Book Notes

Books make the best gifts: shopping for children

By: Joan Ruddiman
   Readers love to get books as gifts. They also love to give books as gifts, especially to children. But picking book titles can be a daunting task. In the spirit of giving and reading, Book Notes offers its annual tip sheet for book-buying. This week the focus is on children and in the weeks that follow, ideas for young adults for adult readers.



   The first tip that applies to all readers is that reading preferences tend to reflect what Howard Gardner calls multiple intelligences. Gardner’s MI theory reframed the question of "How smart are you?" to "How are you smart?" Everyone has some thing that is a personal passion. Think about whom is receiving the book. Are they the naturalist — an outdoors type, rooting in gardens, exploring meadows and streams, gazing at the stars? Do they, with spatial intelligence, build models, do needle work, love puzzles? Do their logical/analytical minds love to figure things out, love to solve riddles? Are they, our interpersonal ones, who are sensitive to others’ feelings and builders of harmonious relationships? Are they musical? Dancers? Athletes? Poets?
   Even small children exhibit tendencies towards their dominant intelligences. Observe how they like to play and what topics or activities capture their enthused attention. Armed with these insights, look for books that reflect their interests.
   A tip when buying for children is to consider not only the reader’s age, but also his or her reading level. The rule of thumb followed by reading specialists is that beginning readers are ages 5 to 7; young readers are ages 8 to10; advanced readers are ages 11 to 13. Roughly, that fits the "primary," "intermediate" and "young adult" designations. But each reader is unique. Those kids who have a developed verbal linguistic intelligence tend to be avid readers. They can and do read beyond their age and expected reading level. Kids who are not enthused about reading may still delight in a book that captures their interest and that is easy to read.
   Remember your role as gift giver. Now is not the time to force a reading lesson or build reading skills. A "good book" is one the kid enjoys reading.
   When buying books for children, here’s one last tip: Look at the pictures, read some of the text and gauge your own reactions. Ask yourself, if you were a little kid, would you enjoy reading it? Is this a book you would want to come back to time and again? If you respond with a resounding "yes" because the graphics are beautiful and the text is lively and fun, then this might be a great gift indeed. It may be the best gift the child receives.
   To get you started with possible authors and titles — and publishers — the following are a few of the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award winners from 2005.
   In the category of primary fiction is the honored "Russell the Sheep" by Rob Scotton (Harper Collins, 2005). Russell — in his long, knitted nightcap — is quite the fellow to make bedtime a pleasure as the little one considers what does a sheep do when he can’t sleep? This is the first of the Russell books by Scotton, one of England’s leading illustrators. Look, too, for "Russell and the Lost Treasure" (2006) as Russell discovers a cache of "treasure" that seems to be just a bunch of junk. But the very old camera he finds in the cache is intriguing and with it Russell discovers the greatest treasure of all.
   How about pairing this gem of a story with an inexpensive camera to encourage a potential photographer?
   As nighttime comes so early this time of year, even the littlest family member is wide-awake to view the night skies. "Night Wonders" by Jane Ann Peddicord (Charlesbridge, 2005) takes readers out of their beds and into outer space on a wondrous light beam. Full-page pictures, with Peddicord’s photo captions, introduce young readers to the planets and beyond. She explains the science of the universe within the text and provides more information with a glossary and a list of Web sites about outer space. Though "Night Wonders" was acknowledged as outstanding primary (grades K-3) nonfiction, older children with an interest in outer space would appreciate this book.
   Also for primary (and older!) physicists is "Big Bang! The Tongue-Tickling Tale of a Speck that Became Spectacular" by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano (Charlesbridge, 2005). Illustrations and photos compiled by Michael Carroll enhance this story of the origin of the universe.
   Many kids are animal lovers. You can’t go wrong giving a dog lover another book about dogs, especially one that gets rave reviews.
   "Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs: How They Guard Sheep" by Cat (honestly!) Urbigkit (Boyds Mills Press, 2005) has a delightful cover that hints at the wonderful photographs within. Urbigkit chronicles through text and powerful images the unique relationship between sheep and their canine guardians. If they love the film "Babe," they will appreciate this one.
   For history buffs, a notable primary nonfiction is "This is America: The American Spirit in Places and People" by Don Robb with illustrations by Christine Joy Pratt (Charlesbridge, 2005). Robb highlights 13 ideals of American life such as diversity, creative spirit and education for all with a brief text on the ideal. Robb goes beyond platitudes as he suggests people to read about who lived the ideal. Pratt illustrates places to visit that forged the idea. Cleverly done.
   Also look for Patricia and Fred McKissack who do wonderfully illustrated books on U.S. history and democracy. For independent readers (fourth through sixth grades), look for Jean Fritz who is still one of the best with sharing U.S. history.
   For fans of the Jersey shore, or as a special gift for those who live far away from our lovely Atlantic, consider some titles that are unique to New Jersey. Frank Finale’s "A Gull’s Story" is a regional best seller. Illustrated by artist Margie Moore, "A Gull’s Story" is an ABC primer wrapped in a trip to the shore. The book contains a glossary of terms and a Web site where Teacher Frank provides a workbook for children and their adult reading partners.
   New this year, for first edition collectors as well as children, is "A Gull’s Story Part 2: Counting at the Shore." Mr. Finale and Ms. Moore revisit the Gull Family with Baby Gull — now known as Little Gull — learning to count as he explores the natural wonders and landmarks of the Jersey Coast.
   These books and others by New Jersey authors and poets can be found in bookstores and galleries at the shore, or directly from Jersey Shore Publication in Bay Head. The Finale/Moore books are available at Amazon.com.
   Next week, book for teens that might actually make them smile!
   Joan Ruddiman, Ed. D., is a teacher and friend of the Allentown Public Library. She is also a reading specialist who is always happy to share reading ideas for kids.