Now that Halloween has come and gone, I can give a bit of
thought to Christmas. The three gifts I have so far won’t get me far. I like to do a little bit at a time and not
get too busy or stressed.
It's easy to focus. Around here, we all like to read, as you can see.
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| I know the butler did it! Or maybe the cat. |
Christmas in our family
means books and I love to buy books for ‘the little kids’. Children’s books have a special magic. Is
there anything lovelier than cuddling up with a small child to share the wonder
of a book? Some of the special ones have been through three generations in our
family. I’ll be looking for page-turners
for three-seven-year-olds, one
three-year-old and 16-month-old Ella. We’ll pick up something for our four
eight-year old students too, although that’s still a secret.
So I’ll be off to the bookstore over the weekend to find
some new favorites. I’d love it if you
would come by today and mention some of the ones that you or your family/friends/students/neighbors
have really enjoyed.
Here are just a few of the ‘old favorites’ with our younger
gang and also with the children in Lily’s the dachshund’s READ program. And, if you must know, they are among my
favorites too. You can see that we favor
animal stories.
10 Little Hot Dogs, by John Himmleman.
This is highly recommended by Daisy and Lily for
fairly obvious reasons. It's a great counting book and a fun way to try new
words. Even adults won't get tired of it.
Stanley’s Party – by Linda Bailey, another popular Canadian. This priceless tale of a dog, who perhaps
shouldn’t be left at home, is the one that Lily’s kids always ask for. They love to hear it read aloud and as they
progress, they love to read it out loud themselves. Good dog, Stanley!
Days With Frog and Toad
- This classic I Can Read book
(one of several by Arnold Lobel) make me want to be a kid again. Everyone loves
the funny, heart-filled story with the special twist. These are for new readers or for reading aloud.
The Complete Adventures of the Mole Sisters, by Roslyn
Schwartz. Not sure why we are so very captivated by these strange little
creatures, but we are definitely smitten.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, I’ve lost count of how many copies of this I’ve
bought over the years. Baby Ella has already chewed the corners of her first
board copy.
The Paper Bag Princess. This classic is by beloved and hilarious Canadian
writer, Robert Munsch and is enhanced by Michael Martchenko’s wonderful
illustrations. And the dragon IS an animal after all.
Now it’s your turn.
What special books can you recommend for my shopping list? Feel
free to dip back into your childhood too.
We want to know, so don't be shy.
10 comments:
Wish I had known earlier because I went to B&N and could have gone into the kids' section. Several years ago we gave a shower for a co-worker and, being library people, brought books as we had already done traditional gifts for earlier babies (she now has 6 kids who are 7 and under). Three of us pooled our money, and I actually got to buy them. Can't remember the publisher but found a bunch of 8 1/2 by 11 paperbacks which covered science, history, math, etc. Each page had two or three facts with illustrations. Very eye-catching but educational at the same time. I also bought a book of fairy tales, a Ramona book, and a Little House book. I personally always loved my Bobbsey Twins books but not sure they are still in publication. If the kids don't already have them, how about Harry Potter? I know many of these may be a bit old but, considering the majority of the kids are related to you, their reading skills may be older than their years. They can always grow into them. Cordella
What the Dinosaurs Did Last Night
I love the Little Golden Books. I bought The Saggy Baggy Elephant, Baby Farm Animals and The Shy Little Kitten for my great grandnice recently. They didn't have The Pokey Little Puppy, but I want to get that one too. A friend recently told me that Grumpy Cat is going to have a Little Golden Book out next year - LOL
I absolutely adore the Serendipity Books (Stephen Cosgrove/animated by Robin James). The illustrations are so adorable.
For my grandniece's baby shower, she and her husband asked people to bring books instead of giving cards, and to write inside why they are special to them. I gave her my copy of Dr. Seuss Yertle the Turtle & other Stories that I had when I was a kid. It's not in great shape, but it was lovingly read by me and then to my nephew, my grandniece, and will now be read to my great grandniece. We are really big on traditions in our family
Sam's Sandwich by David Pelham is a favorite in my household!
Thanks so much, Cordella! These are great ideas. I LOVED the Bobbsey Twins too and read them all. I think the idea of giving books at a show is wonderful.
I think Harry Potter is definitely in the cards.
XOXO
I on the case, Diane! Will hunt it down and try to stay safe.
Hugs. MJ
Super suggestions, Lynda! I did LOL at the idea of a Grumpy Cat Little Golden Book. We are big on tradition too and appreciate these tips.
XO
MJ
I will find Sam and his Sandwich. Thanks, Sally! Another good one.
Hugs.
MJ
We love to read The Jolly Postman and open up the "handwritten" letters inside of the book.
The Illustrated Harry Potter series for younger readers is a great choice. The first book is out and it is beautiful. I ordered a copy for my family. We are all adults now, lol.
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