The Gift of Reading

It’s not always easy picking out a gift for someone, especially if that someone is your child’s friend. What current toys do they not already have? When in doubt, gift a good book. It’s a classic, fool-proof choice, and an essential great read never goes out of style. Check out these titles, which make wonderful additions to any child’s reading collection.

‘Llama, Llama, Red Pajama’ by Anna Dewdney

In this classic and infectious rhyming book, Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama, Baby Llama immediately starts worrying when she goes downstairs, and his soft whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t come right back. But just in time, Mama returns to set things right. Children will relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort, as much as parents will appreciate Mama Llama’s reassuring message.

‘You Are My I Love You’ by Maryann Cusimano Love

This all-time family favorite describes a day in the life of parent and child. It’s full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals, boundless energy and well-earned rest. Not to mention lots of love. It all comes together in simple rhyming verses accompanied by colorful, playful illustrations.

‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae

This is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.

‘Press Here’ by Herve Tullet

Press the yellow dot on the cover of this interactive children’s book, follow the instructions within and embark upon a magical journey. Each page of this surprising touch book instructs the reader to push the button, shake it up, tilt the book and who knows what will happen next. Children will giggle with delight as the dots multiply, change direction and grow in size — igniting creativity.

‘I Took the Moon for a Walk’  by Carolyn Curtis

When the day has ended and everyone else has fallen asleep, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure with his friend, the Moon. Their unusual journey is described in lyrical verse, creating an enchanting story that celebrates the serene beauty of the world at night.

‘The Wonderful Things You Will Be’ by Emily Winfield Martin

This is a story that extends through lifetimes. From brave and bold to creative and clever, this book expresses all the loving things that parents think of when they look at their children. With beautiful and sometimes humorous illustrations, and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes, this is a book that families will love reading over and over.

‘Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids’  by Carol McCloud

While using a simple metaphor of a bucket and a dipper, McCloud illustrates that when we choose to be kind, we not only fill the buckets of those around us, but also fill our own bucket! All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other’s buckets by what we say and what we do. This book teaches empathy, kindness and spreading around happiness.

‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ by Drew Daywalt

This hilarious and fun story outlines the tale of colorful and hardworking crayons as they try to talk to their creative owner into taking a break from their coloring duties. Beige Crayon is tired of playing second fiddle to Brown Crayon. Black wants to be used for more than just outlining. Blue needs a break from coloring all those bodies of water. What will make them resume their essential duties?

‘Little Blue Truck’ by Alice Schertle

Beep! Meet Blue. A muddy country road is no match for this little pickup — that is, until he gets stuck while pushing a dump truck out of the muck. Luckily, Blue’s pack of farm animal friends are willing to do whatever it takes to get their pal back on the road. This book is full of truck sounds and animal noises that kids will love. And it sends a message about the power of friendship and helping others.

‘The Pout-Pout Fish’ by Deborah Diesen

Swim along with the pout-pout fish, as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this super fun and humorous fish story that aims to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.

About WF Staff

Washington FAMILY Magazine staff.

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