It’s the time of year when many gifts are given to both young and old. Gifts come in many shapes and forms, but all are given through thoughtfulness, love, and affection. The act of giving gifts not only brings pleasure and delight to the receiver, but it also brings joy to the giver.
The delicate balance of seeking out gifts that children will enjoy, while also learning something, just became easier with this list of amazing ideas for young readers. We’ve also included magazines and app recommendations. It brings Lawley Publishing great joy to offer the gift of literature. We want everyone to develop a regard for literacy and a desire for life-long learning.
As parents, we want to teach our kids good values. Guess what? This list of books, magazines, and apps will sneak in those valuable lessons in a very fun way.
THE GIFT OF …
Child-Like Qualities
Electric
by Jennifer de Azevedo — illustrated by Trini Law
Ohhh, if we could find a way to bottle a child’s energy! What a gift to be so full of life. Electric recounts the energetic surges of a young boy and captures the unlimited love of his mother. (Spanish version available.)
The Biggest Yawn
by Jennifer de Azevedo — illustrated by Lindsey Furr
This time of year can bring changes at bedtime. No doubt we will see many young yawns from our children as they fight going to sleep. The joy and excitement that this season has to offer will create many a bedtime conversation. After reading The Biggest Yawn, you’ll get a kick out of listening to all the possible endings your child creates. (Spanish version available.)
Community
Imani’s Gift at Kwanzaa
by Denise Burden-Patmon — illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and lasts for seven days. Imani’s grandmother teaches her that African Americans reflect on seven principles that are the very foundation that holds their community together. The red, green, and black candles are symbolic of the struggles, and the corn represents a promise of their future.
For more information about Kwanzaa, check out this website: http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/for-kids.html
Compassion
Penny’s Christmas Jar Miracle
by Jason F. Wright — illustrated by Ben Sowards
Penny Paisley and her family have a special Christmas tradition of collecting their loose change and dropping it in a glass jar on the kitchen counter. In December, Penny’s family decides who will receive the Paisley Family Christmas Jar. Penny has something special in mind, but will her plans change? This New York Times Best Selling Book tells a story of compassion and service and emphasizes that we can all make a difference in the lives of others.
Faith
The Miracle of the Potato Latkes: A Hanukkah Story
by Malka Penn — illustrated by Giora Carmi
Tante Golda’s Famous Potato Latkes are absolutely delicious! How do I know? Because I followed her recipe in the back of The Miracle of the Potato Latkes: A Hanukkah Story. Tante Golda made the most delicious potato latkes in all of Russia. She loved to feed her neighbors, but then a drought came. Tante Golda stood firm in faith that the Lord would provide her enough potatoes. Whip up some delicious latkes and curl up to this sweet Hanukkah story.
Family
We Found You
by Tyler Beckstrand
We Found You goes straight to your heart. Join Tyler and his wife and on their journey to a family through delightful rhymes and illustrations. This book is a wonderful tool for parents, teachers, and counselors to assist in conversations on adoption. It also brings peace and comfort to those on their own journey of adding to their family.
Kindness
Christmas from Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber
by Tom Brokaw — illustrated by Robert T. Barrett
Who knew the compassionate power of two sticks of gum?! Lt. Halvorsen, a WWII pilot, quickly became known to children in Berlin as The Candy Bomber. This beautifully written true story will touch your heart as you read about those that donated candy and other supplies for freedom-seeking individuals in this bombed-out German city.
New Experiences
The Doll People
by Ann M. Martin — illustrated by Brian Selznick
Annabelle, a doll made of china, belongs to an 8-year-old girl named Kate Palmer. Though Annabelle and her family members can move and talk, they have to be careful not to be seen by humans, consequently causing the doll to become “frozen” in doll-state for twenty-four hours. Kate Palmer’s sister, Nora, receives a dollhouse and plastic doll family named the Funcrafts. Annabelle and Tiffany Funcraft become friends and begin an adventure filled with new experiences. They must locate Annabelle’s Aunt Sarah, who’s been missing for 45 years. You’ll love this book and its masterful illustrations from Brian Selznick so much that you’ll also want to read The Meanest Doll in the World and The Runaway Dolls.
Self-Belief
Santa’s Book of Names
by David McPhail
Santa’s Book of Names comforts my heart each time I read about Edward, a young boy, that goes on a magical Christmas reading adventure with Santa. In my youth, I was a struggling reader. My mother would work and work with me, but reading never came as easily to me as it did for my sisters. It was frustrating. My former students will attest to my eyes tearing up each time I read this book aloud to them, for this book not only reminds me of my reading difficulties but my deep belief in Santa. You may also view a book reading at:
Set Backs and Challenges
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer — illustrated by Anna Hymas
William and Bryan tell the unprecedented true story of William growing up in the meager country of Malawi during the 2004 great famine. To save his family from starvation, William never loses sight of his dreams to harness the wind. He finds the good during the worst of times. William’s experience instills hope through curiosity, desire to learn, and determination to never give up. Arm your youth with this book, for their capable and imaginative beings are our future.
Here are two links to check out:
Traditions
The Night Before Christmas
by Clement Clarke Moore — illustrated by Ruth Sanderson
Illustrated by the renowned artist Ruth Sanderson, this beautiful version of the classic poem is a beloved tradition read to many each year. Since it was first published nearly 200 years ago, “The Night Before Christmas” has enchanted readers of all ages with the rooftop tale of Old Saint Nicholas climbing down the chimney and filling stockings before whisking away into the frosty air, wishing “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
Laughter
by Lucille Colandro — illustrated by Jared Lee
If you loved reading There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, you’d have a snowBALL reading There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! Why would a cold lady swallow snow? Read the book and find out! Just like the animals in the book, you will be amazed at all the items this bundled-up old lady eats.
Check out this read-aloud link:
Service
The Trees of the Dancing Goats
by Patricia Polacco
This story is appropriate for the times we are currently living in. When a scarlet fever epidemic strikes a small farming community in Michigan one winter, Trisha’s family learns their neighbors have fallen ill and are unable to prepare and celebrate the Christmas holiday. Trisha and her family’s act of loving service to their neighbors allows all to share the joy of the season. This beautiful story emphasizes the importance of serving the community, sharing our blessings with others, and respecting diverse beliefs.
Listen to Patricia Polacco read this lovely book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HWCvtmYouU
THE GIFT OF MAGAZINES
National Geographic Kids
Highlights
Ranger Rick Jr.
Xyza News
Cricket
THE GIFT OF APPS
Wonster Words
Fry Word Games and Flash Cards https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.november31.fry_words&hl=en_US&gl=US
Whooo’s Reading
Epic!
Book Creator
Wattpad
At Lawley Publishing, we are grateful to our authors, illustrators, and readers for your support. We are filled with joy in providing you, the readers, these gifts of literature. On behalf of the Lawley Publishing team, we wish you a beautiful holiday season filled with great merriment as you develop your literary skills and continue to recognize the many gifts in your life.
By Shawna Della Cerra