Children's book gift guide 2012
BY BRAVETTA HASSELL World Scene Writer
Saturday, December 22, 2012
12/22/12 at 4:28 AM
Books are quite possibly the easiest gift to give and potentially are among the most powerful.
Books can take you places. They can broaden your perspective, teach you lessons, inspire you to look inward, make you laugh, make you cry, make you think. In some small or large way, they help us make sense of the world.
"One must always be careful of books," said Tessa in "Clockwork Angel" by Cassandra Clare, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us."
And in the hands of a child, the power of a good story can never be underestimated, which makes books great gifts for children this time of year or all year long.
Find some of our new and old favorites for children in this Children's Book gift guide. It's adapted from lists compiled by the American Library Association, Publishers Weekly, Amazon.com and The New York Times.
'Goodnight Moon'
Margaret Wise Brown
In this timeless classic, a little bunny says goodnight to familiar things in and outside of its bedroom through the use of poetry - quiet and perfect for winding down at the end of the day.
'Frog and Toad are Friends'
Arnold Lobel
In this first book of the Frog and Toad series published in 1970, readers spend time with Frog and Toad, two friends who enjoy doing everything together from celebrating Toad's birthday to flying kites and even sharing a scary story.
'The People Could Fly: American Black Folktales'
Virginia Hamilton
Introduce your young reader to the rich history of African-American folktales with this collection of stories by an author renowned for the genre as she retells more than 20 tales delving into the supernatural, fanciful and more, many times leaving readers and listeners with an unmistakable lesson.
'Art and Max'
David Wiesner
Two friends - one accomplished, the other a novice - are passionate about painting and during the story explore different artistic media while dually building on their repertoire. It is in Max's - the beginner - boldness and enthusiasm that the two go on an artistic adventure sure to inspire.
'Wonder'
R.J. Palacio
In leaving the comfort and security of home schooling, Auggie Pullman enters a mainstream school where he, a child with severe facial deformities - no outer ears, "melted" skin and eyes in the wrong place - just wants to fit in and be treated as ordinary.
'Dreams'
Ezra Jack Keats
The paper mouse that Roberto makes in school doesn't do anything until on one chance evening when the inanimate mouse makes an unlikely hero to a friend's cat being chased by a large dog.
'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'
Eric Carle
Childhood is incomplete without this famous picture book by author/illustrator phenom Eric Carle. Readers follow the book's main character as it goes from egg to little caterpillar to butterfly while eating its way through colorful food and the beautiful die-cut pages of this enduring children's book classic.
'Where The Sidewalk Ends'
Shel Silverstein
In Shel Silverstein's collection of poetry and drawings, readers and listeners are in store for thought-provoking and humourous fare, delivered smartly in Silverstein's rhythmic voice that is painted all the more richly by the late author's imagination.
'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus'
Mo Willems
When a bus driver takes a break from his route, who other than a pigeon would swoop in to take his place? In this Caldecott-honored book, the cheeky pigeon speaks directly to readers, begging and bribing them, whining for some time to drive.
'Charlotte's Web'
E.B. White
Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, "Charlotte's Web" tells the story of Fern, the pig she loved named Wilbur, and the special spider, Charlotte, who ultimately saves his life.
'If You Give A Mouse A Cookie'
Laura Numeroff
If you give a mouse a cookie, he'll probably want some milk, and maybe a napkin and a bedtime story and probably a nap, too, or so the favorite story goes that is a charm for readers following the little mouse and the cute requests he makes of his patient host.
'The Little Engine That Could'
Watty Piper
It's as easy as "I think I can, I think I can." This classic has continued to be an early inspiration to many, reminding its readers that great feats can be accomplished by anybody no matter the size with some perseverance and determination.
'Corduroy'
Don Freeman
A teddy bear takes a nighttime excursion through a department store in search of a button for his overalls so that a little girl might return and buy him. For all the searching and incidental mischief he gets into, Corduroy, the teddy bear, doesn't find his button but by the end of the story, lands exactly where he wants to be: at home and accepted for who he is.
'The BFG'
Roald Dahl
Travel with Sophie and the Big Friendly Giant in this Roald Dahl classic as the two venture to save the world from some gnarly giants as the B.F.G. keeps up his job of collecting and distributing good dreams to human beans (human beings). The book is full of imaginative language and places that are sure to make readers smile, dig in and never forget the special book.
Kohl's Departments Stores are giving the gift of classics this holiday season by offering nostalgic children's books with coordinating plush toys each for $5 to benefit the Kohl's Cares program, which raises money for children's health and education programs across the country.
"As readers both young and young at heart embark on fun-filled journeys with the characters from the Kohl's Cares holiday collection, I hope my illustrations serve as a jumping off point for their imaginations while bringing families together this holiday season," said Charles Santore, illustrator of the hardcover editions of the classic books being offered. "It is an absolute honor to be a part of such a positive program doing good works for children in communities nationwide."
Kohl's Cares Cause Merchandise for Kids include
The Wizard of Oz and Toto plush: Join Dorothy and her friends as they follow the Yellow Brick Road on an unforgettable journey from Dorothy's home in Kansas to the streets of Munchkin Land, Emerald City and the ruby-red throne room of Glinda the Good Witch.
The Night Before Christmas and Reindeer plush: Visions of sugar plums will dance through your head once you share the magic of this classic holiday story with the ones you love most. Make this story a part of your Christmas traditions for years to come.
The Velveteen Rabbit and Rabbit plush: Enjoy the tale of a snuggly velveteen rabbit and his journey to become real through the love of his owner. The story will come to life when paired with the adorable coordinating plush.
Aesop's Fables and Owl plush: This celebrated collection of fables is entertaining to both adults and children as the simple tales embody powerful lessons and truths.
(Online Exclusive) William the Curious and Frog plush: Readers of all ages will cheer as one tiny yet very brave frog named William shows The Queen of the Land of Far and Wide that nature, in and of itself, is perfect in her quest to create the perfect land. Available exclusively at Kohls.com.
For adults, Kohl's Cares Cause Merchandise include
Holiday Cookbooks: Holiday bakers will enjoy testing out new recipes from Good Housekeeping's Christmas Cookies: 65 Recipes for Classic & New Holiday Treats and Chocolate! Favorite Recipes for Cakes, Cookies and Pies. A perfect hostess gift for holiday parties and festivities.
Holiday CD: Get into the holiday spirit with the sounds of this year's CD Best of the Best - Christmas Compilation. Grab one for the car, the home and the office to spread the holiday cheer!
From the sale of the exclusive items, Kohl's is donating 100 percent of the net profits to children's health and education initiatives in local communities across the United States.
Original Print Headline: Children's book gift guide includes favorites
Bravetta Hassell 918-581-8316
bravetta.hassell@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Bonnie Barlow (left) gets a high-five from Santa after a story-time session at the Broken Arrow public library. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World
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