When our three-year-old twin granddaughters moved to another state, I wanted to keep our relationship flourishing. Up until then I knew what to buy them for gifts. But after they moved away, I began to wonder, what can I get the kids?
Their mother often took them to the library and they read together every day. So, I came up with an idea to encourage their reading, but most of all, to keep me and their grandfather in their minds - a Book-of-the-Month Club.
Here’s how I did it.
Getting Started
First, I purchased a book for each on their birthday. The inscription read Nana & Papa's Book Club, the date and a short message. I wrapped it, stuffed it in a padded envelope and mailed it. Then I followed with a book on the monthly anniversary of their births. If I planned far enough ahead, I saved a little by mailing media/book rate.
Types of Books
Because of their age, I concentrated on picture books actually Caldecott award and honor books; those prizes given for exceptional illustrations. Now that they have entered school, I’m choosing Newbury award and honor books those chosen as the best books for any given year. I kept abreast of their interests skiing, skating, animals, drawing, soccer, ice hockey, camping, dancing, violin and piano.
Finding Good Books
I searched garage and Friends of the Library sales, grocery racks, discount, used and regular book stores. I watched the newspaper for recent publications as well as the holiday displays in local stores. The books cost anywhere from one to eighteen dollars.
My library helped. They suggested I review a book by R.R. Bowker called Reading in Series . Children love to follow one character through life’s problems as told in series books. Bowker lists the series in alphabetical order. Each listing includes author, grade level and details about the series. In the back, the books are catalogued by genre/subject, books for boys, girls and reluctant readers/ESL students. By talking to my daughter-in-law I discovered which series the girls liked. One preferred The Magic Tree House while the other liked anything on animals. Junie B. Jones books were another favorite.
Since we travel quite a bit, I sought out books about our destinations and looked in souvenir shops along the way. I collected books for my other grandchildren as well. Our two-year-old grandson loved his BuuuuuG book. All the girls treasured the Alaskan fish stories, Norwegian Troll legends, Hawaiian touchy/feely books on sea, sand and shells and history books.
Special Touch
My daughters-in law provided special shelves in the family room, bedroom or play room for a library. The grandchildren curl up on bean bags or floor pillows to read.
Because the author of one book is in my writers group, I pasted a picture of the two of us on the inside cover of the gifts. She inscribed the books for each grandchild.
Not only have I encouraged good reading habits, but I’ve kept our relationship with all our grandchildren growing through the book gifts. So the next time your parents ask, "What can we buy the kids?" suggest a book. Better yet give them this article and perhaps they’ll start their own Book-of-the-Month Club!