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Give the Gift of Reading

Monday, December 8, 2014

As the calendar heads swiftly towards year’s end and gift-giving holidays approach, many of us scramble to find the perfect gifts for loved ones near and far. The Children’s Library staff is here to help. Below you will find our recommendations for terrific books to give to young readers in your life.

If your gift-giving generosity extends to readers living nearby, consider giving the best gift of all: Library membership. Imagine the joy they will experience all year long when readers have the benefits of membership in our community of readers, writers, researchers, and families. To give a gift of membership click here for membership information.

Fiction Recommendations

Fortunately, the Milk | Gaiman, Neil  Recommended for ages 8-12
The simple errand of running to the corner store for milk seems to take much longer than it should for one dad. His excuse? Adventures with pirates, aliens, dinosaurs, vampires, and more, which are all certainly hogwash…or are they? This chapter book is amply illustrated to extend the fantastical fun.

Digby O’Day in the Fast Lane | Hughes, Shirley  Recommended for ages 5-8
Canines Digby O'Day and Percy find adventure everywhere, but when they enter an All-Day Race, they quickly fall behind. In a day full of twists, turns, thrills, and surprises, they discover that anything can happen. Written by acclaimed British author Shirley Hughes, this is an exciting chapter book for early elementary readers.

Count on the Subway | Jacobs, Paul DuBois  Recommended for ages 2-6
Retro style illustrations and rhythmic text describe the sights and sounds of a subway ride in New York City, as a mother and child go uptown counting their way from one to ten and back again.

Lindbergh the Tale of a Flying Mouse | Kuhlman, Torben  Recommended for ages 7-12
In a country far away, a new invention--the mechanical mousetrap--has caused all the mice but one to flee to America. Now stranded in a dangerous place, the last mouse decides to build a plane and fly to the land of freedom. Kuhlmann's gorgeous watercolor-and-pencil illustrations complement the text, which makes for a wonderful family read-aloud.

Battle Bunny | Scieszka, Jon & Barnett, Mac  Recommended for ages 6-10
This hilarious takeover of a syrupy sweet story that young Alex receives from his grandmother will charm mischievous readers and artists. The young “author” masterminds a retelling of the tale as he would like it to be told. Inspired readers will want to visit mybirthdaybunny.com to create their own stories.

Non Fiction and Biography Recommendations

The Cosmo-Biography of Sun Ra | Raschka, Chris  
Recommended for ages 6-10
Did you know that the best musicians come from outer space? Music lovers can read all about the fascinating life of Sun Ra, the musician who believed he was from Saturn. Raschka’s colorful tribute to this one-of-a-kind jazz artist overflows with energy.

ChopChop: The Kids Guide to Cooking Real Food with Your Family | Sampson, Sally  Recommended for ages 7-13
This photo-filled book of tempting and healthy recipes, tips, and food facts will be a great resource for young cooks and their families. 

The Pilot and the Little Prince | Sis, Peter Recommended for ages 7-12
This exquisitely illustrated biography of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, pilot, adventurer, and author, will captivate curious readers. St. Exupéry, author of the beloved children’s book The Little Prince, was born in 1900 when airplanes were new, and he dreamed of flying someday. Here is the story of his life of adventure and writing.

Animal Encyclopedia | Spelman, Lucy Recommended for ages 8-12
For the animal lover and fact hound, a National Geographic book filled with fascinating information and photographs. Curious readers will spend hours immersed in the animal kingdom.

Poetry and Music Recommendations

Goodnight Songs | Brown, Margaret Wise Recommended for ages 3-7
A treasure trove of newly discovered songs by beloved author Margaret Wise Brown for young readers to share with their grownups at bedtime, accompanied by a CD of soothing music and vocals. Each song is illustrated by a different notable artist.

Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book | Yolen, Jane and Dyer, Jane  Recommended for ages newborn-5
Filled with charming short poems and lap games, this is an ideal gift for new parents and their little ones.

Still need more ideas? See our extended list of gift-giving ideas here. Do you have a great idea for a children’s book to give as a gift? Please share your gift recommendations in the Comments section below. 

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