As far as wrapped wonders under the Christmas tree, a simple book is going to have some hefty competition. Even its covering, easy work for the wrapper, but not so mysterious to the opener, makes the gift of reading appear boring.
But if you get the perfect book, something that will excite the receiver to flip open its pages immediately, then a simple rectangle can create a lifelong love of reading.
For the perfect book choice, you need to ask the right questions – and according to Avery Canapini of the Greater Sudbury Public Library, those questions shouldn’t start with “What do you like to read?”
“Some of the best ways to figure out where their tastes run is to ask about their favourite movies, TV shows or games,” says Canapini. “For example, if you're asking for a 12-year-old boy who loves Minecraft, there's a great juvenile series of books that are based in the Minecraft world, as well as many non-fiction world-building ideas for the game.
“If you've got a rather reluctant 10-year-old girl reader, who loves watching tween/teen drama shows, the Dork Diaries series might make for a fun pick.” And for the very young? “Asking about favourite animals, like bears or dinosaurs, or toys like trains or trucks will help a great deal when you're getting recommendations from a librarian or bookseller.”
Another suggestion is to avoid limiting the medium in which a child is reading – in other words, don’t discount a comic book or graphic novel.
“If you're trying to buy for a reluctant reader, the last thing they're going to want to receive as a gift is a book filled with pages and pages of intimidating-looking words,” says Canapini. “Many classic pieces of literature have been transformed into brilliant graphic novels, and that make them much more accessible to read, and no less of a story.”
And as far as suggestions go, Canapini has many, starting with the young ones.
“Search and Find books make for a great family bonding experience. For instance, any version of Where's Waldo by Martin Handford, I Spy by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick, or any iteration of Find Momo (Let's Find Momo for babies, Find Momo and Find Momo: Coast to Coast) by Andrew Knapp.”
And speaking of local authors like Andrew Knapp, “Local Sudbury authors make great gift ideas for in-town and out-of-town relations. Some children's book suggestions include: Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox by Danielle Daniel, The Awful Alphabet by Tracey Baker and Josh Turnbull and Have You Seen the Sock Burglar? by Dr. Yannick Charette with illustrations by Monique Legault.”
Canapini also recommends timeless books for younger children, including: “anything by Robert Munsch, even as an adult, his books are still hilarious. Dr. Seuss books, The Lorax, and Oh, the Places You'll Go, or Eric Carle books for babies like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? As well as Spot, the Dog books by Eric Hill, like Where's Spot? and Who's There, Spot?”
As far as older children – and those children who the gift-giver may not know well – timeless classics are a great place to start.
“Timeless books for middle school and young adults could include books that the gift-giver enjoyed as a youth, like Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, the Anne of Green Gables series, Little Women, A Wrinkle in Time — many of which are considered ‘classic literature,’ and have been translated into graphic novel form.”
Canapini also recommends non-fiction books with positive messages like The Book of Awesome and its sequels by Neil Pasricha, or the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, as well as any collected poetry books by Shel Silverstein. She also recommends any book by Oliver Jeffers, and adds “Many of his books seem juvenile, but they have pretty grown up messages that would be appropriate for any age.”
And if you’re looking to stay on theme for the holidays, Canapini has many suggestions for those as well:
Classic Children’s Christmas Books:
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
- The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
- Madeline’s Christmas by Ludwig Bemelmans
- The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman
- The Mitten by Jan Brett
Contemporary Children’s Titles:
- Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker
- Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas by Jane O’Connor
- It’s Christmas, David by David Shannon
- The Nutcracker in Harlem by T.E. McMorrow
- Scaredy Squirrel Prepares for Christmas by Mélanie Watt (a personal favourite…)
- Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson (another favourite!)
Middle School Age Christmas classics:
- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (also available as a graphic novel!)
- The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
- The Family Under the Bridge by Natalie Savage Carlson
- Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies
- A Christmas Story by Jean Shepherd
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Middle School Age Contemporary Christmas Books:
- Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce
- The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
- Winterfrost by Michelle Houts
- The Christmasaurus by Tom Fletcher
- Young Scrooge by R.L. Stine
Of course, if the thought of wrapping a simple book doesn’t feel festive enough for you, Canapini suggest building on the theme.
“If you’re looking to add something special to your literary gift, aside from a lovely bookmark, it’s fun to try to add something that enhances the book. If you’re giving C.S. Lewis, give a cute package of Turkish Delight, or if you’ve decided on ‘The Mitten’ by Jan Brett, a gift of warm red mittens might get your recipient excited about the book,” she says. “Warm, fuzzy socks, or a cozy reading blanket also help foster an inviting reading atmosphere — and I would never turn away a special mug with a hot cocoa mix!”
And if you would love to turn this gift into quality time as well, it is never too early to get a library card. You can find the forms on the library website, and then visit the library to choose books together, or take part in one of great programs available.
“Aside from the amazing selection of borrowing material throughout the 13 branches around the city, their library card also gives them access to fun online resources, eBooks and audiobooks, and my beloved graphic novels through apps like Hoopla, OverDrive, and Tumble Books. There is also a rotating variety of free programs offered at your local libraries.”
So don’t be afraid to give the gift of reading this year, for while the wrapping may be simple, the prize inside is filled with magic, enjoyment, and hopefully, a lifetime of literary bliss.
Jenny Lamothe is a freelance writer, proof-reader and editor in Greater Sudbury. Contact her through her website, JennytheWriter.wordpress.com.
