Category: Toy Reviews

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One of the most timeless gifts you can give each year is new release books and puzzles. Beginning with board books for babies and beginner word books and beginner puzzles for toddlers and older kids when they get overwhelmed with the amount of toys that collect in the home they love grabbing a book. It is always my favorite way to end the day with our boys when they were younger. Consider these 2020 releases from Chronicle Books for the Best Books and Puzzle Gifts this year.

HELLO HELLO with Brendan Wenzel. Named a Best Children’s Book of the Year by the Washington Post, Amazon, Working Mother, and more! Starting with color and pattern and moving on size, shape, sound, and more, this board book is perfect for introducing the youngest readers to important visual concepts. 

build! by Xavier Deneux. The movable pieces invite and involve the reader in this story of building not only a home, but a family as well.

Bookscape Board Books: Christmas Cheer by Ingela P. Arrhenius. Enjoy the colorful, dynamic scenes of Christmas time—from caroling to baking, building a snowman to decorating the tree, and more.

Finger Puppet Books by Chronicle Books. A variety of sweet animal board books with a finger puppet built in.

Tree of Wonder by Kate Messner. An exciting introduction to the biodiversity of the rainforest biome.

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi. The beloved, bestselling potty-training classic is now in hardcover for a new generation!

Fox & Chick: The Party: and Other Stories by Sergio Ruzzier. Learn to appreciate their differences:Fox and Chick don’t always agree, but Fox and Chick are always friends.

Love Can Come in Many Ways by Terry Pierce. This book celebrates the many diverse ways animals, and humans, show their love.

Sound: Shhh…Bang…Pop…Boom! by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv. An award-winning visual tour of the world of sound.

There Must Be More Than That! by Shinsuke Yoshitake. Readers of all ages will seek solace in this smart and spirited exploration of the good that might be right around the corner.

Charlie & Mouse Even Better (Book 3 of 3) by Laurel Snyder. In this heartwarming third book in the beginning Charlie & Mouse series, the two brothers prepare to celebrate one very special birthday: their mom’s.

Then there are these fun puzzle/books!

Masha and Her Sisters: (Russian Doll Board Books, Children’s Activity Books, Interactive Kids Books) by Suzy Ultman. A charming die-cut novelty board book inspired by Russian nesting dolls. Featuring shaped pages with brightly painted edges, and culminating in a satisfying finale, these nestled dolls reinforce a sweet message: they may be different, but they’re a perfect fit!

Piece it Together: Owl Onboard Family Puzzle at Chronicle Books. A 60-piece puzzle the entire family can enjoy.Larger, simpler pieces make up half of each charming scene, while smaller pieces make up the other half.

Make Me a Robot by Mark Rogalski. Build this mechanical playmate by lifting 15 flaps—from handy gadgets to jet-like wings—until the book is fully transformed.

Make sure to visit Chronicle Books for more title releases.