By Amy Schardein, Children’s Librarian Contributed by Several Kenton County Library Staff Members
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the children in your life? Books are always the right size and can be enjoyed over and over again. You might even win a Joseph Beth gift card in order to buy a book as a gift (see below). But first, here are a few of our top picks for gift giving in 2012.
2012 Picture Books Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills Rocket the dog loves reading stories so much that he wants to create his own. He searches for words until he is inspired by a new friend. A perfect choice for growing readers and writers!
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems Three hungry dinosaurs insist they are not conveniently leaving a tidy house prepared to capture a little girl with gold locks. A funny twist on an old favorite sure to tickle both children and parents.
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen A minnow has taken a hat – it fits him perfectly and was entirely too small for its former owner, but the owner wants it back!
Oh No! by Candace Fleming One after another animals fall into a deep hole as a tiger plots their demise. At the last moment, an elephant appears to save the day! This tale is just suspenseful enough and features lush illustrations by Eric Rohman.
Step Gently Out by Helen Frost Luminous photographs paired with a lyrical poem turn backyard insects into beautiful works of art. A perfect choice for the nature-loving child.
2012 Chapter Books Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney Fans of Greg Heffley rejoice! The latest book is finally here.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio Auggie was born with severe facial deformities. When he enters school at 5th grade after years of home schooling everyone knew there would be obstacles to face. No one knew that Auggie would change everyone around him. This is a moving & beautifully written story.
The Lego Book by Daniel Lipowitz This 2012 update will delight and inspire Lego fans.
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers by Dav Pilkey Time travel, haunted pants and school pranks abound in this penultimate volume of the beloved Captain Underpants series.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Ivan the Gorilla only remembers life in a dilapidated circus-themed mall. When Ruby, a baby elephant, is added to the exhibits Ivan knows that he must find a better life for her.
New Holiday Picture Books Santa from Cincinnati by Judi Barrett Did you know that Santa was born in Cincinnati?
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin Pete fills in for a sick Santa as only Pete the Cat can.
How do Dinosaurs say Happy Chanukah? By Jane Yolen The dinosaurs are back and they are celebrating Chanukah.
Dinosaur vs. Santa by Bob Shea Dinosaur (who has previously defeated bedtime ) conquers a series of challenges, including being very very good, and receives Christmas presents from Santa in this sweetly funny Christmas story.
Fa La La by Leslie Patricelli
Baby is so excited to explore Christmas. Leslie Patricelli’s bright and witty illustrations make this a perfect choice for the youngest readers.
Modern Classics Ages 0-6
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
The Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Ages 7-12
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
There is no better gift than a book.
You might want to borrow a few books from the Library that you are interested in before choosing to buy. You can also find great book, movie and music gift ideas for the adults and teens in your life by checking out this list. You can also check us out on Pinterest. What books are you giving your family and friends this year?
Joseph Beth Gift Card Giveaway Would you like to win a $25 Joseph Beth gift card in order to buy a child in your life the perfect book? Here’s your chance! Well actually, you have several chances. Number one is required and the others are optional for more chances to win. Library employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Entries are due by noon on Monday, Nov. 26.
- Tell us what your favorite children’s book is by commenting here (required to enter).
- Click on “Following” in the upper left hand corner of our blog and comment that you did (I will receive a confirmation email as well).
- Share the link to our blog, telling your friends about the contest, on your Facebook page and comment here that you did.
- Check us out on Pinterest and mention here that you did.
- Post a picture of a child in your life with a book to our Facebook page and mention here that you did.
