20 gifts for kids who love to read—and they're not just books

For the book-lover who always wants to bring three or four extra books along “just in case.” Lighten their load with the kid-centric version of the ever-popular Kindle Paperwhite Reader. This kid-friendly Kindle is waterproof, comes with a two-year warranty, and has parental controls to ensure all downloaded content is age-appropriate. If they burn through books quicker than you can buy them, know that the Kindle supports downloads from any library in the country.

Why they don't have this in adult sizes is beyond us. This adorable, kid-sized reading nook and bookcase hybrid by KidKraft is the ultimate escape space for little book lovers. It's perfectly designed to fit all of their favorite books, and the reading area is a comfy cradle for them to lean back and drift off into storyland.

For new or reluctant readers, the Epic reading app is—bar none—one of the best literacy-building apps available. Completely searchable by age and grade, they can easily find books that are right at their reading level and that will pique their interest. There is also a fantastic read-to-me option that reads titles aloud, highlighting each word as it's spoken, allowing kids to hone their phonics and comprehension skills and build their reading confidence—all while freeing you up so you can read a book or two on your own. Plus, with over 40,000 titles to choose from, your kid's reading material will never run dry.

The ultimate gift for bookworms! If their book collection is growing, they will love some beautiful bookends. Whether they prefer cacti, rainbows, or mountain scenery, these gorgeous bookends will keep their favorite titles tidy and their collection feel extra special.

On the couch, on the floor, in bed, or on the go—wherever they’re reading, this pillow lap stand will make reading more comfortable. This is perfect for a tablet or a book, and the cozy plush covering makes it extra comfy for the most comfortable reading time.

Don't let them tell you any different, kid! Reading IS a superpower—let them declare it on their shirt. We love this retro-style t-shirt and it comes in all sorts of colors, sizes, and styles so you can pick just the right one for your little literary superhero.

Just right for kiddos with little arms but big reading ambitions: This “book bag” is perfect for carrying their favorite storybooks to grandma's house, or for packing up their numerous library returns (and carting another few home).

This zany and gripping new four-book series follows the Zoo Patrol Squad as they crack criminal cases. Colorful, smart, and completely hilarious, these graphic novels were written expressly for young readers. These gorgeously illustrated books were both written and illustrated by Disney, DreamWorks, and Marvel alum Brett Bean, and are filled with DreamWorkscky animals, wild adventures, and madcap mysteries. No matter how reluctant a reader you may have, this can't-put-it-down series is sure to grab their attention and their imagination.

Satisfy their insatiable thirst for new and exciting books with a monthly book delivery! BookAroo sends age- and reading-level-specific books right to your doorstep every month—from picture book subscriptions for younger kids to chapter book options for older ones. Librarians tout this box for its selection of engaging and delightful books. Each title is designed to arrive gift-wrapped and comes with info cards that tell a bit about each title, including thoughtful questions and conversation starters.

Once they start building their library, they may want to begin loaning those books out. For a budding bibliophile, there's no greater pleasure than sharing a beloved book, but it’s pretty crushing when those books get lost. Here is an at-home library kit so they can experience the joy of sharing books, without the agony of them being lost forever.

If you have a kid with a curious mind, this amazing 424-page encyclopedia will be their go-to compendium for answering all of their 'how' and 'why' questions. This stunningly illustrated kids’ encyclopedia covers more than 170 topics. Each engaging insight, from over 100 experts, is chock-full of fun and fascinating facts and brimming with explanations that get kids asking for more.

Why do we sleep? Do animals dream? Where is the biggest bed in the world? These aren’t your average bedtime stories. This collection of night-related knowledge, told in fascinating story form, takes kids to Ancient Egypt to explore the beds of Tutankhamun, then off into space to see how astronauts get ready for bed, and even includes fun facts about how hibernating turtles breathe through their butts! With 30 fun and fascinating 5-minute stories, these make for the perfect bite-sized bedtime stories.

There is something so satisfying about having your name in a book; it makes it feel like the fantasy world you visit when you read it is yours forever. Ensure that favorite books never get lost with a custom set of bookplates that reflects your kiddo’s personality. These come in an array of designs that are great for kids of all ages, from giraffes and tricycles to butterflies and rainbows.

Of course, they can always ask Alexa what a word means, but there is something so satisfying about the ritual of marking a word you’ve looked up in a well-worn, dog-eared Merriam-Webster dictionary. Give them the keepsake memento they’ll cherish as their love for words and stories grows. Filled with gorgeous photos and diagrams, example sentences, and word root explanations, this dictionary is just right for any budding etymologist.

Wonderbly has the best in personalized books. Kids love reading books with characters they can identify with. Who better to identify with than a story that puts them as the main player in the story? Whether they are devouring their board books, or they are looking for a meatier story as they get older, Wonderbly stories deftly focus on social-emotional storytelling (without being heavy-handed), so these are self-esteem-boosting and introspection-inspiring books that are just as feel-good as they are entertaining.

Got a creative kiddo? Let their imagination go the distance when they turn their own original story into an actual, printed book. This award-winning, DIY book-authoring kit lets kids create their own story with words and pictures that they mail off to be returned as a professionally printed and bound 20-page hardcover book. Clear some space on your bookshelf now; once the book authoring bug bites you, you can expect them to keep creating.

There’s nothing worse than losing your spot! This clever bookmark not only keeps their page, but it also points to the exact line they left off on. For the reader who is meticulous or when they have to finish their chores right in the middle of a cliffhanger, this is a small but mighty lifesaver that makes peeling them away from plot twists a little less traumatic.

Add a little bit of humor to their reading with these hilarious 3D creature bookmarks. Best deployed when they are forced to slog through boring titles for school, these wacky and wild animals screaming from between their pages will get them giggling.

If your resident bookworm needs a special space to drift away into story land, this easy-to-assemble tent will be a dream come true. Gift them with their own special spot that feels like it was made just for page-turning.

If they are starting to nod off while reading—well, that's just a rite of passage! How about giving them something a little bit more comfortable to doze on? This cozy pillow is emblazoned with what are likely the last words they say every night before bed.