Book gifts for kids under 10 years old

Aug 05, 2024

Child holding Parrot Street packs

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 2025. 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

Book cover of 'Peanut, Butter, & Crackers Christmas Surprise' by Paige Braddock with cartoon characters and a tree on a red background.

Peanut, Butter and Crackers: Christmas Surprise by Paige Braddock

It’s Peanut’s very first Christmas — but when a mysterious guest is found living in the Christmas tree, chaos (and lots of laughs) follow! Perfect for newly independent readers and graphic novel fans who love funny, heartwarming stories with plenty of mischief.

Wanda Broom by Ciara Geraghty

We chose this fun, illustrated romp for our Parakeet subscribers in August. Wanda's mother is a witch, but Wanda wishes she wasn't! When Esmerelda is required to undergo an assessment of her witch skills Wanda is certain her mother will fail the test. Part of her wants her to. Then her mother wouldn't be a witch anymore and Wanda would get what she has always wanted . . . an ordinary life?

Alan King of the Universe by Tom McLaughlin

This two-colour graphic novel is perfect for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey. An orange cat blessed with opposable thumbs, Alan is convinced he was born to rule and spends his days scheming up brilliant plans to fulfil his destiny - from creating a brand-new country, Alanland, to cloning himself in an attempt raise an entire army of Alans. And his hapless dog sidekick Fido is just happy to be along for the ride!

Fantasy books for kids under 10

Moonlighters by Lee Newbery

Peter Pan meets Oliver Twist in this magical new fantasy adventure, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell and Abi Elphinstone. When ten-year-old Theo runs off from a school trip and decides to pay his gran a surprise visit, he discovers the surprise is on him - his gran is on holiday and Theo finds himself alone in the big city with nowhere to turn. That is until he meets the mysterious and flamboyant Alistair Goodfellow...

Mayowa and the Sea of Words book and activity pack

Mayowa and the Sea of Words by Chibundu Onuzo

We sent this wonderfully imaginative book to our Cockatoo subscribers in June. It's a joyful, moving, thought-provoking celebration of the power of words, the resilience of young people and the magic of storytelling.

Beastopia by Chrissie Sains

Step into a world of magical creatures! Digby, Mog and Tai must pass three challenges to become Apprentice Guardians of Beastopia in this fun fantasy story with illustrations throughout.

Books for animal-loving kids under 10

Cover of Oscar's Lion by Adam Baron, illustrated by Benji Davies

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.

The Appletree Animal Agency: Collie Chaos by Katya Balen

With its cosy village setting, festive feel, charming illustrations and lovable cast of pets, this delightful early chapter book is a perfect winter read. We chose it for our Parakeet subscribers' boxes in October.

Beastie Bros: Dungeons and Dragonflies by David O'Connell

Packed with super silly humour, wacky characters and brilliant illustrations, this series is perfect for fans of Dog Man and Bunny vs Monkey. Adoptive brothers Dribble the snail and Dash the firefly are on a tour of the local ant's nest to see the queen's crown jewels, when the dastardly dung beetles strike again and swipe the priceless Gumdrop of Destiny!

Beautifully illustrated books for kids under 10

Book cover of 'The Witches of Anderson House: A Spell for Disaster' with a witch on a broomstick and a house in the background.

The Witches of Anderson House by Jennie Poh and Dave Lowe

Enter the spellbinding world of a retirement home for witches in this tale of mischief and magic for children. We love the delightful mix of magic, mischief, heartwarming moments and enchanting illustrations.

Cover of The Little Match Girl Strikes Back by Emma Carroll and Lauren Child

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!