Everybody needs a book on their bed

Dear Readers: Every year at Christmastime, I prompt readers to put “A Book on Every Bed.”

This year is different. All of us — not just children — need a good book on our beds.

I’ve reached out to some of my favorite independent booksellers for their special picks for books for all ages.

Baby and Toddlers: From Brigid Hubberman, Children’s Reading Connection (childrensreadingconnection.org): “Baby Cakes,” by Karma Wilson and Sam Williams

“Haiku Baby,” by Betsy E. Snyder

“Shine Baby Shine,” by Leslie Staub and Lori Nichols

Ages 3 to 5: From Lisa Swaze, Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, N.Y. (buffalostreet books.com):

“If You Come to Earth,” by Sophie Blackall, visually and lyrically beautiful. It will feel like a warm hug to any child who receives it.

Early Readers: From Sandra Dear, owner of The Little Boho Bookshop, in Bayonne, NJ (thelittlebohobookshop.com)

“The Suitcase,” by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros: This story about immigration is full of heart and humanity as it teaches our littlest ones about hope, tolerance and kindness.

YA readers: Danielle Kreger, Blue Bunny Books, Dedham, Massachusetts. (bluebunnybooks.com):

“One of Us is Lying,” by Karen M McManus is an edge-of-your-seat mystery that takes place in Bayview High school during detention.

Adult Non-fiction, from Alex George, author of The Paris Hours, owner of Skylark Bookshop (skylarkbookshop.com), in Columbia, Missouri: “Wintering,” by Katherine May: This is a quietly beautiful book, offering insight as to how we might think differently about low points in our lives.

Adult Fiction: from Mark LaFramboise of Politics and Prose, in Washington, D.C. (politics-prose.com).

“The Butterfly Lampshade,” by Aimee Bender: This is a beautiful story of mental illness and the liveliness of a child’s imagination.

Elders: From Gayle Shanks, Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe and Phoenix, Arizona (changinghands .com):

“The Chair Rocks,” by Ashton Applewhite: Tracing Applewhite’s journey from apprehensive boomer to pro-aging radical, and in the process debunks myths about late life.