Books are the gift that adults most often remember from their childhood (“I am looking for a book I read when I was little. I think that the cover was blue and there was something about a pig… or maybe it was a sheep…”), and are often the only childhood “toy” that people hold onto and save into their adulthood. Though libraries can provide the pleasure of reading for free, there is something empowering about actually owning your own book that can spark a lifetime love of reading or a new interest in learning to read. This booklist (and our other Books for Giving lists) were created for our library patrons who are looking for gift books for children, or who would like to share particularly wonderful library books with a child.
The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
A blend of collage and paint illustrations grace the story of a lonely yellow leaf that is not ready to fall from the tree until another leaf agrees to dance off into the wind together.
You Were Loved Before You Were Born by Eve Bunting and Karen Barbour
Karen Barbour’s brilliant illustrations are a lovely framework for Eve Bunting’s recounting of family preparations and celebrations for the arrival of a new baby.
What Pet to Get by Emma Dodd
When Jack is given permission to get a pet, he deliberates with his mother over which pet would be best… A crocodile? Too snappy! A bison? Too smelly! What pet to get?
Round Like a Ball! by Lisa Campbell Ernst
What can it be? Play this guessing game with your young child. Die-cut pages reveal many things that are round like a ball, but the answer awaits at the end of the book.
How to Heal a Broken Wing by Bob Graham
A boy stops to help an injured bird in this wordless story of hope and healing that demonstrates the twin notions of reaching out to help and knowing when to let go.
Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
Those charming bats are back! This time, they are enjoying all the pleasures of a nighttime visit to the library. The bat version of story time is not to be missed!
Metal Man by Aaron Reynolds and Paul Hoppe
Devon spends most summer days watching the Metal Man weld sculptures out of junk. Devon has a creative spark, too, and the Metal Man knows just how to make it glow.
Wild Boars Cook by Meg Rosoff and Sophie Blackall
Four bossy, selfish, stinky boars are wreaking havoc in the kitchen – cooking up a messy, disgusting Massive Pudding that will delight readers of all ages.
Dinosaur vs. Bedtime by Bob Shea
Nothing can stop dinosaur. He can defeat a bowl of spaghetti, a pile of leaves, even the nightly bath time routine. But bedtime, his most challenging opponent… ROAR!!!
Red Sled by Patricia Thomas and Chris L. Demarest
A lad. A dad. A still hill and a red sled. This simple story about a happy winter evening is the perfect introduction to early reading.
More suggestions for Books for Giving: See our Children’s Classics, Irresistible Books for Children, Chapter Books, Multicultural Books and Nonfiction Books for Children lists.
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