7 Terrific Gift Books for Reluctant Readers of All Ages

Scaredy Squirrel, by Mélanie Watt
It’s hard to decide who will like this book more: little kids or ultra-protective parents. An agoraphobic rodent, Scaredy Squirrel refuses to leave his nut tree. Poison ivy, killer bees, and potential alien life make the great outdoors far too dangerous for a skittish creature like Scaredy, whose emergency kit includes Band-Aids, a parachute, and antibacterial soap, of course. One day, disaster strikes, and Scaredy must abandon his tree, explore the terrifying unknown, and conquer his fears. And he discovers something pretty incredible about himself along the way.
If Scaredy Squirrel’s endearing and ultimately heroic story doesn’t draw in young reluctant readers, then its bold and unconventional graphic images and cheeky charts, diagrams, and lists certainly will. Good news, moms and dads: it’s a series that will keep kids coming back for more. (Ages 4 – 8)

Ricky Ricotta’s Mighty Robot, by Dav Pilkey
Perpetually the target of bullies and brutes, Ricky is a little mouse with a big heart. Together with his giant flying Robot best friend, the unlikely pair face epic adventures and ample adversity as they battle Dr. Stinky, a bad-guy scientist who wants to take over the world. Dun-Dun-Duuuuun!
A whole lot of color, comics, and flip-book animation will do the trick to win over reticent readers. And Ricky Ricotta’s simple text and outrageously fun story will keep them hooked (it’s a series!). (Ages 4 – 8)

The Adventures of Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey
He’s bald. He’s barefoot. He wears nothing but tighty-whities. He’s Captain Underpants, the coolest (okay, that’s questionable!) superhero the fourth grade has ever seen! Friends George and Harold created this undergarment-wearing underdog and brought him to life with the help of a mail-order hypnotizing device. So who is the man behind the mystery defending “Truth, Justice, and All That Is Pre-Shrunk and Cotton?” Why, it’s the otherwise fiendish school principal, of course! This chapter book will delight readers with its comic-inspired imagery and unapologetic ridiculousness. Because, underpants—need we say more? (Ages 7 – 10)

The Day My Butt Went Psycho, by Andy Griffiths
Sometimes all you have to do is appeal to a child’s sophomoric sense of humor to get the result you want. And occasionally that means reading a book about a runaway butt—like that of Zack Freeman. Equal parts gross and gut-busting, this radical read follows Zack on a crazy journey across the Great Windy Desert, past the Sea of Butts, and into the heart of an explosive “buttcano” where he must face the biggest, scariest butt of them all in order to reclaim what is rightfully his. (Ages 8 – 12)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney
The debut novel in this much-praised series introduces us to Greg Heffley, a “wimpy” kid facing the often embarrassing, frequently frustrating, and totally relatable trials and tribulations of middle school. Every kid, regardless of his or her position on the social stratosphere, will feel for Greg as he endures youth’s most heartbreaking (and hilarious) growing pains. Throughout his flips, flops, wins, and losses, Greg emerges slightly scathed but undeniably stronger. Book-weary kids will come for the creative imagery and stay for the everyday hero’s story. (Ages 8 – 12)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Illustrated Edition, by J.K. Rowling
What avid adult reader doesn’t want their kid to love Harry Potter? If previous attempts to introduce your child to Hogwarts have failed, try again with the deluxe new edition, illustrated by Jim Kay. Featuring over 100 incredible images, it will completely transport young readers into the magical, mystical world you already knew they would absolutely love. (Ages 9 – 12)

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan
The first book in the Percy Jackson series will draw readers in with its compelling story and enchanting mythological themes. After discovering that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, Percy is introduced to a whole new world of action and adventure. And if that description alone doesn’t unleash the begrudging bookworm in your kids, tell them it’s about a summer camp for demigods. Because who wouldn’t want to go there? (Ages 9 – 12)
What books have made your reluctant readers dive into literature?