Books as Gifts
Holiday Buying Guide 2017
It’s the time of the year to light up faces and shorter days with a story or two (or more!). Books are always there for you — no electricity needed! Satisfy that itch of curiosity, let your imagination soar, or get a chuckle as you open a book, share it alone or with a friend, or give it as a gift.
Happy Holidays from Reading Rockets!
Browse through the 2017 holiday buying guides online or download and print the PDF before you head out to the library or bookstore.
For 6-9 Year Olds
A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars
Earth is surrounded by stars of which the sun is only one. Earth is blue “because it is covered by 370,000,000.000,000,000,000 gallons of water.” It has trillions of trees and millions of cities …. but “only one of YOU…” This imaginative presentation is enjoyable to read and may well encourage closer observation of what is all around.
Before She Was Harriet
“Here she sits/an old woman/tired and worm/her legs still/her back achy … but before wrinkles formed” she was a young woman who could walk for miles, worked for women’s right to vote and much, much more. This unique and touching introduction to Harriet Tubman is lovingly revealed and handsomely illustrated.
Big Cats
Updated information about tigers, leopards, and other big cats is presented in a readable text and full-color photographs. Where to find additional information is included at the end of this large formatted, handsome book.
Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy
Charlie and Mouse enjoy a weekend with their grandfather known as Grumpy. The gentle family story of and older and younger brother enjoying each other and the company of an older relative is cozily illustrated and divided into short chapters, similar to the first story about these characters, Charlie & Mouse.
Dangerous Jane
Jane Addams hated war. But what could one person do? Jane found a way, dedicating her life to peace and won a Nobel Peace Prize for her commitment to it. Soft watercolors create a period in time, the people and places where Jane worked to complement the straightforward, engaging narration. Additional biographical information is included.
Family Poems for Every Day of the Week / Poemas familiares para cada día de la semana
Every day is a celebration, from Sunday with grandparents to an all-play day Saturday. Short, lively poems are exuberantly illustrated and presented in Spanish and English.
Her Right Foot
Meet the Statue of Liberty. She came from across an ocean like many of the people she continues to welcome; that’s why her right foot is mid-stride, of course. Strong graphics and factual but timely, tongue-in-cheek text presents Lady Liberty as never seen before.
Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote The Cat in the Hat
It was good to be a kid in 1954. There were nickel doughnuts and one-cent lollipops. At the same time though, learning to read was just plain boring. That is until Dr. Seuss came up with an idea! Straight narration and Seussian rhyme combine with both realistic and imaginative illustrations to present the story of how entertaining leveled books began.
Jasmine Toguchi, Super Sleuth
Jasmine Toguchi (first introduced in Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen), uses her detective skills to find out why her best friend and older sister are no longer excited about the Japanese celebration of Girl’s Day. Characters and events are recognizable and engaging to cause a chuckle or two.
Last Laughs: Prehistoric Epitaphs
They’re all gone now but a group of dinosaurs comes back to life even if only while reading funny epitaphs. Equally comic illustrations and a smattering of factual information are included on the pages of this clever collection.
Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotten
Elizabeth “Libba” Cotton heard music all around her growing up in North Carolina. She became a self-taught guitarist using her brother’s instrument until he moved. Her musical talent remained hidden until it was uncovered after she started working for Pete Seeger. Libba’s story is told effectively with swirling text and soft illustrations in a limited palette.
Miguel’s Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote
A vivid imagination helped Miguel Cervantes to grow beyond a tough childhood and to create a cultural icon: Don Quixote. Luminous illustrations and rich poetry follow young Miguel to adulthood where his creativity triumphs. A note about Cervantes from the author and illustrator conclude this stunning book.
Pigeon P.I.
Pigeon has given up his private detective work. That is until a young canary goes missing along with other colorful birds. Young mystery lovers will enjoy the humor and graphic comic elements in this comical mystery.
Red Again
A boy on a bike spies a red book by the side of the road. As he reads it in his chilly seaside village, he sees a girl in a boat in a much warmer place reading a red book, and so on. Could children be connected by a book? No words are needed in this intriguing, surprisingly sophisticated story which unfolds through illustrations in a companion volume to The Red Book.
Robinson
All the other kids have pirate costumes for their adventures while the narrator has one like Robinson Crusoe. When teased about it, he heads to his bedroom where he dreams he is marooned on an island, savoring the solitary adventure until his friends return. Signature illustrations are evocative, detailed, and delicate, accompanied by brief but effective narration.
Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero
A small, underfed horse was found by a group of Marines during the Korean War. She was named Sergeant Reckless for her courage and willingness to carry ammunition into battle. The story of this faithful, brave animal is presented in a gripping narration and realistic (though not explicit) illustrations.
Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals
Large pages are used to present animals from around the world. Lyrical language and lush mixed media illustrations generate wonder and appreciation for a host of animals from habitats in the sea, land, and air.
The Big Bad Fox
Fox wants to be bad but when he takes on the hens, poor fox always loses. But if he hatches some eggs, he’ll have his own chickens to eat … except is it possible to eat someone who calls you “mom”? Cartoons and dialog from a French comic book artist are fresh, funny, and very satisfying.
The Great Art Caper
GW, the hamster enjoys his evenings with his animal friends and is even beginning to like the second graders with whom he shares the room during the day. It is up to GW and his friends save the art show from the dastardly plot of mouse Harriet and her minions in this amusing, short graphic novel. A new story in the Pets on the Loose series.
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
The legendary battles between Rock, Paper, and Scissors started long ago in the Kingdom of Backyard, the Empire of Mom’s Home Office, and in the Kitchen Realm. Exaggerated, expressive, and over-the-top illustrations bring the tale of the saga that is still plays out on hands everywhere.
Vincent Can't Sleep
Vincent Van Gogh often had trouble sleeping. As a child, his parents fussed but Vincent continued to travel in his imagination, which precluded sleep. Glowing illustrations suggest the artist’s style and a rhythmic text provides an engaging introduction to Van Gogh and his powerful paintings. An author’s note includes additional information as well as images of several of Van Gogh’s paintings.
Where Are You Going, Baby Lincoln?
Baby Lincoln decides to go on a ‘necessary journey’ away from her bossy older sister, Eugenia. Baby returns with lots of stories and a sister who missed her. Fans or newcomers to the Deckawoo Drive series are sure to enjoy this charming, gentle, and very funny story.
Winter Dance
Fox realizes that winter is coming as the first snowflakes fall on its nose. Forest dwellers from the smallest to the largest offer advice, but when the fox meets its companion, they do what foxes do in winter: dance! Textured illustrations accompany the well-paced narration to suggest animal behavior and simple delight.
For 3-6 Year Olds
After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again
After his initial fall and being put back together, Humpty Dumpty becomes more fragile. He’s now afraid of heights but longs to fly. How he climbs back to the top of the wall and is able to go beyond is surprising and exhilarating. Illustrations from varied perspectives add depth and dimension to an inventive story.
Baabwaa and Wooliam
Although Baabwaa likes to knit and Wooliam likes to read, they both long for an adventure. They find a different and quite literary adventure when they meet a “rambunctious” wolf in sheep’s clothing in this hilarious story with equally funny, expressive watercolor illustrations.
Big Machines: The Story of Virginia Lee Burton
Jinnee lives by the seaside and is quite magical. Using her magic, for her sons she created little house in a big city, a very special train, a steam shovel that saves the day, and more. The fictionalized biography of author/illustrator Jinnee, better known as Virginia Lee Burton, is presented to bring her work into focus. This is sure to introduce a new generation to books such as The Little House, Choo Choo, and Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel.
City Moon
A child and his mother see the moon peek in and between the buildings as they take a nighttime walk. Though it appears in different places, it is the same moon that watches over the sleeping child when he returns to go to bed. Dark pages with uncluttered forms are punctuated by light to delight.
Duck on a Tractor
The daring Duck on a Bike wowed the other animals as he rode around the farm. This time, they all join him on the tractor into town! Ebullient artwork and repeating phrases create a rollicking adventure for Duck and company to the amazement of townspeople.
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
Two children walk across an autumn landscape greeting birds, animals, leaves and more. Gradually, the season changes and the now-bundled up kids greet the signs of winter. Soft illustrations and lyrical text gracefully evoke the evolution of seasons.
Koala
Join the young koala’s search for a safe place to live and eat when he outgrows his mother’s pouch. A dramatic text on realistically illustrated pages is accompanied by additional factual information in a different font to both engage and inform.
La La La
A girl’s search for friendship becomes an adventure as she travels with her song, “la la la”, as her only company. Richly hued, radiant illustrations reveal the girl’s journey. A note from both the author and illustrator provides insight into this multilayered, memorable, nearly wordless story.
Little i
When small letter i’s dot falls off, Little i sets off to find it. Savvy readers will appreciate the send off and what Little i sees and experiences (such as the exciting and loud exclamation mark). Rich colors in textured illustrations present an artfully humorous alphabetic story.
Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth
From one child to many creatures in different locations, life on earth is very diverse but delicate. This important message is gently delivered in lyrical text and highly detailed line and wash illustrations.
Molly and Mae: A Friendship Journey
Two girls meet as their train leaves the station for a long journey. Their friendship develops along the same track as the traveling train including a “signal failure” when the girls don’t get along. But all’s well by the arrival with the friendship sure to continue on. Softly rendered, expressive illustrations on double page spreads suggest the train trip.
No Kimchi for Me!
Yoomi loves her grandmother’s Korean cooking; that is, everything except kimchi. Her older siblings say it’s because she’s still a baby. But Yoomi’s grandmother is wise and comes up with a tasty solution: kimchi pancakes! A recipe for this is included and other dishes mentioned are pictured and labeled on endpapers for an international feast.
Old MacDonald Had a Farm
The words are familiar but Grimly’s illustrations present a slightly irreverent, distinctive farmer and his loyal animals. The bear, however, who chases them all away from their barn, is an uninvited guest. The author’s signature illustrations and a nostalgic note at the end create a memorable tale.
Rapunzel
Slyly humorous and boldly illustrated, the girl with the long locks is no match for the witch and not only befriends forest critters; Rapunzel puts fear in the hearts of all witches! This slightly fractured fairy tale is sure to delight young readers.
Sail Away Dragon
Girl and her friend Dragon long to visit Far Away. Their adventure takes them across the seas where they rescue a small cat from Bad Hats returning comfortably Home again. Imaginative, gauzy illustrations complement the rhythmic text (with echoes of Edward Lear).
Say Zoop!
If your finger is placed on the small blue dot, say “oh.” If it’s on a big blue dot, say “OH!” Imagine what happens when there is a series of blue dots! Blue, red, and yellow lines and dots dance across white pages encouraging sounds and gleeful play in this inventive participatory book.
The Bad Seed
Even the worst bad seed can become better. Just ask the sunflower seed who became a seriously BAAAAD seed when the petals fell and he was almost eaten by a giant! Now he again says thank you and at least tries to be better. Readers will appreciate the broad humor in overstated text and illustration and just might see part of themselves in the bad seed.
The Boy and the Whale
When a whale becomes caught in fishing net, the father is concerned about how he will provide for his family. His son, however, is determined to set the huge mammal free. Against his father’s wishes, he returns to the entrapped whale and successfully frees it. Shimmering illustrations present a compelling story of compassion and courage.
The Five Forms
A child finds a book atop a bin “free to a good home.” At home, the girl ignores the warning and does the martial arts poses calling to life a succession of animals causing chaos. Soon after she cleans up the mess, her mother walks in with a surprise: zoo tickets! Inspired by her son’s martial arts study, McClintock’s illustrations call to mind Asian art.
There's a Pest in the Garden!
Who’s the real pest eating up dog, donkey, sheep, and duck’s garden? Is it the groundhog or someone with feathers? Cartoon illustrations and repeating text create a silly tale sure to tickle multiple funny bones. The animal friends share another silly adventure in What Is Chasing Duck? (another story in the Giggle Gang series).
Thunder Underground
Have you ever thought what’s underneath you in your house? Beneath the garden? Or under a city street? There is a great deal underground, exposed here in short, often humorous, sometimes sophisticated poems, and deeply colored illustrations.
We Are Shining
“Life is for me/and is shining!” begins the poem and continues as the child expresses her wish for a peaceful world in which there is laughter and family. Watercolors are both fantastical and realistic as the poem continues to a gleeful, “Life is for us,/and is shining./We have a right to sing.”
Who Am I? An Animal Guessing Game
Animal characteristics provide clues as different animals ask the reader to guess who they are. Each clue is clearly pictured on a white page; then turn the page to view the entire animal on a double-page spread. Crisp collage illustrates each
creature. The accessible volume ends with additional information (including size comparisons).
Why Am I Me?
The questions asked by two children celebrate our commonalities as well as what makes each person distinct. Lyrical text and handsome watercolors portray the tapestry of a city and the people who live in the world.
Windows
A boy walks his dog as the sun sets, glimpsing different activities in the lighted windows. The brightest window is in his own home where his mother waits for him. As night falls outside that window, the pair curl up together to share a book. Detailed illustrations use light and dark to present a warm story.
For 9-12 Year Olds
Animalsaurus: Incredible Creatures from Prehistoric and Modern Times
There were prehistoric predators and plant eaters, prehistoric sea creatures and creepy-crawlers. And there are modern beings that have similar characteristics. Meet the giant pacarana and its modern cousin, the capybara on land; compare leedsichthys and the whale shark and other beasts. Line drawings show the prehistoric critter while photos show the modern ones in a unique exploration.
Book of Bones: 10 Record-Breaking Animals
Whose bones are pictured in white on black pages? Turn the page to see the fleshed out creature in full color and learn more about it, where it lives, and its size. Comparisons are clever and familiar (e.g., the skeleton of a particular shrew is the size of a paperclip) for a fun and informative examination of animals and their structures.
Norse Myths: Tales of Odin, Thor and Loki
Tales from the Norse are not for the fainthearted or youngest, evident in these straightforward retellings. Readers will meet “[s]ome men and women [who will] become great … [and] the gods and goddesses [who] are even stronger and greater” in these myths. Illustrations are ominous, dark, and perfectly fitting for the tone of these tales.
Older Than Dirt: A Wild but True History of Earth
The Earth started long ago with a Big Bang and continues to evolve and change. Its history is presented humorously yet factually in a tour guided by a small, expressive, and charming groundhog. The collaboration between authors (one a university geology professor, the other an award-winning artist) has created an accessible and engaging look at Earth’s history.
Podkin One-Ear (Longburrow Book 1)
A bard tells the story of a lazy rabbit named Podkin, how he defeated the red-eyed Gorms to save his rabbit family in the first of a new fantasy series. Vivid storytelling includes several battles, including the one in which Podkin loses an ear as he and his allies defeat the Gorm and Scramakshank, the Gorm’s vicious leader.
Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines
“Let’s get one thing straight ... this is not a how-to book. It’s a history book.” Using a conversational tone and a variety of graphics, the role of both naturally occurring and manufactured poison in world history is explored. The result is an engaging, fresh look at history albeit a bit of its darker side.
Runny Babbit Returns: Another Billy Sook
Tongues get ready to be twisted by Runny Babbit and lots of silly Spoonerisms! Fans of the original Runny Babbit won’t be disappointed in this collection of short poems about everyday topics with initial letters of familiar words reversed. Silverstein’s signature black/white line drawings illustrate the collection.
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library
Who was Arturo Alfonso Schomburg? He was an Afro-Puerto Rican man whose thirst for knowledge about his roots led him to collect and manage what would become a great library in New York City. Fluid language informs as handsome, realistic paintings illuminate the highlights of Schomburg’s life and contributions. A timeline and bibliography may inspire other young researchers and booklovers.
Silent Days, Silent Dreams
James Castle was born deaf and mute in 1899 on a farm in Idaho. The story of this child who grew up to become an artist is told in his nephew’s voice and illustrated in dark-hued illustrations that evoke not only the artist’s work but also his difficult life. Allen Say’s appreciation of this artist and his work is sophisticated and memorable, presenting a unique and truly original artist.
Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth
Prez needs a friend and he finds one in Sputnik. Sputnik looks like a dog to everyone except Prez who realizes Sputnik is an alien in disguise. It’s a good thing that Prez is a list maker, because he and Sputnik must come up with 10 reasons why Earth shouldn’t be destroyed. The physics-defying story is fast, fresh, and fun.
Ten
Maya loves soccer. But girls in Malaysia where she lives with her Asian Indian mom and English dad don’t usually play the sport. How Maya brings her school and perhaps even her family together is told plausibly with pathos and just enough soccer to engage both sports enthusiasts and those who don’t enjoy it.
The End of the Wild
Eleven-year old Fern lives near an old-growth forest which her family relies on to forage for food. The forest, however, is threatened by a company that wants to use hydraulic fracturing that will require a wastewater pond. How Fern finds friendship, family, and a resolution within a splintered town is plausible and heartwarming.
The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine
A fragment of an imaginative tale told by Mark Twain to his daughters has been completed and illustrated with all due respect to the original author. Readers will meet Johnny, a poor but worthy boy who helps rescue Prince Oleomargarine, communicate with animals, and find lasting friendships. Delicate illustrations combine with the Twain-esque narration for a memorable (and gorgeous) package.
The Song from Somewhere Else
When Frank’s (nee Francesca) backpack is tossed into nettles by a bunch of bullies, it is Nick Underbridge who retrieves it for her. Nick is as unusual as his home where Frank finds friendship and solace until a secret upends not only their friendship but almost the entire world. Mysterious and otherworldly, this is an involving and satisfying fantasy.
The Unbreakable Code
Emily and James (first introduced in The Book Scavenger) return in this standalone companion which involves ciphers, books by Mark Twain, mystery, and dastardly plots. Sophisticated readers will appreciate the intrigue and shadowy goings-on that claim Emily’s favorite bookstore.
The Unicorn in the Barn
Could the white deer that Eric spots in the woods really be a unicorn? Can Eric help Dr. Brancusi, a vet, and his daughter really keep the unicorn – and her offspring – safe? Love and loss, hope and happiness are threads throughout this delicately illustrated and absorbing novel.
The Unlucky Lottery Winners of Classroom 13
The teacher in Classroom 13, Ms. Linda LaCrosse, is just plain unlucky. And it was an unlucky win of a 28 billion dollar lottery that helps her and her 27 students realize just how lucky they really are. Absurd events, sly humor, and a zany cast of characters create a fast-paced plot to a speedy (even if a bit seemingly unlucky) conclusion.
This Is Just a Test
One of David’s parents is Jewish, the other Chinese. With one grandmother living with David and his family and the other next door, which culture will win? As David prepares for his bar mitzvah, he worries about the possibility of war both inside his family as well as the U.S. of the 1980s. Fast-paced and believable, the clash between cultures finally subsides.
Who Gives a Hoot?
Calpurnia Tate and her grandfather, both naturalists, travel on the San Marco River to observe nature in and around the river. When they rescue a sick owl from the water Callie and her grandfather must figure out what’s wrong with the owl before it’s too late to save it. This is a worthy addition to the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series.
For 0-3 Year Olds
Baby Goes to Market
Mama and baby go to a colorful, crowded market to buy fruits and other staples. While Mama is busy, baby is so curious, cheerful and funny that each vendor gives the baby something a little extra for Mama’s basket. Expressive illustrations and rhythmic text make a tale to share again and again.
Buster and the Baby
Buster, a small white dog, hides from a child as they play enthusiastically all day. But turnabout is fair; in the evening, the toddler waits for Buster to find her in bed. Charming illustrations and lively text capture the energy of a baby and her dog.
Cat Nap
Young readers will find the adult cat hiding from an energetic kitten until both wind up in the same bed for a much-needed nap. Simple forms outlined in black and straightforward text tell a tale that both children and adults recognize.
Flora and the Ostrich: An Opposites Book
Flora and an ostrich, both clad in deep lavender, demonstrate opposites such as hello/goodbye, near/far. The expressive illustrations, however, reveal a friendship and humor that goes far beyond the single words on each open page occasionally expanded when a flap is lifted.
Little Excavator
Little Excavator, better known as Little E, wants to help the big construction equipment transform a vacant lot. Rhymes and onomatopoeia accompany the expressive illustrations of heavy-duty equipment, for a satisfying tale of growing up.
Main Street Magic
Take a walk along Main Street to visit a bakery, a fish market, a hair salon, and other shops. Discover secrets that hide beneath each of the many flaps on sturdy pages. Enjoy the surprises at each cleverly designed and simply illustrated spread.
My Busy Day
From morning to mealtime, washing up to bedtime, young children will recognize the routines and steps presented in checklists. They’ll delight, too, in seeing each in a different way as they slide a durable image to change the scene.
On the Go with Mother Goose
Traditional nursery rhymes, some familiar, others not so familiar, appear in a compact, sturdy collection appealingly illustrated with a host of animals in the artist’s signature style.
Peekaboo! On the Farm!
Peekaboo! Lift the flap of a partially covered animal face to find animals in action. Large flaps are sturdy enough for inquisitive hands to discover or rediscover familiar animals.
Snow Scene
"What are these?/Trees. And those?/Shadows." Short, poetic, rhythmic questions and answers and textured illustrations progress from a frozen winter woods to the coming of spring and all of its changes.
Tool Book
Curious children are sure to learn about various instruments and how they are used, as the contents of a typical toolbox are unpacked. Each is presented in crisp illustrations and very brief text.
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