Aimee Recommends ~ Children’s Gift Suggestions for 0-12 years & Young adults
Recommendations for ages 0-5 years
TouchThinkLearn – ABC by Xavier Deneux
Beautifully illustrated in a bold and interactive style, this book will encourage infants beginning to learn the alphabet, to help engage with new words and ideas. The ‘TouchThinkLearn’ range are a great way for caregivers to encourage language development.
Change Sings – Amanda Gorman
This ‘anthem’ is a joyous and inspiring tale of a young girl using music to spark change, both within the community and within herself. Each page is a celebration of colour, music, and hope. A joy for adults and children alike, from America’s first National Youth Poet Laureate.
Recommendations for ages 5 to 8 years.
National Trust: I Am The Seed That Grew The Tree
Share an inspiring and thought-provoking nature poem every day! This is a great book for caregivers to form excellent reading habits, rediscover beloved classics and fall in love with contemporary poetry.
Black and British : An Illustrated History by David Olusoga
This new illustrated history is a colourful journey through the often untold diverse history of Black people in Great Britain. From the Ancient Romans to the Georgians fighting to abolish slavery – and more! – this is a must read.
Bandoola by William Gill
Based on a true story, follow the relationship between humans and elephants when their lives suddenly change as Myanmar's beautiful natural landscape – and their lives – are risked by the start of the Second World War. This book is beautiful, accessible, and deeply moving.
Recommendations for ages 9 to 12 years old.
Lion Above the Door by Onjali Q. Rauf
From award-winning, bestselling author Onjali Q Rauf, this is the story of Leo and his best friend Sangeeta. They’ve always felt like the odd ones out, Leo’s dad tells him this is because they're special. So how come nobody in Leo’s history books looks like him? Whilst on a school trip to a local cathedral, Leo's notices something unbelievable on an enormous marble slab above the door. Among of a list of war heroes is his own name. With themes of historical racism, this novel gives life to some of the forgotten stories from World War Two, and highlights the importance of friendship and family.
Black and British : A Short Essential History by David Olusoga
This short and accessible introduction to Black history in Great Britain answers questions that for too long have been unanswered – spanning over 1800 years of history! This text-based version is an excellent way to further your knowledge while remaining engaging.
The Hatmakers by Tamzin Merchant
Cordelia is a Maker, hats, cloaks, watches, boots, and gloves from magical ingredients. When her father disappears at sea, Cordelia embarks on a journey to find him – but uncovers much more than she expected! This is\ a magical, mysterious, laugh-out-loud funny story of family, adventure, and an ancient rivalry.
When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle
Winner of the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Children’s Fiction. Based on a true story, in the midst of the Second World War, where often bombs fall from the sky, Joseph moves in with Mrs F. She is a zoo-owner with no fondness for children – but when Joseph meets a silverback gorilla called Adonis, he swears to guard him. Will they be able to save Adonis, or know what to do if the time comes the one thing they both love’s life is at risk?
Young Adult Recommendations~
If you like To All The Boys I Loved Before, you might like A Pho Love Story by Loan Le. For generations, the rivalry between the Mais’ and the Nguyens’ families neighbouring Pho restaurants has raged. When a chance encounter brings together Bao Nguyen and Linh Mai, their chemistry is undeniable and it makes them wonder why they have never united like this before. Will Bao and Linh find love, despite their families rivalry? This story is a funny, heard warming, romantic comedy about American-Veitnamese teens coming of age in the midst of an age-old family feud.
If you like the Grishaverse stories, like Shadow and Bone or Six Of Crows, you might like ... Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin. Serpent & Dove is the first book in a fantasy trilogy of witchcraft and forbidden love. If you like enemies to lovers, morally grey characters, and intriguing mysteries full of magic – this is definitely the trilogy for you! (15+)