paul, illus. Wendy MacNaughton (Ages 8–12)
Part memoir, part adventure manual, this book shares real stories of daring girls and women, plus how-to tips and prompts that nudge readers to try bold things themselves. It’s brilliant for reframing fear, building physical courage, and showing girls they can be just as adventurous and capable outdoors as anyone.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
7. How to Turn $100 Into $1,000,000: Newly Minted 2nd Edition — James McKenna & Jeannine Glista (Ages 9–12)
A funny, straight-talking guide to money that walks kids through earning, saving, budgeting, starting mini-businesses, and investing—using comics, diagrams and real stories of kid entrepreneurs. Written in a lively, joke-sprinkled style, it turns financial literacy and business thinking into a practical “how-to” for future CEOs and side-hustle queens.
Australia/NZ: Amazon AU / Paper Plus (NZ) • Europe: Waterstones (UK) • US: Blackwell’s
AU$30–$39
8. Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women — Catherine Thimmesh, illus. Melissa Sweet (Ages 10–13)
From windshield wipers and chocolate chip cookies to space-saving luggage and kids’ toys, this collection shows how women and girls have solved real-world problems with creativity and persistence. Packed with collage-style art and invention backstories, it quietly teaches design thinking, perseverance, and the message that your ideas matter.
Australia/NZ: Amazon (AU) • Europe/US: Blackwell’s
Book Ideas for Middle Grade / Upper Primary (Boys Ages 9–12)
AU$20–$29
The Crossover — Kwame Alexander (Ages 10–13)
Told in dynamic, slam-poetry-style verse, this story follows basketball-obsessed twins Josh and Jordan as they juggle rivalry, family, and what happens when life throws them an unexpected loss. It’s brilliant for sporty boys who “don’t like reading” and quietly teaches resilience, emotional expression and the value of practice.
Australia/NZ: QBD (AU) • Europe: Waterstone (UK) • US: World of Books
Kid Scientists: True Tales of Childhood from Science Superstars — David Stabler (Ages 9–12)
This collection shows famous scientists—from Albert Einstein and Jane Goodall to Neil deGrasse Tyson—as awkward, curious kids who made mistakes, followed obsessions and kept asking questions. Short, funny biographies make STEM heroes feel relatable and reinforce that curiosity, persistence and “failing forward” are what lead to breakthroughs.
Australia/NZ: Amazon (AU) • Europe: Blackwell’s (UK) • US: Barnes & Noble
Ghost (Track Book 1) — Jason Reynolds (Ages 10–13)
Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw joins an elite track team and has to decide whether he’ll keep running from his past or run toward something better, learning discipline, accountability and self-belief. Fast-paced, funny, and profoundly moving, it shows boys how sport, mentorship, and hard work can change a life.
Australia/NZ: The Book Cow (AU) • Europe: World of Books (UK) • US: Barnes & Noble
AU$30–$39
Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss — Walter Andal (Ages 8–12)
Written in kid-friendly language with lots of examples, this guide covers earning, saving, budgeting, interest and investing so boys can understand how money really works. It’s a practical, success-oriented pick that builds financial literacy, smart decision-making and a sense of responsibility about spending and goals.
Australia/NZ: Booktopia (AU) • Europe: Blackwell’s (UK) • US: Amazon
The Boys in the Boat (Young Readers Adaptation) — Daniel James Brown, adapted by Gregory Mone (Ages 10–14)
This young readers’ edition tells the true story of nine working-class American boys who rowed their way from hardship to Olympic gold in 1936, through brutal training and unshakeable teamwork. Grit, perseverance and camaraderie are front and centre, making it a compelling read for boys who like sport, history or big, against-the-odds victories.
Australia/NZ: Amazon (AU) • Europe: Blackwell’s (UK) • US: World of Books
1 Comment
Vika
Thank you! Very useful information 👍