The Gift of Reading: Picture Books

Christmas is less than twenty-five days away and if you're like me, you've done zero shopping. 

Oh, wait, that's a lie.  I forgot I got gifts for my brothers. 

So, if you're like me, you still have about seventy-five percent of your holiday shopping left to do.  I really love gift giving, but after thirty-odd years, it's hard to keep thinking up new and thoughtful gifts to give my loved ones.  I feel like I've given all there is to give.  Photo albums, handmade scarves, ornaments, framed photographs, homemade cookies, I've done it all.  That's why I tend to give books as gifts.  I'm really, really good at giving books. 

This month I thought it would be fun to put together a few gift guides in time for the holidays.  The beauty of a book is that you can get really cool ones for a relatively low cost.  Even coffee table books can be found for decent prices.  I've even purchased previously owned books that are out of print for a good price.  There are so many options.

Today's guide:  Picture Books

Now that I'm old, all my friends are starting to have kids.  For shower gifts, I like to buy about five or six books mixed between board and hardcover picture books as a starter library.  Then over the years for holidays and birthdays I add one or two books.  Turn them into mini-bookworms while you can.  It’s great hearing stories about how the kids discover the books over the course of their childhood.  Friends and family are always telling me about a kid who just loves that book I gave him or her years ago.  It’s such a good feeling!  Here are some great gift options.

The Amazing Bone by William Steig.  Steig is my favorite children’s picture book author of all time.  Every home library needs at least one book by him and this is my favorite.  Classic.

Anno’s Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno.  Lot’s of little details make this a fun wordless option.

Dinosaur vs. books by Bob Shea.  Bob Shea books are so adorable and kiddos love the dinosaur books.

Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn’t Fit by Catherine Rayner.  This book has a fun expanding panel.  I loved reading this one out loud.

Fall is Not Easy by Marty Kelley.  It took me a long time to pick this one up because I was sadly deceived by the cover.  This book is fantastic and funny. 

Follow the Line by Laura Ljungkvist.  Another wordless book with amazing details.  Very fun to look at.

Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel.  Frog and Toad are the greatest.  I got this for my friend’s four year old and he ‘reads’ it to himself.  Too cute.

Hansel & Gretel by Cynthia Rylant.  The illustrations by Jen Corace are beautiful.

I Stink! by Kate McMullan. Nothing gets a laugh like telling a kid out loud that you stink. 

Lissy’s Friends by Grace Lin.  I love love love Grace Lin.  Pick anything by her, but this one has adorable origami animals. 

Milo’s Hat Trick by Jon Agee.  Cute and funny. 

Monkey & Me by Emily Gravett.  Gravett is an incredible illustrator.  I read this all the time in storytimes and the kids love it. 

Monkey with a Toolbelt by Chris Monroe.  Perfect for the little handyperson in your life.

Not a Box and Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis.  Books about using your imagination are always a winner.

Rapunzel by Rachel Isadora.  Gorgeous retelling of this story. 

Wow! Said the Owl by Tim Hopgood.  Adorable book about colors.