It’s the gift-giving season and we believe that the best gift is ALWAYS a book. Not all kids may agree, but don’t let that prevent you from considering some of these hits for the littles on your list! They may just be book lovers yet!
Jessica’s Picks
Elementary Picture Book
Is a picture book trilogy possible? It sure is if you’re Josh Funk. Check out his Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast books. They are clever, hilarious, and always enjoyable. We reviewed the first book here. The next one is The Case of The Stinky Stench followed by Mission Defrostable. I’m not going to lie, even my high schoolers enjoy these books! We have read them a handful of times and still chuckle as we read aloud the story. Besides the quirky humor, these books rhyme and offer a sweet message to the littles. These would make a fabulous holiday present for the little reader in your life.
Upper Elementary Picture Book
This suggestion does favor the nerd a bit. They are nonfiction, but honestly, most kids prefer nonfiction, and these are a few of the best out there! Gene Barretta is the master at engaging students in famous historical figures. His books are set up to compare and contrast two people or past and present. Each page explores similarities and differences with captivating pictures and lively text. We reviewed one of his newer ones; Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare, as well as two of his older books; Now and Ben and Timeless Thomas.
Chapter Book
It’s no secret that I have been slightly (okay a lot) biased about my new favorite book. It’s Refugee by Alan Gantz. This book has been stewing in my head since I read it. It’s so relevant and so needed right now. It is a powerfully told story that highlights the lives of three different children fleeing dangerous situations. This is a perfect present for kids between 4 and 8 grade. The story really sheds light on the emotions and feelings of those being forced to leave their home to seek asylum in another country. This should be a required read.
Bonus
Perhaps you have a comic reader in the house! Check out Pashmina. This graphic novel is a beautiful story of an Indian-American girl who wants to know more about her home country while she is dealing with typical teenage angst. It’s a fast moving, but very complex book. I would recommend this one for grades 4 and up.
Sherry’s Picks
Early Picture Book
I know we just reviewed Good Dog, by Cori Doerrfeld (see review here), but I really did enjoy this book! Both of my kids enjoyed reading it again and again, and I didn’t even mind repeated reads! The adorable dog starts out as a stray, feeling rather lonely until he spots a little girl on a bike that waves at him. He follows her but loses her when it’s time for her to go home. Unfortunately for the girl, but fortunately for the dog, she leaves her bear behind when she leaves. It’s up to the dog to get it back to her! Good Dog conveys the very sweet themes of family and friendship so beautifully and accessibly, as there are many opportunities for kids in this age range to make connections. Minimal words make it ideal for reading aloud to a younger crowd, but the pictures are rich enough to sustain conversation those that are ready.
Upper Elementary Picture Book
This book cracks me up. Every. Time. I absolutely LOVE The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors, by Drew Daywalt. We used this one in our Historical Fusion sessions as a mentor text for culture – such a fun session! The author of The Day the Crayons Quit, Daywalt seems to have a talent for anthropomorphism. A simple children’s game takes on a more serious tone to tell the story of the three great warriors, Rock, Paper, and Scissors. Each warrior is unparalleled in their own realm but seeks an opponent worthy of their greatness. The vocabulary in this book is amazing, and the high language of heroic journeys and epic tales of adventure juxtaposed on ordinary, every day objects makes this such a fun read-aloud.
Chapter Book
We’ve been listening to lots of audiobooks lately, and our current favorite is The Island of Dr. Libris, by Chris Grabenstein (he also wrote The Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, which is also one of my favorites!). This book celebrates the power of imagination! Billy comes to spend the summer with his mom, who is working on her dissertation who has rented a cabin from the mysterious Dr. Libris. Without any technology, he resorts to reading to pass the time. As he reads, the characters in the books come to life on Dr. Libris’ island in the middle of the lake – first Hercules, the Robin Hood, then the Three Musketeers…Billy has to figure out how to keep peace among an island full of literary characters, what exactly is going on, and how to stop it!
Bonus
These books make me smile. From Pride and Prejudice as a counting book (1 English village, 2 rich gentlemen, etc.), to Moby Dick as an ocean primer (fish, gulls, etc.), the BabyLit Collection of books are incredible alternatives to the traditional baby board books that can get repetitive sometimes. It’s never too early to start exposing children to classic literature!
Also fun are the Baby University board books – Rocket Science for Babies, Quantum Physics for Babies. Great for the budding genius in your life (or their parents!).
Which books are on your holiday list this year?
Leave a Reply