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Culture Watch

Holiday Gifts


Being able to introduce children to the other worlds just waiting for them in books is a gift to the adult reader.

The Magical, Mystical, Marvelous Coat
by Catherine Ann Cullen
Illustrated by David Christiana
Little, Brown; ages 3 to 5.

Magic and a coat with a set of unusual buttons transports a girl to adventures laced with a poetic, lyrical lilt, befitting the Irish author's roots. The reader will find themselves pulled along with the theme of giving and sharing that Cullen employs. The marvelous watercolor illustrations move the story as surely as the poetry does.

You Read to Me, I'll Read to You (Very Short Stories to Read Together)
by Mary Ann Hoberman
Illustrated by Michael Emberley
Little, Brown; ages 3 to 5

Inspiration for this format came from poet Hoberman's work with the Literacy Volunteers of America. This technique can be used for a pair of beginning readers, whatever their age, for both learning and enjoyment of reading together. Short, rhythmical repetitions are combined with delightful illustrations by an artist with a last name that may be quite familiar to those of our generation (his father is author and illustrator Ed Emberley). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Literacy Volunteers of America.

What's Wrong with Timmy?
by Maria Shriver
Illustrated by Sandra Speidel
Warner Books & Little Brown; ages 4 to 8

How to explain to children that there are children who are disabled (and adults, for that matter) is not an easy task. This book, not unlike those explaining some of life's more complicated issues, tackles the subject straightforwardly and with sensitivity. This is a book to keep and read often when the opportunity presents itself. Author Shriver and the Kennedy family are well known for their involvement in causes for the disabled; this is one strong step in creating understanding and kindness. Illustrator Spiedel has applied just the right technique to convey what should be the equality of the disabled.

Four First Daisy Books, Boxed
by Jane Simmons
First published in Great Britain by Orchard, in US by LB; Ages 2 to 5

Board books as a category were little known when our children were young; today they form easily identifiable books for the youngest audience. This collection explores the themes closest to the concerns of the youngest child with reassuring text and soft, simple shapes to the illustrations: Go to Sleep, Daisy; Daisy Says Coo!; Daisy's Favorite Things and Daisy's Day Out

T.G.

Now is the time to remember the old adage about books being gifts that keep on giving, especially where children are concerned. Favorite books may be read again and again, become essential to falling asleep, introduce characters who will be friends forever.

If your particular child has somehow not yet met Elsa Minarik's "Little Bear," or Lobel's "Frog and Toad", or Rosemary Wells' "Max and Ruby," then of course you must obtain them. If a slightly older child hasn't yet found "The Wind in the Willows," "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Little House on the Prairie," "The Wizard of Oz" or "The Secret Garden" you must fill that gap. Before you go shopping or to the library, also be sure to consult the excellent lists prepared by experienced children's librarians and posted for parents on the American Library Association website.

The Quiltmaker's Gift
by Jeff Brumbeau
illustrated by Gail de Marcken.
Scholastic Press


A quiltmaker with magic in her fingers makes beautiful quilts, then gives them away to the poor or homeless. A greedy selfish king wants one to add to his collection of prized possessions. But despite threats, the quiltmaker refuses his request unless he gives all his treasures away. She agrees to make one quilt square for every gift he gives. Children will love this story, including its beautiful illustrations.

In Every Tiny Grain of Sand: A Child's Book of Prayers and Praise
Collected by Reeve Lindbergh
Candlewick Press; ages 4 to 8


Charmingly illustrated, this book is a collection of prayers from major world religions and native American traditions. It is divided into prayers for the Day, for the Home, for the Earth, and for the Night. "By day the sun shines, / and by night shines the moon. / The warrior shines in his armor, / and the priest in his meditation. / But the Buddha shines by day and by night: / In the brightness of his glory shines the man who is awake." (from the Dhammapada)

The Emperor's Egg
by Martin Jenkins
illustrated by Jane Chapman
Candlewick Press; ages 4 to 8


Learn about the unique role played by the devoted male Emperor penguin as he stands around in the freezing cold for two months with an egg on his feet. This is a scientifically accurate, nonfiction account that is so well told that you need not fear losing your audience. ("Can you imagine it? Standing around in the freezing cold with an egg on your feet for two whole months?") Everyone will giggle at the picture of the huddled fathers trundling along very, very slowly. The illustrations are wonderful.

Rotten Ralph Helps Out
by Jack Gantos and Nicole Rubel
Farrar Straus Giroux; ages 4 to 8


A new Rotten Ralph Rotten Reader! This time the naughty cat is determined to help Sarah with her school project on ancient Egypt. Sarah wants him to draw her chariot, a red wagon, to the library to get books on Cleopatra, but when he sees illustrations of mummified cats, he bounds to the top of a bookcase and won't come down. An entertaining page-turner, full of Egyptology, and an ultimately satisfying role for Ralph as the Sphinx.

E.F.

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