Books to Borrow … Books to Buy
Books make great gifts for kids
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By Kendal A. Rautzhan Times Argus - Published: December 8, 2008
Looking for a great children's book to give as a gift? Good for you! A book is the only gift that can be opened again and again, and the books reviewed below will definitely command repeat readings. Add a library card with your gift and that special child in your life will have an endless supply of books. One new book and a library card – that makes good economic sense.
Books to Borrow
The following book is available at many public libraries.
"Elijah's Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas" by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Harcourt, 32 pages
Michael is a nine-year-old Jewish boy. His friend is Elijah, is a barber, woodcarver and Christian man in his 80s. Their differences are of no consequence to either, until the day Elijah gives Michael a carved angel for Christmas. It isn't that Michael doesn't like the angel; he loves all of Elijah's carvings. But Michael is afraid to bring the angel into his home, fearful that he is disobeying God with a "graven image."
Through Michael's courage and the warm support of his parents, Michael comes to realize that Elijah's angel is an angel of friendship. On Christmas morning, Michael presents a gift to Elijah, establishing a bond between the two and an important understanding of each person's faith.
Based on real events about the friendship the author/illustrator shared with Elijah, this book is an exceptional addition to holiday selections.
Librarian's Choice
Library: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 135 Main St., Montpelier
Library Director: Hilari Farrington
Children's Librarian: M.J. Manahan
Choices this week: "Three Sillies" by Steven Kellogg; "Mission: Addition" by Loreen Leedy; "Baby Brains" by Simon James
Books to Buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
"Peter Rabbit: A Lucky Escape" a Frederick Warne & Co. adaptation after Beatrix Potter, Penguin, 2008, 17 pages, $17.99 hardcover pop-up
Read aloud: age 3 and older.
Read yourself: age 7 – 8 and older.
Young Peter Rabbit loved spring cabbages, and Mr. McGregor grew the finest cabbages found anywhere. Unfortunately, Mr. McGregor did not like rabbits unless they were cooked in a pie for his dinner. Peter didn't let that deter him, and off he went. Along the way, he met many of his friends, including Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck, and others. It was only Mrs. Tiggy-winkle who advised Peter of the danger he was about to face and told him to go home. Peter got lost along the way, and suddenly found himself in Mr. McGregor's garden with Mr. McGregor hot on his heels!
A wonderful adaptation of Beatrix Potter's stories and beloved characters, this volume boasts endless pop-ups, tabs to pull, flaps to lift and extra little books and notes to read making this extraordinary book one that children will treasure.
"Peter Pan: A Pop-up Adaptation of J.M. Barre's Original Tale" adapted and illustrated by Robert Sabuda, Little Simon, 2008, 12 pages with 6 additional books inside, $29.99 hardcover pop-up
Read aloud: age 3 – 4 and older.
Read yourself: age 8 – 9 and older.
Join Peter Pan as he takes Wendy, John and Michael on a magical journey to Neverland, where children can fly, boys never grow up, and a dangerous pirate and his band of scallywags will stop at nothing to seize Peter and his friends.
Incredible three-dimensional pop-ups make this adaptation spring to life, and are certain to be enjoyed by the whole family.
"Cosmic! The Ultimate 3-D guide to the universe" by Giles Sparrow, paper engineer Richard Ferguson, DK, 2008, 14 pages, $24.99 hardcover pop-up
Read aloud: age 8 and older.
Read yourself: age 9 – 10 and older.
Celestial wonders come to life in this dynamic book on the fascinating mysteries of the universe. Open page one and you're met with an auditory and visual representation of the "Big Bang." From the early universe, Hubble Space Telescope, the planets, our solar system, stars, galaxies and space exploration – these and numerous other topics are expertly presented.
Inspiring curiosity and wonder, this selection is loaded with pop-ups, flaps, pull tabs and more. An excellent introduction to the universe, "Cosmic!" is an imaginative and interactive exploration book guaranteed to educate and amaze.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
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