Holiday Book Pick Wrap-Up!

When the new toys have lost their appeal or the batteries on the gaming controllers need recharging, and the kids' (and adults') fa-la-las have fizzled, it is time for the best gifts to swoop in and save the day in the coziest way possible. Browse this round-up of 24 Carrot Writing's Book Picks for 2024, as well as some of our Book Pick authors' personal favorites for those holiday late-afternoon wind-down snuggles.

---

---

KRISTI MAHONEY'S BOOK PICK
In the young chapter books, Drag and Rex Forever Friends and Drag and Rex Sweet and Silly (Pixel + Ink November 2023 and 2024), by Susan Lubner, illustrated by Blythe Russo, two endearing forever friends, Drag (an impulsive dragon) and Rex (a practical) T-Rex, spend their days finding fun and adventure in everyday life. Reminiscent of Frog and Toad, I was immediately enamored by this fun duo, their fresh wit, and the whimsical illustrations that add additional humor and heart to these charming short stories.
​
​For writers, there is much inspiration in these books—using favorite classic characters to provide inspiration for fresh new characters, incorporating humor into relatable everyday situations, and packing every page with genuine heart, which, much like good friends, can never be forced.

​Read the Book Pick of Kristi Mahoney's debut picture book Alpacas Make Terrible Librarians here. To find out more about Kristi, visit her at ​kristimahoneybooks.com.

---

---

LU FRASER'S BOOK PICK
I know when a picture book has really moved me because I find myself reading it again…and again…and that was exactly what happened when I first read Gina Kaminsky Saves the Wolf written by Craig Barr-Green, and illustrated by Francis Martin (Kane Miller, 2024) - a fabulous tale that revisits a fairytale classic in the most wonderful way.
​
​Gina is a hugely-endearing neurodivergent heroine who has spotted three big mistakes in ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ so she steps into the tale to fix them! Original, witty, surprising, funny, thoughtful, heartfelt – this book is an utter joy!
​
From a writing perspective, there is a bold simplicity to this book that belies the complexity of what Barr-Green and Martin have achieved – an innovative tale that stands out from the crowd, a heroine with a personality that shines through from page one, language that has a fantastic directness that will appeal to young readers, illustrations that so perfectly complement the story, the whole reading experience is seamless…the list goes on! The cherry on the cake is the unique use of pictorial emoji’s supporting the text (anyone who has ever spent time with young children will instantly recognize the approach used in so many classrooms!). And the best thing of all? There’s a second book in the series!
​

Read the Book Pick for Lu Fraser's The Littles Yak here. To find out more about Lu, visit her at www.lufraser.com, or find her on X @_lufraser or on Instagram @lu.fraser. 

---

---

PAM VAUGHAN'S BOOK PICK
It is really unfair that you are asking us to pick one book! There are SO MANY books to choose for this list. One I read recently is She Sells Seashells Mary Anning, an Unlikely Paleontologist  by Heidi E. Y. Stemple, illustrated by Emily Paik (Charlesbridge, 2024). This story features a young girl not only following her passion, but supporting her family through this passion and her hard work. Even though, during that time, she never received any credit, her individual effort, discoveries, and curiosity led to the creation of paleontology.
 
I really like how Heidi Stemple incorporates layers and threads, and subtly weaves in an important message while simultaneously empowering young readers. 
​

​Read the Book Pick of Pam Vaughan's debut picture book Missy Wants a Mammoth here. To find out more about Pam, visit her at ​www.pamvaughanauthor.com.

---

---

NANCY TUPPER LING'S BOOK PICK
Confession . . . I saw this book grow from an idea, to a manuscript that faced several edits and revisions, to a published chapter book, so I’m a bit biased. Still, I  love Rica Baptista’s second book, Rica Baptista: A Week of Shenanigans by Janet Costa Bates (Candlewick, 2024) . Rest assured, Rica and her friend, Laini, are up to some big-time shenanigans now. That said, her favorite week of the year, Adventure Week, looks “adventureless” at best when Grampy arrives at her house with a sprained ankle. Of course, the question is whether Rica can turn things around before the week is up.

​If anyone is thinking about writing a chapter book for ages 6-9 years old, this book is a great model. With a bit of suspense, lots of humor, the portrayal of a Cape Verdean family, and a bit of faith in the mix as well, Bates writes in a way that will keep young readers turning those pages. The illustrations by Gladys Jose add to the fun and serve as a reminder of classic characters like Ramona Quimby and Matilda.
​ 

Read the Book Pick of Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World, co-edited by Nancy Tupper Ling and June Cotner here. To find out more about Nancy, visit her at ​www.nancytupperling.com.

---

---

JUNE COTNER'S BOOK PICK
The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Sara Brezzi (Parnassus Books, 2023) is geared for 5-9 year-old readers. Charles covers topics that directly relate to a child’s world such as home, winter, spring, summer, animals, and the broad subject of poetry.
Coming from the perspective of a 30-year career in compiling poetry
anthologies, Charles is one of the best poets I’ve encountered. Writers will learn a lot from Charles by paying attention to his excellent use of rhyme, rhythm, short lines which are easier for children to read, sweet descriptions and overall fun and amusement that his poetry conveys.
​

Read the Book Pick of Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World, co-edited by Nancy Tupper Ling and June Cotner here. To find out more about June, visit her at ​www.junecotner.com.

---

---

HUI LI'S BOOK PICK
Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol
I was particularly impressed by the design of the storyline, the book also delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance.
It is an excellent mentor text because the story's thoughtful narrative, with each part intricately connected to the next to create a seamless and engaging flow, demonstrates how to convey meaningful themes with clarity and emotional impact.

Read the Book Pick for Scroll here and learn more about Hui at www.shulululee.com/kidlitart.

---

---

Browse all our 2024 Book Picks for more easy holiday gift ideas!
Picture Books:
Let Me Call You Sweetheart: A Confectionary of Affection by Mary Lee Donovan
The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice
Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter
Middle Grade:
Simon Sort Of Says by Erin Bow
Between Two Brothers by Crystal Allen

Happy reading and happy holidays!