Books from Brainy Baby are a good choice for the youngest of readers who are just discovering a love of books. There are different educational and fun titles to choose from—Shapes & Colors, Animals, ABCs, 123s and Art. Each book is P255. These books are ideal for kids from one to four years old.
For beginners
Introduce Dr. Seuss to new readers with this lovely collection of books that includes “The Cat in the Hat,” “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Hop on Pop” and “Fox in Socks.” Available for P1,619. Ages five and up.
For future leaders
Inspire future leaders with these titles from Dream Big Books— “Nanay Coring: The Story of National Book Store’s Socorro Ramos” and “Big John: The Life Story of John Gokongwei Jr.” These books tell the tale of some of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs in a way kids can appreciate. Each book is P125.
For superhero fans
Little kids who love superheroes will enjoy reading these books about their favorite crusaders—“The Amazing Spider-Man Storybook Collection,” P555, and “5-minute Marvel Stories,” P455. Ideal for kids ages three and up.
For Disney devotees
Disney’s Storybook Collections are perfect for kids who couldn’t stop watching their favorite Disney DVDs. There are many titles to choose from—“Cars,” “101 Dalmatians,” “Toy Story,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Scary Storybook Collection,” “Princess Storybook Collection,” “Pixar Storybook Collection,” “Fairies Storybook Collection” and “Christmas Storybook Collection.” Kids can read these books alone or with their parents. Prices range from P359 to P575. Great for kids ages three and up.
For Lego lovers
Brick builders would love Lego’s Brickmaster series, which puts together their favorite toys and a story book in one neat package. Titles include Ninjago, Star Wars, Atlantis and Lego Friends. Brickmaster books come with Lego bricks and mini figures. Brickmaster books are P969. Recommended for kids ages seven and up.
For reluctant readers
If the kids in your life haven’t developed a love for reading yet, these entertaining and easy-to-read titles are a great way to get them to pick up books. These books are so much fun even adults would enjoy reading them. “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” box set, P1,699 (includes books one to six); “Dork Diaries” box set (includes books one to six), P2,925; “Captain Underpants” collection, P975. The books in these collections can also be purchased separately so you can mix them up. Great for kids ages seven and up
For the voracious reader
Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary are authors whose books for children have endured the test of time. Judy Blume has written a mix of silly and serious books for kids, all of which are excellent choices for young readers.
Our favorites include “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret,” “It’s Not the End of the World,” “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” “Deenie,” “Just As Long as We’re Together” and “Blubber.” Cleary’s “Ramona Quimby” series is a must-read. They’re fantastic books to give away
And, of course, every young bookworm needs these books in his or her collection. “Harry Potter” box set, P7,699 (hardcover), P2,975 (paperback); and “The Chronicles of Narnia” box set, P1,619.
For teens
John Green (“The Fault in Our Stars,” “An Abundance of Katherines,” “Paper Towns”) and David Levithan (“Every Day,” “How They Met and Other Stories,” “Love is the Higher Law”) are two young adult writers who have touched a lot of readers’ hearts. Pick up any of their books—they’re bound to be a sure hit with teens. Levithan’s collaborations with Rachel Cohn are great, too—our favorites are “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” and “Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares,” which is a perfect holiday read.
Love vampires but hate mush? Richelle Mead’s “Vampire Academy” series knows how to strike the perfect balance of nail-biting suspense and a good love story without resorting to cheesy sentiment. There are six books in the series and all are fantastic. If your kid is a quick reader, make sure to get the ongoing “Bloodlines” series which is just as addictive as “Vampire Academy.”
Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” is one of those enduring classics that everyone should read. It’s about family, first love, friendship and sisterhood—an ideal read for teens with siblings.
“To Kill A Mockingbird” may not be required reading in some schools but it’s definitely required reading for today’s kids faced with news of intolerance and discrimination.
For the whole family
Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” series is not just for adventurous girls, guys, moms and even dads will surely enjoy it. You can even extend the bonding over books by watching the movie after reading it.
Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” series is another read set in the future and its action-packed premise and good mix of characters will hook anyone who loves a good story.
Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart’s numerous intricate pop-up books are also a great treat for the whole family.
Available at National Book Store branches.