Imagine a world where it’s midnight, your kid is on a major sugar high but you are thrilled they are still awake. You just imagined Iceland, every Christmas Eve. Every December 24th, Icelandic parents traditionally gift books to their kids - a tradition called “Book Flood”. Then, with normal bedtime rules suspended, the evening is typically spent reading and drinking hot chocolate + orange soda.. Christmas lunch involves book reviews and book swaps.
To help you create your kid’s personal book flood - here’s what Poppins did. We began with books published in 2024 that the American Library called “outstanding’. After all, forget AI, when in doubt - ask a librarian! Then, we used AI to go hunting for which of these are best rated across Google, Walmart & Amazon. See below for our faves - all new, all highly rated + trending up.
A young girl reflects on the changing meaning of being called “big” as she grows up.
⭐ 4.8 (532 reviews) | $10.54 on Amazon
A graphic novel about the sweet friendship between Worm and Caterpillar.
⭐ 4.7 (89 reviews) | $7.43 on Amazon
Follows the journey of nutrient-rich dust as it travels from North Africa to South America.
⭐ 4.8 (82 reviews) | $14.60 on Amazon
A Lift-The-Flap Book: Celebrate changing seasons in nature through lift-the-flap haikus.
⭐ 4.8 (81 reviews) | $7.19 on Amazon
A child imagines all the adventures they could have if they were a horse.
⭐ 4.6 (77 reviews) | $9.16 on Amazon
A beautifully illustrated novel about Johannes, a free dog who discovers friendship and life in the wider world. (2024 Newbery Medal winner)
⭐ 4.6 (796 reviews) | $12.99 on Amazon
A kid-friendly graphic novel retelling of Beowulf, where children fight against the forces of adulthood.
⭐ 4.9 (453 reviews) | $11.55 on Amazon
A Dictionary of Scoundrels: Shenanigan Swift must solve a murder at a family reunion in this British country house mystery.
⭐ 4.5 (427 reviews) | $7.98 on Amazon
Feng-Li and her siblings must navigate life in the U.S. without their parents, who have returned to Taiwan.
⭐ 4.4 (331 reviews) | $11.69 on Amazon
A Graphic Memoir: Pedro Martín’s graphic memoir about growing up between two cultures during a road trip to Mexico. (Newbery Honor, Belpré Author & Illustrator Award)
⭐ 4.6 (192 reviews) | $7.99 on Amazon
Hercules Beal faces a tough school assignment while working through the grief of his parents' deaths.
⭐ 4.8 (266 reviews) | $9.99 on Amazon
Simon struggles with PTSD in a quirky town, learning how to reinvent himself and cope with his past. (Newbery Honor)
⭐ 4.5 (204 reviews) | $9.99 on Amazon
A graphic memoir of Dan Santat's middle school trip to Europe, where he builds confidence and learns to cope with bullying.
⭐ 4.6 (188 reviews) | $8.03 on Amazon
The thrilling true story of how the Mona Lisa was stolen, investigated, and recovered. (Sibert Medal Book)
⭐ 4.4 (183 reviews) | $8.66 on Amazon
Matthew uncovers family secrets tied to the Holodomor while quarantined with his great-grandmother during COVID-19.
⭐ 4.6 (166 reviews) | $8.99 on Amazon
