Book gifts for kids under 10 years old

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!

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 2024. We've included some great chapter books which have been flying under the radar and a few beautifully giftable books which are a bit more high profile! 

 

Funny books for kids under 10

 

Hero Wanted by Mark Powers

This madcap, funny and fast-paced adventure is set in the world of Brokenshire! With a fearless heroine, a cast of super silly animal characters and an epic adventure worthy of Camelot, this would be a big hit with fans of Sam Copeland, David Baddiel and Maz Evans.

 

 

Badgers are Go! by Susannah Lloyd

We chose this quirky, fun-filled animal adventure for our Parakeet subscribers in October. Lulu Whifferton-Rear loves to mind her own badgery business, but when she discovers that important humans are actually BOPs (Badger Operated Persons), she is thrust into the world of the Rumpington Academy of Badgering. There, her catastrophic training leads to the most dramatic of first missions . . . SAVE THE WORLD!

Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth by Alex Latimer

Join Gordon the Goose, Anthony the Piglet, and the citizens of Grover Gardens for a hilarious journey of empathy, courage, and soggy bread. The story is illustrated throughout making it perfect for emerging or reluctant readers.

 

Fantasy books for kids under 10

Race to Imagination Island by Mel Taylor-Bessent

Fizzing with energy and action, reading this thrilling fantasy adventure is like falling headfirst into your favourite video game! A winning combination of explosive imagination, riotous fun and brilliant illustrations.  

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo

 This is a magical and heartwarming tale with beautiful illustrations throughout. Late one night a flying house crash-lands in ten-year-old Callie's garden. It is the home of magician Winnifred and all of her magical artefacts. Winnifred asks for Callie's help finding her lost Wanderdust – until she realizes it is Callie's sadness that is causing her malfunctioning magic...

 

Beastlands: Race to Frostfall Mountain by Jess French

The island of Ramoa was once luscious and populated with mighty beasts. Now though, it is home to barren and tamed cities, where nature is locked out and trouble is brewing...

 

Books for animal-loving kids under 10

Oscar's Lion by Adam Baron

This is a magical coming-of-age story about a boy spending his first weekend without his parents . . . and the lion who comes to babysit him. It's beautifully illustrated by Benji Davies and has a powerful message for readers young and old.

Watts & Whiskerton: Buried Bones and Troublesome Treasure by Meg McLaren

This is the start of an adorable new highly-illustrated series bursting with mystery and mischief. Watts and Whiskerton are the most charming dog and cat detective duo you'll ever solve mysteries with!

 

The Day My Dog Got Famous by Jen Carney

This is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure complete with comic strips and cartoons. When Destiny boasts about videos of her dog, Princess Foo-Foo, going viral, Ferris foolishly claims that her dog Aldo can easily become a bigger internet star. There's just one problem: Aldo has about as much talent as a teaspoon...

 

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+.

 

The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll, illustrated by Lauren Child

A powerful feminist reworking of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, from bestselling and award-winning creators Emma Carroll and Lauren Child. Bridie works hard to feed her family, selling matches on the streets of Victorian London. After an incident leaves her with only three matches left, the magical strike of each one sees her tumble into visions of a brighter future. Realising she has the power to change her own fortune, Bridie leads the match factory workers out on strike, achieving the remarkable through their unity and courage.

 

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

This Christmas story from author and illustrator Alex T. Smith is another hardback edition to treasure. 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.

 

Owl Bookplates

This beautifully illustrated set of 80 labels features 8 different styles in assorted sizes, and are perfect to help any bookworm keep track of their personal library! 

Make your own stitched tassel bookmark kit 

This fun and colourful craft project makes an excellent accompaniment to one of the books listed above. Each kit contains a sturdy wooden bookmark ready to be stitched, a pack of pastel-coloured cotton threads and a durable metal embroidery needle.

 

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.

You may also like to check out all the gift guides on our blog.