Gifts for Readers

    The gift of a book is wonderful. A gift that brings that book into your life is better. These ideas are meant to help you find a companion gift for any book you give.

Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson & Mary Nethery (Little Brown). In the same vein as Owen & Mzee, this true story of the rescue of a large hearted dog in war-torn Iraq has full page photos, real email messages and handwritten notes from children. (Ages 8 & up)

Gift Idea: A real puppy is not a good gift for the holidays, but you can find a stuffed German shepherd to play the role. Or, instead of a gift, make time to write a note to a soldier in thanks for their service.

Knucklehead: Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories about Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Sciezka (Viking/Penguin). A gift for any male in the family, this book is filled with hilarious accounts of growing up surrounded by brothers. Just beware of the antics it will teach younger children. (Ages 10 and up)

Gift Idea: A picture of Dad or Grandpa when they were young boys--preferably doing something rotten.

Planting the Trees of Kenya by Claire Nivola (Farrar). This biography of Wangari Maathai, the founder of the Green Belt Movement and the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, tells the quiet and amazing story of planting trees – 30 million of them. Good for young children as the illustrations of the landscape are beautiful, but also appeals to middle schoolers because of the inspiring achievement. (Ages 7 and up)

Gift Idea: A seedling or a tree to plant--or something from Africa.

Stinky by Eleanor Davis (Raw Junior). Even a Swamp Monster can change! This graphic novel has a powerfully smelly message. Especially for kids who don’t like apples, toads, ghosts or making new friends. Don’t be surprised to find the whole book read in one day. (Ages 4-8)

Gift Idea: A toad, live or stuffed. Or a bottle of bubble bath!

The Storyteller’s Candle by Lucia M. Gonzalez, illus. by Lulu Delacre (Children’s Book Press). This is a perfect story for the holidays, full of traditions old and new. Pura Belapre was the first Puerto Rican librarian hired by the New York Public Library System. She teaches the children that “the library belongs to you all,” shares the Three Kings Day and ends the evening blowing out the storyteller’s candle, a New York Public library tradition. (Ages 6 and up)

Gift Idea: A candle, a new tradition for Three Kings Day or a CD of your favorite storyteller. (Try Bill Harley!)