Do you follow the holiday gift-giving advice to give something to wear, something to read, something you want, and something you need? If you need help narrowing down the best picture books to give the children on your list, our gift guide is here to help!

From aspiring dancers to young scientists and world travelers, I’ve found the best picture books to fit their interests. I also know many of you are looking for just the right children’s books to help your child settle down at bedtime, so I’ve got some of those as well.

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Books are one of the best gifts to give children because they can enjoy them again and again! Click through to find the best picture books for every interest, from animal lovers to future globe trotters to young scientists and engineers.

Disclosure: For your convenience this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase items through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Best Picture Books for Little Travelers

Children’s book gift guide | Best picture books | Diverse children’s books | Educational gifts for kids

The Barefoot Books World Atlas by Nick Crane and David Dean

Every child needs a kid-friendly, quality atlas to help them learn about the world. Our family loves the Barefoot Book Atlas because it celebrates cultural diversity and highlights how all of us can care for the planet we call home. (Recommended for ages 4 -12)

My Grant Went to Market by Stella Blackstone and Christopher Corr

Granny loves to travel, especially when its time to find souvenirs! Kids join her on a magic carpet trip around the world, where they also reinforce their counting skills. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Malaika’s Costume by Nadia L. Hohn and Irene Luxbacher

It’s Malaika’s first carnival celebration since her mother moved from Jamaica to Canada to find work. She’s supposed to send money for the costume, but it hasn’t arrived yet. How will Malaika dance in the carnival parade? (Recommended for ages 4 – 10)

Barefoot Books Children of the World by Tessa Strickland, Kate DePalma, and David Dean

This gorgeous, thoughtful book shows children all around the world from a variety of ethnicities, family types, physical abilities, and more experiencing everyday life. Read my full review here. (Recommended for ages 4 – 10).

Best Picture Books Set in Africa

Best Picture Books Set in North America

Best Picture Books Set in Asia

Best Picture Books Set in Europe

Best Picture Books Set in South America

Best Picture Books Set in Australia and Antarctica

Best Picture Books for Animal Lovers

Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk and Alexandria Neonakis

I can’t decide whether I love the lyric love song to sweet baby Kulu more, or whether it’s the gorgeous illustrations. Animals from the Arctic gather to give the newborn baby many gifts in a loving tribute. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Will You Help Doug Find His Dog? by Jane Castan and Carmen Saldana

It’s so much fun to help Doug sort through a sea of silly, playful dogs to find his special playmate. This interactive book has heavy, sturdy pages, making it a great choice for the youngest book lovers. (Recommended for ages 1 to 5)

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

This interactive guessing book lets children discover all the amazing things that animals can do with their eyes, ears, noses, tails, mouths, and feet. (Recommended for ages 4 – 10)

Best Picture Books to Inspire Young Changemakers

Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai and Kerascoet

As a young girl in Pakistan, Malala wished for a magic pencil that give her an extra hour of sleep or create a lock on her bedroom door. When she learned that many girls like her could not go to school in her country, her wishes changed and she discovered the power of writing with an ordinary pencil. (Recommended for ages 4 – 10)

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer, and Elizabeth Zunon

William Kamkwamba tells the true story of how he built a windmill for his village, using only library books for guidance. This story of persistence and creativity will inspire kids who want to fight hunger and poverty, as well as young environmentalists.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark by Debbie Levy and Elizabeth Braddeley

From a young age, future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg realized that disagreeing did not make you a disagreeable person. It gave her the power to make change: for all women and for people from marginalized racial and religious groups. (Recommended for ages 6 to 12)

The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson and Vanessa Brantley Newton

Audrey Faye Hendricks was the youngest child known to be arrested during the civil rights movement, and this book tells her remarkable story. At age 9 she wanted to heed Dr. King’s call to fill the Birmingham jails so that segregation would end. (Recommended for ages 6 to 12)

Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-Ng and Yuyi Morales

Mama tells young Suhaila that her grandmother would have wrapped her arms around the world if she could have. One night, Suhaila finally gets to meet her through a magical trip to the moon. There, they rescue and comfort many who are experiencing pain and hardship. (Recommended for 5 to 10)

Best Picture Books for Young STEAM Enthusiasts

My Friend Robot by Sunny Scribens, Hui Skipp, and Norma Jean Wright

In this fun-filled singalong book (which comes with a CD), kids build a treehouse with the help of their new robot. Along the way, young children learn a lot about simple machines and how they are all around us. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Under Water, Under Earth by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski

Our five year old is obsessed with this oversized book, which explores fascinating facts about everything that happens underground and in the oceans. This is a must have for curious non-fiction lovers. (Recommended for ages 5 – 12)

Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building by Christy Hale

Young builders will be fascinated with these simple vignettes, pictures, and photographs that celebrate architecture and design in all its forms. (Recommended for ages 3 – 7)

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts

Though she doesn’t speak until she’s three, Ada Twist’s head is full of questions. They’re all questions that scientists ask. In this playful story, Ada’s family must figure out how to nurture their daughter’s insatiable quest for knowledge. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)

Best Picture Books for Young Artists and Dancers

Firebird by Misty Copeland and Christopher Myers

Trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland writes her book to a young dancer who feels she will never have the grace, confidence, and strength of her idol. Her encouraging words and the stunning artwork remind children that our lives can change in ways we can’t yet imagine. (Recommended for ages 6 – 10)

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy, Theresa Howell, and Rafael Lopez

This true story of an urban art project will delight kids whose favorite color is “rainbow.” Kids watch as a young girl in San Diego begins transforming her gray neighborhood one bit at a time with splashs of color. (Recommended for ages 4 – 9)

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet

As a child in the late 1800s, Horace Pippin loved to draw and paint. Yet it wasn’t until he was much older, recovering from a war injury to his arm, that he began to create art that was noticed by more than his friends and family. (Recommended for 6 to 10)

Best Picture Books for Celebrating Who You Are

Wings by Christopher Myers

Teachers and students alike don’t understand Ikarus Jackson, who has beautiful wings. One girl, who faces teasing herself, decides to speak up about this amazing boy. (Recommended for ages 5 – 10)

The Boy Who Grew Flowers by Jen Wojtowicz and Steve Adams

Rink Bowagon comes from a family of folks who have strange talents. But no one knows about his own special gift. He sprouts flowers all over his body whenever the moon is full. What will happen when Rink has the chance to use his special talents to help a classmate? (Recommended for ages 4 – 10)

Best Picture Books for Bedtime Snuggles

I Took the Moon for a Walk by Carolyn Curtis and Alison Jay

This gorgeously illustrated, slightly quirky book has been a bedtime favorite of my son’s for years. Follow a young boy on his dreamy nighttime jaunt with the moon. (Recommended for ages 1 – 7)

Before Morning by Joyce Sidman and Beth Krommes

When her mother (a pilot) must head out on a trip, a little girl sends out her wish for a different kind of day. Her invocation results in a dreamy, snowy night that transforms the city. (Recommended for ages 4 – 8)

Time for Bed by Mem Fox and Jane Dyer

As darkness falls, little animals everywhere are getting sleepy as their parents gently remind them it’s time for bed. We love poring over the sweet illustrations in this book as we listen to the gentle rhymes. (Recommended for ages 1 – 5)

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