Read on Get great gifts for the (miniature) book lover UTE GIFT IN
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ow is the season for love and kindness, but it’s also the season for gift selection. Anyone who’s agonized over selecting that perfect gift knows what a challenge it can be. For those of us who love a reader, the task is simpler. Lovers of literature, of any age, can never have enough books. Here are some suggestions for the dedicated (miniature) reader in your life this holiday:
this takes second place to the true meaning of the season. This is a charmer for your own little loves who anxiously await their own part in the holiday season. Duck sets out to help Santa by gathering gift requests from the animals in the forest. But everything goes awry when his little brothers and sisters decide to help. Suddenly Frog’s request for a box of flies becomes a request for a planet, due to the exuberant suggestions of Santa’s newest helpers. Duck tries to get the gift suggestions under control by suggesting his brothers and sisters learn the real meaning of Christmas. Instead, Duck learns an important lesson about sharing patience and love with the smallest members of his family. Santa Duck and His Merry Helpers by David Milgrim will give you and your pre-schooler belly laughs and food for thought, in the best way possible. We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems deserves a place on your shopping list, with the caveat that I believe that ALL “Elephant and Piggie” books by Willems are equally deserving. Elephant is timid and Piggie is bold, but they are both blissfully animated about everything from party going to looking for a friend. Each book is enjoyable and hilarious for child and adult alike—no small accomplishment, I assure you. This is a must for any kid with a great sense of humor. Do you need a book that explores the age-old question: Who would win if a shark and a train got in a fight? The answer, of course, would depend on a number of factors. Are they in the water? Are they playing video games? Are they in a contest of wills, burping, or playing piano? Your preschooler will love comparing the merits of a shark and a train in Shark Vs. Train by Chris Barton. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out who comes out on top.
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for ages 0 to 5
The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee is the ultimate gift if you have a new parent (or a new baby) in your life. This picture book explores all the joys of having a new pint-size boss baby who keeps parents on the run and exploits all the perks of the office (drinks on demand 24/7)! Marla Frazee’s hilarious illustrations will make even the most exhausted new parent roll with laughter. If you haven’t been introduced to the Llama Llama books by Anna Dewdney, then Llama Llama Holiday Drama is your perfect excuse to try this tender-hearted series. Wee Llama Llama now must face the daunting task of patiently waiting for his own place in the exhausting Christmas season. Llama Llama shops, bakes, hustles, wraps, and decorates, but soon learns that all of
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BY MARGARET KENSINGERKLOPFER
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for ages 6 to 9
Ling and Ting: Not Exactly the Same by Grace Lin: Ling and Ting are twins, but they are NOT exactly the same. Little stories in the everyday lives of identical twins show how different two identical sisters can be. This is a great book for a reader ready to step up into chapter books for the first time. Lego Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary: If you know a kid who loves Lego or loves Star Wars, then this book is a no brainer for gift-giving time. You know the kid who would love this book: the kid who can build Lego Death Stars in his or her sleep, who quotes Yoda at all occasions, or who yearns to be a “Lego Jedi Master.” OK, who are we
12 • Santa Maria Sun • December 16 - December 23, 2010 • www.santamariasun.com
kidding: Buy this for your husband. Has your child read every Wimpy Kid book, and now doesn’t know where to go next? Pick up a copy of Big Nate: In a Class By Himself by Lincoln Peirce. Big Nate’s life makes getting detention from every teacher in school look like a good day. The second in the Big Nate series, Big Nate Strikes Again, will be out by Christmas.
for ages 10 and older
Two parts magic, one part history, Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes will haunt you long after you put it down. This deceptively simple story unfolds over a few days in the life of 12-year-old Lanesha, who lives with her adopted grandmother in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Lanesha is gifted with seeing spirits, but struggles to understand their warnings as Hurricane Katrina bears down on her and her family. This beautiful story will resonate with older children and adults who thirst for well-drawnout characters in riveting tales. If your child sped through the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series last year, then Lost Hero by Rick Riordan is their ideal gift this year. The new “Heroes of Olympus” series begins when three children who think they are sent away to camp for being “bad” are actually being introduced to their extended Greek family— ancient Greek god family, that is. Now these demi-gods must battle to save the goddess Hera from prison. This is a must for any action-adventure lover. Don’t forget that the public library now offers free downloadable e-books! Check out the library website to find out which e-readers are compatible with the latest free downloads BEFORE you buy an e-reader for your loved one this holiday season. m Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer is head of youth services for San Luis Obispo Library. Send comments to the executive editor at rmiller@santa mariasun.com.