Books are a wonderful gift any time of year. When asked what you have held on to from your childhood, it is likely that a favorite book will be included on your list. Holidays are a perfect time to connect young readers with books that make a lasting impression. Parents, grandparents, and others often ask librarians for suggestions about what to give (as well as what to check out!). For the next few weeks, I will be writing a series of posts to share some of this year’s outstanding choices in children’s literature. These books will resonate with readers, cause them to laugh or quietly contemplate, invite discussion, spark imagination, and inspire. Create a memory. Give a child a gift that holds value into adulthood and share the joy of reading!
Beginning Chapter Books:
A Birthday for Bear, by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
If you enjoyed A Visitor for Bear, you will be delighted to discover this beginning chapter book featuring Bear and his relentless friend, Mouse. Bear is about to have a birthday and is determined not to celebrate, but Mouse has other plans.
The Magical Ms. Plum, by Bonny Becker, illustrated by Amy Portnoy
Something magical is happening in Ms. Plum’s classroom. Each time a student is sent to the supply closet, he or she returns with a surprise, like a team of squirrel beauticians, or a bird who squawks “Pig snout!” Fans of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle will enjoy this charming series of adventures.
Short Chapter Books:
Brushing Mom’s Hair, by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Nicole Wong
This poignant, uplifting story is told in a series of free verse poems relating the emotions and personal impact a fourteen-year-old girl is experiencing while her mother is being treated for breast cancer.
The Magician’s Elephant, by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka
When a fortune teller prophesizes that an elephant will lead Peter to find a sister whom he thought was dead, he dares not believe it, but stranger things will happen before Peter’s quest concludes.
Odd and the Frost Giants, by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Brett Helquist
In a story inspired by Norse mythology, a boy named Odd is enlisted to help three gods, who are trapped in the bodies of a fox, an eagle, and a bear. Odd must confront the Frost Giants in order to save Asgard, the home of the gods, and restore his companions to their proper forms.
Longer Chapter Books:
Al Capone Shines My Shoes, by Gennifer Choldenko
In this sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts, Moose is having difficulty drawing the line between good and bad when Mr. Capone asks him to perform a small favor which has the potential of getting his dad fired from his job on Alcatraz.
The Georges and the Jewels, by Jane Smiley
Abby has been warned not to get too attached to the ranch horses because they will be sold. Facing changes at home and in school, she finds comfort in caring for the horses, until her father insists that she train Ornery George.
A Season of Gifts, by Richard Peck
Grandma Dowdel, from A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago, is back in action, helping her neighbors with bighearted, larger-than-life enthusiasm.
Silksinger, by Laini Taylor
Like Blackbringer, this second installment of the Dreamdark series will enthrall fantasy and fairy enthusiasts, alike, immersing them in a richly intricate world of secrets and magic.
When You Reach Me, by Rebecca Stead
In this gem of a novel, twelve-year-old Miranda receives notes from someone who proclaims that her life is in danger and appears to have knowledge of the future. This mystery will appeal to fans of A Wrinkle in Time and The London Eye Mystery.
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