This season brings excitement for all children, and books make a perfect gift for young readers that can be enjoyed time and time again. These suggested books are only a few that families can enjoy together or youngsters can read on their own.
“Today Is Orange Shirt Day,” written by Phyllis Webstad and illustrated by Natassia Davies. A board book for the youngest children, ages 1 to 3. Orange Shirt Day was started by the author after her experience of being taken as an Indigenous child and sent to a residential school where her beloved orange shirt was taken from her. Canada has designated Sept. 30 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honor residential survivors, families and the children who never made it back home. The United States also took Indigenous children and sent them to residential schools as well. The book is bright and colorful and has only 11 pages with touch and feel parts that encourages children to know that “Every Child Matters.”
Noel Night at Maria’s Bookshop
Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday for Noel Night. Roll the discount dice for 10%, 15% or 20% off your entire purchase (excluding gift card purchases or Local First Coupon Books). Complimentary gift wrapping will be made available by Maria’s Literary Foundation.
For children 4 to 8 years old, Lian Cho has written and illustrated the picture book, “Don’t Eat Eustace.” This is a delightful tale about Bear, who lives alone in a lighthouse. Most days are the same for Bear, who always has to do chores. One day, Bear goes fishing for his lunch and he caught something unexpected: a large colorful sail. Wrapped up in it is Eustace, who really would like to live and not be Bear’s lunch. Eustace wants to get back to his girlfriend. After several shared adventures with Bear, Eustace gets his wish – sort of.
“The Echo People,” by Sd Youngwolf, a master Indigenous storyteller, and illustrated by Shonto Begay. A wonderful read-aloud book for ages 3 to 5 and great for younger middle readers. This book is told by master Indigenous storyteller Youngwolf and is his debut as author. Begay is a Diné (Navajo) fine artist who has created the warm, earthy colored illustrations that carry the story along. One morning, Aiyanna and cousin Little Wolf go to their grandfather’s home to learn about the Echo People who live near their village. Grandfather takes each youngster to a separate spot to have them introduce themselves to the Echo People. Little Wolf and Aiyanna have different ways of approaching this task. After, Grandfather uses the morning to illustrate an important life lesson.
“The Hidden Wisdom of Animals: Surprising Things We Can Learn from Nature,” by Kate Siber and illustrated by Kaitlynn Copithorne. A beautifully compilation of more than 40 critters (bugs, birds, fish and mammals) with special traits. This book would be great for middle readers. The book is well organized and features a table of contents so readers can look up individual animals. The narrator speaks directly to the reader, and each last paragraph relates how the skills or knowledge of the animal might be shared. For example, pigeons have a great homing instinct: Does the reader have a place that feels like home to them? Octopuses vary greatly in size and special attributes: What special talents does the reader have? The book closes with two important sections: “The Importance of Being Human” and “Caring for Our Family of Beings.” This book would be great for parents and children to share because it makes learning about science, the world and the environment fun and fascinating.
“XOLO,” a graphic novel, is written by Newbery medalist Donna Barba Higuera and illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson. Graphic novels are a great means to interest reluctant readers, and this is one of the best. The art is crisp and bright, urging readers to turn the pages to follow the action. The book is told in six parts, the first being “The Beginning” and the last “A Companion.” The story is about the twin brothers of Aztec fame and mythology: Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god who is credited as the savior of humankind, and Xolotl, a dog-headed god who gets little attention or credit for his actions to help humankind. After a catastrophe, all life on Earth is gone and the planet has stopped spinning. The other gods are not dismayed by this event, but Xolo loved the humans especially. After many, many million years, the gods agree to try to get life back on Earth. Xolotl is and outcast and is sent to the Underworld, never to enjoys the wonders above. “Xolo” tells a different story about how humans get back to Earth and how dogs become humans’ best friend. This a delightful tale that highlights humankind’s place on Earth and emphasizes the need for kindness.
Young adult novels are superb for readers who are still teenagers.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” by Holly Jackson, is a New York Times bestseller that teens will love. Well, just not teens, adults will also be drawn into it because it is well-written, multilayered and the action is addictive. The story is filled with mystery, secrets and a heroine who will not quit. Pippa is a senior in high school and must complete what is known as a Capstone Project in order to graduate. Five years before, her entire community was shocked and traumatized by the disappearance and probable murder of popular and beautiful Andie Bell. Days later, Andie’s boyfriend, Sal Singh, supposedly committed suicide, leaving a note admitting her death to his father. The case was closed and Sal’s family, including his brother Rav, had become pariahs and suffered vandalism and hate by town residents. Pippa knew Sal and didn’t believe he was guilty, but no one else thought that except for Sal’s family, but they were helpless to do anything. As Pippa’s project continues, more and more secrets are revealed and her quest puts her and her family in danger. This is a riveting book with complex characters, a multitude of secrets that caused good people to do the unthinkable, and shocking revelations.
Leslie Doran is a retired teacher and freelance writer.
