Books are the gifts that open new worlds for young readers
If there is a more appropriate gift for a child than a book that will engage and enlighten him or her for months or even years to come, we can’t imagine what that might be. Here are some holiday gift book suggestions for young readers that range in subject matter. Some are poignant, some powerful — and all are positive in their conclusions.
“The Crocodile and the Dentist” by Taro Gomi (Chronicle Books, $16.99. ages 3-5)
Give this to your favorite preschooler or to her dentist. In a whimsical tale, a crocodile and a dentist both fear the necessary appointment. Colorful illustrations vivify their essential encounter. “Lights! Camera! Alice!” by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Simona Ciraolo (Chronicle Books,$17.99, ages 5-8)
Charmingly illustrated, this is the little-known story of the first female filmmaker, Alice Guy-Blaché. Rockliffe tells her amazing story with taste and verve and relates how she turned a disaster into a brilliant career.
“Mac B. Kid Spy” by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Mike Lowery (Orchard books, $12.99, ages 7-10)
In this delightful, witty royal romp, Mac is sent on a mission by the queen to retrieve her royal spoon. The first-person American kid’s voice is spot-on. Lowery’s humorous illustrations meld perfectly with this absurd adventure.
“The Bookshop Girl” by Sylvia Bishop, illustrated by Poly Bernatene (Peachtree Publishers, $16.95, ages 8-12)
This is a quirky winner. When Property’s family wins the Emporium, an incredible London bookstore, there’s a suspicious secret attached with a villain ready to rob everyone. It’s up to Property, with a secret of her own, to rescue the family as well as the amazing bookstore from pending disaster. Black and white illustrations serve to comment on this “can’t-putdown” tale.
“First Generation” by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace, illustrated by Agata Nowicka (Little Brown and Company, $18.99, ages 8-12)
The authors and artist have skillfully presented the stories and challenges of 36 immigrants and refugees who have all made enormous contributions to our nation, among them prominent trailblazers, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and diplomat Madeleine Albright.
“Flor and Miranda Steal the Show” by Jennifer Torres (Little, Brown and Company, $16.99, ages 8-12.)
Two Latina protagonists alternate telling the sympathetic story, which is set in a traveling carnival. Miranda’s success as a singer may mean the demise of Flor’s family petting zoo. Flor, determined to ruin Miranda’s big chance, hasn’t counted on turning an adversary into a friend.
“The Third Mushroom” by Jennifer L. Holm (Random House Books for Young Readers, $16.99, ages 8-12.)
In this funny and offbeat story, Ellie’s grandpa comes “The Language of Spells” by Garret Weyr, illustrated by Katie Harnett
to stay —but in the body of a teenager. He’s a scientist experimenting with eternal youth. When he and Ellie enter the school science fair, the unexpected occurs. Holm has created endearing “The Sequoia Lives On” by Joanna Cooke
characters and poses some thoughtful questions.
“The Language of Spells” by Garret Weyr, illustrated by Katie Harnett (Chronicle books, $16.99, ages 10 up)
This unusual novel makes you care about … dragons!