HOLIDAY SHOWCASE OF BOOKS

 GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUNG READERS

Books are always a happy surprise!

Here are some fun children’s picture books by some of my favorite authors

(and a few by yours truly) for you to consider.

Click on the titles to go to Amazon to learn more or buy books.

Click on the author's name to visit their website.

The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry

Charles Ghigna, known to his fans as Father Goose®, is a master at creating poetry for children. Lively, thoughtful, nurturing—his language speaks directly to young readers. This anthology collects 101 of his most delightful works in a fabulous collection of poems celebrating the natural world.  (Ages 5-9)

 

The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires  

He can run from the rancher's wife, he can dash past the javalinas and he can giddy-up right by the cattle grazing on the mesa.  But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun? A lively Western version of the classic read-aloud tale. Named the Arizona Governor's 2007 First Grade Book with a special edition of 100,000 copies distributed to every first grader in the state. (Ages 4-8)

 

Ten Cuddly Pandas by Paula D. Golden 

This is an engaging countdown quest built around subtraction. Ten pandas go on a playful journey through the mountains of China where curiosity lures each into an adventure until only one remains. Written in rhyme, this story introduces young readers to simple subtraction word problems with matching numerical equations. (Ages 3-5)

 

Hot Dog by Doug Salati 

This 2023 Caldecott Medal Winner is an energetic romp with a little dog who’s had enough of city crowds, sizzling sidewalks, and blistering skies. When he decides enough is enough and refuses to take another step, his owner comes to his rescue with a fabulous trip to the beach. Vividly colored illustrations filled with and bold movement are paired with a clever narrative. (Ages 2-7)

Gracie Jane has a heart as big as the Western sky, and she's always ready to lend a helping hand. So, she doesn't think twice about rescuing Fifi La Rue and taking the lost pup home. After all, how much trouble could one little dog be on a great big ranch? It's nonstop fun and excitement when one good deed turns this cowgirl's life upside down! Here's some wild West fun from award-winning author, Janet Squires (Ages 4-8)

Bear SaysThanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman. 

Bear is bored!!! Until…his woodland friends arrive one-by-one with tasty treats. But Bear’s cupboard is bare and he has nothing to share. That’s when his friends remind him that the gathering isn’t just about the food. It’s about their friendship and the delightful stories Bear can tell. Chapman's charming illustrations fill each page with warmth and movement.

 

Just Like Gulliver by Janet Squires 

Dive into the adventures of a young groundhog who is frightened of his shadow until a fun-filled journey through the woods and farms surrounding his burrow allows him to discover his courage on Groundhog Day. An author's note provides factual information about Groundhogs. (Ages 4-8)

 

I Am NOT A Scaredy-Cat by Paula D. Golden 

Here is a playful look at the way in which children boldly confront common fears — darkness, creatures, or sounds — and an acknowledgement that no matter how brave we are — we each have fears to face. An Author's Note at the end provides thoughtful questions for opening conversations about fears. (Ages 4-8)

 

Gray Fox in the Moonlight

Isaac Peterson takes readers on a nighttime trek as Gray Fox leads the audience through her world of forest and stream and makes note of the beauty around her. The gentle fall of autumn leaves, the starry sky, the moonlit branches, and her reflection in the river are all worthy of her notice. But she cannot remain long in thought. A powerful call draws her home to care for her hidden kits as the sun rises. (Ages 2-8)