When my kids were very small, I was always amazed at celebrations with lots of presents that it wasn't the biggest gift of the day that captured their interest. Yes, they would jump up and down and scream about "the big one." But, later in the day, it was something curious and unexpected that they curled up with after the excitement had passed. Here are some companion gift ideas to pair with some great new books.
The Encyclopedia of Earth: A Complete Visual Guide, by Michael Allaby, Robert Coenraads, Stephen Hutchinson, Karen McGhee, John O'Bryne & Ken Rubin (University of California Press). A BIG book written by a team of international experts, this book has something for all ages. 1700 stunning photographs illustrate the six sections of birth, fire, land, air, water and finally humans. It is a spectacular reference book about our planet.
Companion gift idea: A geode, volcanic rock, a globe.
Hip Hop Speaks to Children, edited by Nikki Giovanni (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky). Giovanni looks you right in the eye and says "This is Art. This is Important." I couldn't agree more. She takes away all the MTV aspects of rap, and the beauty of the poetry cannot be denied. 51 poems, with an accompanying CD lets listeners experience the beat and creates an amazing auditory experience. Providing balance to what we hear on the radio, this book demonstrates the sharpness of the mind and the universal understanding of rhythm and language.
Companion gift idea: An old fashioned record player, a drum.
ABC3D, by Marion Bataille (Roaring Book Press). Think Robert Sabuda. Now think French flair, and precision engineering. This is not your typical pop-up book, nor is it a "flip book" for small hands. You must "experience" it! Prepare to amaze the entire family with this simple yet gorgeous alphabet book that is three dimensional. How the letters morph from one to another... well, you'll just have to buy the book!
Companion gift idea: Colored paper, glue or tape, and an afternoon to try even the slightest paper movement idea.
Egyptorium, by Laura Buller and Peter Chrisp (DK Books). This is a Board Book of a different color! 10 removable mini-books are stored within these covers that are filled with Egyptian Facts. Topics include Gods, Mummies, Banquets, Curses and Hieroglyphs. There's even a flip book on pyramid building! DK's innovative format allows kids to take small steps into this information rich culture.
Companion gift idea: Mummy making gauze, Egyptian Excavation set.
Complete FunPrint Drawing Book, by Ed Emberley (Little Brown). One of my favorite books as a child was Drummer Hoff Fires it Off . The illustrator, Ed Emberley, won a Caldecott Award for it. He now has a whole series of step-by-step instruction books on drawing. This one shows kids how to take their fingerprints and turn them into animals, trains, flowers, you name it! Perfect tricks for decorating cold windows and glass doors in the winter.
Companion gift idea: Of course, paper and multicolored stamp pads!
Wabi Sabi, by Mark Reibstein, illustrated by Ed Young (Little, Brown). This book turns you on your side, literally! A curious cat seeks to find the origin of its name. Wabi sabi, in Japanese, means to find beauty in simplicity. Using haiku, with gorgeous illustrations by Young, this vertical book introduces a difficult concept to curious minds of any age.
Companion gift idea: A Zen rock garden, a Japanese tea set.
One Million Things, edited by Julie Ferris (DK Books) My 11-year old loved this book! Ferris has done an excellent job of organizing a million bits of information with the stunning photography we expect from DK. My favorite part was the reference section in the back -- did you know that ants never sleep? Kids won't either, once they get their hands on this book.
Companion gift idea: A book light, and a free morning the next day
Always looking for the curious and unexpected, Julie Hubble lives in Leawood.