If there is a more appropriate gift for a child than a book that will engage and enlighten him or her for months or even years to come, we can’t imagine what that might be. Here are some holiday gift book suggestions for young readers that range in subject matter. Some are poignant, some powerful – and all are positive in their conclusions.
“The Crocodile and the Dentist” by Taro Gomi (Chronicle Books, $16.99. ages 3-5)
Give this to your favorite preschooler or to her dentist. In a whimsical tale, a crocodile and a dentist both fear the necessary appointment. Colorful illustrations vivify their essential encounter.
“Lights! Camera! Alice!” by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Simona Ciraolo (Chronicle Books,$17.99, ages 5-8)
Charmingly illustrated, this is the little- known story of the first woman filmmaker, Alice Guy-Blaché. Rockcliffe tells her amazing story with taste and verve and relates how she turned a disaster into a brilliant career.
“Mac B. Kid Spy” by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Mike Lowery.(Orchard books, $12.99, ages 7-10)
In this delightful, witty royal romp, Mac is sent on a mission by the Queen to retrieve her royal spoon. The first person American kid’s voice is spot-on. Lowery’s humorous illustrations meld perfectly with this absurd adventure.
“The Bookshop Girl” by Sylvia Bishop, illustrated by Poly Bernatene (Peachtree Publishers, $16.95, ages 8-12)
This is a quirky winner. When Property’s family wins the Emporium, an incredible London bookstore, there’s a suspicious secret attached with a villain ready to rob everyone. It’s up to Property, with a secret of her own, to rescue the family as well as the amazing bookstore from pending disaster. Black and white illustrations serve to comment on this “can’t-put-down” tale.
“First Generation” by Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace, illustrated by Agata Nowicka (Little Brown and Company, $18.99, ages 8-12)
Authors and artist have skillfully presented the stories and challenges of 36 immigrants and refugees who have all made enormous contributions to our nation, among them prominent trailblazers, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and diplomat Madeleine Albright.
“Flor and Miranda Steal the Show” by Jennifer Torres (Little, Brown and Company, $16.99, ages 8-12.)
Two Latina protagonists alternate telling the sympathetic story, which is set in a traveling carnival. Miranda’s success as a singer may mean the demise of Flor’s family petting zoo. Flor, determined to ruin Miranda’s big chance, hasn’t counted on turning an adversary into a friend.
“The Third Mushroom” by Jennifer L. Holm (Random House Books for Young Readers, $16.99, ages 8-12.)
In this funny and offbeat story, Ellie’s grandpa comes to stay –but in the body of a teenager. He’s a scientist experimenting with eternal youth. When he and Ellie enter the school science fair, the unexpected occurs. Holm has created endearing characters and poses some thoughtful questions.
“The Language of Spells” by Garret Weyt, illustrated by Katie Harnett (Chronicle books, $16.99, ages 10 up)
This unusual novel makes you care about … 
dragons! Grisha has been caught and transformed, trapped as a teapot and only a magic potion can turn him back into his true self. Maggie, a determined young girl, works with Grisha to help restore all the captive dragons. If you’ve never believed in magic, this spellbinding adventure may change your mind.
“Zora & Me, The Cursed Ground” by T.R. Simon (Candlewick press, $16.99, ages 10 up)
This is a mystery novel that brings the town of Eatonville (an all -black community) to life, shining some light the tragic history of slavery in this country. Using the character of Zora Neale Hurston in a fictional childhood, two separate stories unfold, past and present, only to meet in a dramatic climax. As one character points out, “The past is living in each one of us.” And a later observation is made that “history wasn’t just something you read in a book. It was everything your life stood on.” This is an excellent choice for classroom or family discussions.
“Countdown, 2979 Days to the Moon,” by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez (Peachtree Publishers, $22.95, ages 10 up)
Tense and absorbing, this true story of our history is an excellent way to introduce young people to the drama, challenges, tragedies and successes of the impossible dream realized. The evocative art work that illustrates the lyrical text makes this a book every school should own.
“The Red Ribbon” by Lucy Adlington (Candlewick Press, $17.99, ages 14 up)
Based on some little known WWII Holocaust history, the book springs from the command of the Birchwood Commandant’s wife (Auschwitz-Birkenau), who ordered concentration camp inmate dressmakers to create for her a couture wardrobe. The order was then expanded to include creating elegant dresses and gowns for the officers’ wives. The prisoners worked in what was called the Upper Tailoring Studio, a desperate place of lies and deceptions. It’s a gripping story of a friendship between two of the seamstresses, who survived the unthinkable. Ultimately, they endured to realize their dream, but their story is harrowing, unforgettable – and a superb blending of fact and fiction.
“Dear Evan Hansen” by Val Emmich with Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Little Brown and Company, $18.99, ages 14 up)
In this poignant, powerful and agonizingly real story, Evan is a loner living with the frustrations of being a high school senior whom no one notices. Suddenly, his world shifts because of a lie that leaps out of control. The letter he wrote to himself at his therapist’s suggestion is found on the body of a classmate, who has committed suicide. Connor’s grieving parents assume that the boys were friends and crave information. Wanting to help them, Evan fabricates. Although he knows it’s wrong, he can’t admit the truth. The novel will resonate with any teen who feels socially invisible. The well-crafted story, based on the award-winning Broadway show, compels you to care.
Joanna H. Kraus is a professor emerita of the State University of New York, an award-winning playwright and an author of children’s books. Her latest picture books are “Blue Toboggan” (Mascot Books) and “Bravo, Bunny (Mirror Publishers). Reach her at tjkraushouse@hotmail.com, website: www.joannakraus.com
