ACLS Book-Giving Guide

Looking for the perfect book to ignite a child’s imagination this holiday season? The Allegany County Library Program Specialists, the same talented team that brings joy and wonder to Story Time each week, have handpicked a collection of favorite stories. These books are sure to entertain, inspire, and create special moments for the whole family this holiday season! These titles are available to checkout from the Allegany County Library System or to request through Maryland’s Interlibrary Loan portal.

Favorite New Picture Books 

1. The Garden Witch by Kyle Beauchette

2. Don’t Wash Winston by Ashley Belotz

3. Squirrel-ish by Bambi Edlund

4. We Are Definitely Human by X Fang

5. Maxine Gets a Job by Alexandra Garyn, Susan Batori

6. I Am a Potato by Ziggy Hanover

7. The Snow Thief by Alice Hemming

8. Beach Bummer by Ryan T. Higgins

9. While You’re Asleep by Emmy Kastner

10. Luigi the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten by Michelle Knudson

11. Go and Get With Rex by David La Rochelle

12. Duck Duck Taco Truck by Laura Lavoie

13. Clive Penguin by Huw Lewis-Jones

14. The Yellow Bus by Loren Long

15. Mummy & Me: A Monster’s Tale by Danesh Mohiuddin

16. All the Books by Hayley Rocco

17. I Am Wriggly by Michael Rosen

18. Bear’s Lost Glasses by Leo Timmers

19. Two Together by Brendan Wenzel

20. Sweet and Sour by Brian Yannish

Favorite Read Aloud/Interactive Books

1. Sam & Dave Dig a Big Hole by Mac Barnett

2.  I Am Not a Dog Toy by Ethan T. Berlin

3.  Goodnight Butterfly by Ross Burach

4.  Don’t Push the Button by Bill Cotter

5. There’s a Monster In Your Book by Tom Fletcher

6. Do Not Bring Your Dragon to the Library by Julie Glassman

7.  Goodnight Already by Jory John

8. It’s a Tiger by David La Rochelle

9. Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson

10. The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novack

11. Open Very Carefully by Nicola O’Byrne

12. Bunny Slopes by Claudia Roeda

13. Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

14. Is Everyone Ready for Fun by Jan Thomas

15. Elephant & Piggie by Mo Willems

16. Pigeon by Mo Willems

Favorite Holiday Books

1. Leprechaun vs. Easter Bunny by Todd Tarpley

2. One Is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox

3. Run, Turkey, Run! by Diane Mayr

4. Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwarts

5. Turkey’s Birthday Bash by Wendi Silvano

6. Turkey Trouble by Wendi Silvano

7. Turkey vs. Santa by Todd Tarpley

8. There’s an Elf In My Book by Katie Barnett

9. Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert E. Barry

10. Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho by William Boniface

11. Snowmen at Christmas by Carolyn Buehner

12. Deck the Walls: A Wacky Christmas Carol by Erin Dealey

13.  The Gingerbread House Jack’s Family Ate by Kelly Di Pucchio

14. The Owl Who Came for Christmas by John Hay

15. Santa’s Story by Will Hillenbrand

16. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston

17. How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney by Mac Barnett

18. We’re Going on a Gingerbread Hunt by Anna Mumbrino

19. How Carrot & Cookie Saved Christmas by Erica S. Pearl

20. Are You Grumpy Santa by Greg and Evan Spiridellis

21. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson

The book recommendations provided by the Allegany County Library System (ACLS) Program Specialists are intended to support and inspire our community’s reading journey. These recommendations are based on the expertise and personal selections of our staff.

Please note that ACLS does not receive any compensation for featuring these books, nor does the library endorse the views, opinions, or content expressed by the authors, publishers, or any affiliated entities. Our goal is to offer diverse and engaging materials that reflect the interests and needs of our patrons.