Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Advertise
    • Mentorship
    • Editing Services
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    Random House Children’s Books’ Holiday Gift-Giving Guide! Lasting, memorable gifts for every age

    TCBR ContributorBy TCBR Contributor8 Mins Read Ages 4-8 Ages 9-12 Book Lists Gift Books Seasonal: Holiday Books Teens: Young Adults
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
    Published: November 26, 2009

    The Children’s Book Review proudly shares this list of GREAT books all published by Random House.

    PICTURE BOOK

    For your little prince or princess . . .

    PRINCESS HYACINTH (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated)

    by Florence Parry Heide; illustrated by Lane Smith

    A bestselling Caldecott Honor artist and a legendary author team up to brings kids Princess Hyacinth, who has one very big problem: she floats!

    Schwartz & Wade Books / 978-0-375-84501-7 / September 22, 2009 /$17.99 / $22.00 / Ages 4–8 / 48 pages

    Add this book to your collection: PRINCESS HYACINTH (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated)

    MIDDLE GRADE

    Share this critically acclaimed classic-in-the-making . . .

    WHEN YOU REACH ME

    by Rebecca Stead

    “Absorbing.”—People Magazine

    “Smart and mesmerizing.”—The New York Times Book Review

    Notes from a mysterious stranger lead Miranda to believe she may be the only one able to prevent a horrible death.

    Wendy Lamb Books / 978-0-385-73742-5 / July 14, 2009 / $15.99 / $17.99 / Ages 9–14 / 208 pages

    Add this book to your collection: WHEN YOU REACH ME

    For comic book fans and reluctant boy readers . . .

    POWERLESS

    by Matthew Cody

    Daniel’s new friends are superheroes who secretly do good in their town. But when their powers might be taken away, can normal-kid Daniel save the day?

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-85595-5 / October 27, 2009 / $15.99 / $19.99 / 10 up / 288 pages

    Add this book to your collection: POWERLESS

    For Harry Potter fans . . .

    THE BLUE SHOE: A Tale of Thievery, Villainy, Sorcery, and Shoes

    by Roderick Townley; illustrated by Mary GrandPré

    Harry Potter illustrator Mary GrandPré lends her touch to this modern-day fairy tale printed in blue ink.

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-85600-6 October 13, 2009 / $16.99 / $21.00 / Ages 8–12 / 272 pages

    Add this book to your collection: THE BLUE SHOE: A Tale of Thievery, Villainy, Sorcery, and Shoes

    For the child who loves to know it all . . .

    A REALLY SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING

    by Bill Bryson

    Bryson’s worldwide bestseller is now in a new format for young people. Tackling everything from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization, Bryson’s inimitable storytelling skill makes scientific discovery entertaining and accessible.

    Delacorte Press / 978-0-385-73810-1 / October 27, 2009 / $19.99 / Ages 9–12 / 176 pages

    Add this book to your collection: A REALLY SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING

    For the adventure-loving reader too young for Dan Brown . . .

    CENTURY #1: Ring of Fire

    by P. D. Baccalario; translated by Leah D. Janeczko

    Start your lover of adventure on this first installment in a four-part international mystery series that will take four cities and four extraordinary kids to solve.

    Random House / 978-0-375-85895-6 / September 8, 2009 / $16.99 / $21.00 / Ages 10–13 / 304 pages

    Add this book to your collection: CENTURY #1: Ring of Fire

    For creating New Year’s resolutions . . .

    TODAY I WILL

    by Eileen and Jerry Spinelli

    In dated entries meant to be read each day, the esteemed husband-and-wife team open with a brief literary quote, write a paragraph of lively advice, and end with a “Today I will . . .” promise.

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-84057-9 / October 13, 2009 / $15.99 / $19.99 / Ages 10 up / 384 pages

    Add this book to your collection: TODAY I WILL

    For the horse lover . . .

    THE GEORGES AND THE JEWELS

    by Jane Smiley

    Pulitzer Prize–winning author Jane Smiley makes her debut for young readers in this stirring novel set on a California horse ranch in the 1960s.

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-86227-4 / September 8, 2009 /$16.99 / $21.99 / Ages 10 up / 240 pages

    Add this book to your collection: THE GEORGES AND THE JEWELS

    YOUNG ADULT

    For Paolini fans . . .

    ERAGON’S GUIDE TO ALAGAËSIA

    by Christopher Paolini

    This oversized, full-color guide of Eragon’s home provides fifteen spreads chock full of spectacular artwork, engaging novelty elements, and fascinating insights that Paolini fans will love.

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-85823-9 / November 3, 2009 / $24.99 / $29.99 / Ages 9 up / 32 pages

    Add this book to your collection: ERAGON’S GUIDE TO ALAGAËSIA

    BRISINGR Deluxe Edition

    by Christopher Paolini

    This
    deluxe edition includes deleted scenes, an exclusive foldout poster,
    never-before-seen art by the author, and a guide to dwarf runes.

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-85481-1 / October 13, 2009 / $29.99 / $37.00 / Ages 12 up / 800 pages

    Add this book to your collection: BRISINGR Deluxe Edition

    For your teen who likes dystopian fiction . . .

    MAZE RUNNER

    by James Dashner

    Thomas wakes up in the Glade., a place where a group of kids is stranded with no idea of how or why they are there. The Gladers must learn to join together to find a way out.

    Delacorte Press / 978-0-385-73794-4 / October 6, 2009 / $16.99 / $21.00 / 12 up / 384 pages

    Add this book to your collection: MAZE RUNNER

    For the Twighlight lover . . .

    FALLEN

    by Lauren Kate

    This first novel in a darkly romantic four-book series about fallen angels and forbidden love poses the question: what if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?

    Delacorte Press / 978-0-385-73893-4 / December 8, 2009 / $17.99 / $22.99 / Ages 12 up / 464 pages

    Add this book to your collection: FALLEN

    For your young comedian . . .

    GOING BOVINE

    by Libba Bray

    When Cam finds out he’s sick, he sets off on a wacky American road trip adventure with the help of a death-obsessed, video-gaming dwarf and a yard gnome.

    Delacorte Press / 978-0-385-73397-7 / September 22, 2009 / $17.99 / $23.00 / Ages 14 up / 496 pages

    Add this book to your collection: GOING BOVINE

     

    HOLIDAY THEMED

    ZIGAZAK!: A Magical Hanukkah Night

    by Eric A. Kimmel; illustrated by Jon Goodell

    When two tricky devils arrive in the town of Brisk to cause mischief on the first night of Hanukkah, the town rabbi must triumph over them in a contest of wits.

    Doubleday / 978-0-385-32652-0 / November 11, 2009 / $19.99 / $22.99 / Ages 4–8 / 32 pages

    Add this book to your collection: ZIGAZAK!: A Magical Hanukkah Night

    JUNIE B., FIRST GRADER: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.)

    by Barbara Park; illustrated by Denise Brunkus

    When everyone in Room One picks names for Secret Santa, Junie B. gets stuck with Tattletale May! Maybe, just maybe, a Secret Santa gift is the perfect opportunity to give May exactly what she deserves.

    Random House / 978-0-375-82809-6 / September 22, 2009 / $4.99 / $5.99 / Ages 6–9 / 128 pages

    Add this book to your collection: JUNIE B., FIRST GRADER: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.)

    HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! Party Edition

    by Dr. Seuss

    A new foil cover entices readers to rediscover the Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small. The Grinch hates Who-ville’s holiday celebrations and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming.

    Random House / 978-0-394-80079-0 / August 11, 2009 / $15.00 / $18.99 / Ages 6–9 / 64 pages

    Add this book to your collection: HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! Party Edition

    THE ALL-I’LL-EVER-WANT CHRISTMAS DOLL

    by Patricia McKissack; illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

    Christmas teaches Nella that nothing can replace the company of her sister, when the gift of a beautiful Baby Betty doll pulls them apart.

    Schwartz & Wade / 978-0-375-83759-3 / September 11, 2007 / $16.99 / $21.99 Can. / Ages 4–8 / 40 pgs

    Add this book to your collection: THE ALL-I’LL-EVER-WANT CHRISTMAS DOLL

    A CHRISTMAS MEMORY 50th Anniversary Edition

    by Truman Capote; illustrated by Beth Peck

    First published in 1956, this much-sought-after autobiographical recollection of Truman Capote’s rural Alabama boyhood recalls memories of beloved holiday rituals.

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-83789-0 / October 10, 2006 / $17.95 / $23.95 Can. / Ages 12 up / 48 pages

    Add this book to your collection: A CHRISTMAS MEMORY 50th Anniversary Edition

    THE NUTCRACKER

    by Stephanie Spinner; illustrated by Peter Malone

    The Nutcracker is brought to life in this beautifully illustrated retelling of the ballet, with a 78-minute CD of Tchaikovsky’s music performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra.

    Alfred A. Knopf / 978-0-375-84464-5 / October 14, 2008 / $16.99 / $19.99 Can. / Ages 4–8 / 40 pages

    Add this book to your collection: THE NUTCRACKER

     

    Random House Books for Young Readers, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, Doubleday Books for Young Readers, Golden Books, David Fickling Books, Schwartz & Wade Books, Robin Corey Books, and Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers are imprints of the Random House Children’s Books division of Random House, Inc., whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG.

    What to Read Next:

    1. 20 of the Best Kids Christmas Books
    2. Christmas Gifts for Kids: Book Collections, Box Sets, & Toys
    3. Holiday Gift Guide: Best Children’s Books & Toys
    4. Gift of Reading: Graduation Gifts, 2009

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Barbara Park Beth Peck Bill Bryson Christopher Paolini Denise Brunkus Dr. Seuss Eileen Spinelli Eric A. Kimmel Florence Parry Heide Holiday Gift Guide Kids Books Jane Smiley Jerry Pinkey Jerry Spinelli Jon Goodell Junie B. Jones Lane Smith Lauren Kate Leah D. Janeczko Libba Bray Mary GrandPré Matthew Cody P.D. Baccalario Patricia McKissack Peter Malone Rebecca Stead Roderick Townley Stephanie Spinner Truman Caopte
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleWhere to Find Free Classic Books Online
    Next Article Video: Million Dollar Throw: Mike Lupica
    TCBR Contributor
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)

    The Children’s Book Review, named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers. This article was written and provided by one of TCBR's regular contributors.

    2 Comments

    1. The1stdaughter on November 28, 2009 8:52 pm

      Great list! I just received When You Reach Me as a birthday gift and I’m so excited to read it. And tomorrow I will have my review of The Maze Runner up, which was an amazing book by the way. Thanks again for the list!

      Reply
    2. The Children's Book Review Bianca Schulze on November 29, 2009 8:32 am

      Happy Birthday!

      Reply
    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • An Interview with Liz Kessler, Author of the ‘Emily Windsnap’ Series
    • Simone LaFray and the Bishop of Mumbai | Dedicated Review
    • Inspirational Soccer Book for Kids Compilation: 2 Books In 1: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Alex Morgan biographies for kids – Plus 101 Affirmations and Mental Training For Young Players | Dedicated Review
    • Animals Feeling Like Us, by R. M. Smith | Book Review
    • I Am Not Sophie, by Robyn Hodess | Book Review
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Professional Resources

    Book Marketing Campaigns

    Writing Coaches and Editing Services

    Mentorship

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Policies
    • Advertise
    • TCBR Buzzworthy Mentions
    • About TCBR
    © 2025 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.