Two Lit Mamas

Episode 118: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

First Circle Press

The Mamas are back with opinions and hot takes in their annual holiday gift guide. Their book recs are for little ones, big kids, and picky older readers like themselves. Grab a cup of cheer and make your list! Happy Holidays!

Heather’s Picture Book Recs (ages 3-5):

  • On the Air with Dr. Doodlebug by Susan E. Goodman and Merrill Rainey
  • Woodland Dreams by Karen Jameson 
  • Snuggle Season by Jaimie MacGibbon


Margie’s Middle Grade Recs (ages 8-12):

  • A Brush with Magic by Flora Ahn
  • The Myth of Monsters series by Katherine Marsh
  • We Built this City by Cat Patrick
  • Blood City Rollers by V. P. Anderson
  • Winston Chu vs. the Whimsies and Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters by Stacey Lee
  • Kwami Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer


Heather’s YA Recs (ages 13-18):

  • Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray 
  • Hekate - The Witch by Nikita Gil 
  • Game Changers, Inspirational Sports Stories by Dan Gold


Margie’s Murdery and Weird Grown Up Recs:

  • The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
  • Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom (Golden Girls Murder series)
  • The Impossible Fortune by Richard Ossman (Thursday Murder Club series) 
  • Kills Well With Others by Deanna Raybourn (Killers of a Certain Age series)
  • Finnlay Donnavan series by Elle Cosimano
  • Sirens and Weyward by Emilia Hart
  • Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez
  • The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
  • Book of Witching by CJ Cooke
  • Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson
  • Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer
  • Bless Your Heart and Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan
  • Colin Gets Promoted and Dooms the World by Mark Waddel


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