Books at Christmas Part IV… For Children
Because We Remember
Because we remember the sheer magic of learning to read, when great fistfuls of coloured lights began to soar round our heads like fireworks as we discovered all the fantastic worlds that flourished inside the pages of books. Because we remember the anticipation of turning the next page, the delicious anxiety we felt standing before a rainbow of spines on a library shelf as we tried to choose just the right one. How we loved the fragrance of an old book, and the feel of the crisp sharp pages of a new one. Because we remember reading under the covers long after we were supposed to be fast asleep. Because the characters that lived inside the books we loved became as real to us as neighbours. Because, as we read, our imaginations awakened and grew, healthy and strong, to walk alongside us the length of our days, enriching our lives in ways inconceivable had not been for our books. Because we remember all this, we give books to children at Christmas. Here are a few wonderful ones for this year.
The Memory of an Elephant
by Sophie Strady
Fox’s Garden
by Princesse Camcam
Can It Be True?
by Susan Hill
Illustrated by Acornmoon’s Valerie Greeley
The Farmer and the Clown
by Marla Frazee
The Lion and the Bird
by Marianne Dubuc
Little Elliot Big City
by Mike Curato
Wonderment
The Lisbeth Zwerger Collection
The Complete Grimm’s Fairy Tales
Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
Aviary Wonders
By Kate Samworth
These books sound delightful. I sometimes wander in children's sections in book stores; children have the BEST books and the illustrations are often wonderful. I have a child to buy for again, he is one year old, and a friend's child. Thanks for the list.
ReplyDeleteOh I love books and especially childrens stories...I love giving books as gifts too so this post is ever so timely.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these ideas.
I shall look out for the Susan Hill book Pamela, she is one of my favourite authors.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful list. (And I agree with Terra that sometimes children's books have extraordinary illustrations.)
ReplyDeleteI remember such pleasure at the holidays when I knew a book was coming beneath the pretty wrapping... Eloise, Little Bear, so many still bring a smile. .
Hi Pamela!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sooooo very EXCITED!!!!!!
I received your book in the mail today!!!!!
I can't wait to read a story a night!!!! It's such a beautiful book in presentation and the art work of Edward, is to me, so precious because I love Edward and how he is your dog!!! I'll have to look for a bookmark that resemble Edward.
Thank you so much for this special gift to myself!!!
Have a great week!!!
Pamela
xox
Thanks, Pamela. I'm visiting each and every link you've provided to determine which of these fun titles will suit my granddaughters.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Karen
My nine year old granddaughter informed me that she no longer reads picture books; she reads chapter books. I told her intelligent people are never never never too old for picture books and that if she needed proof she could check my bookshelf. Sorry to say, I have none of these on that shelf. I shall have to remedy that. I do love a book illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. Wonderment is the perfect word for a collection of hers.
ReplyDeleteI love the photograph of the little girl reading, it reminds me of a book illustration. Your choices are splendid, I want all of them! Thank you so much for featuring "Can it be true?" which was written and illustrated for children and adults alike. I am not sure if you are able to listen to our BBC Radio3 but they are running a carol competition at the moment to set the words to music. The winning carol will be performed and broadcast on Christmas Day here in the UK.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the illustrations in childrens books gets better year after year.
ReplyDeletePleased to read your post Pamela, - my great grands are growing up and I think the seven year olds are past the books I have been buying for them, so delighted to get some suggestions.
ReplyDeleteSo, so true ... all the things you have said here about books. I was an avid reader at an early age and loved stories. I don't think I read much non-fiction in my childhood but grew up on Enid Blyton and many great others. The books for children featured here look interesting although I don't think I recognize any of the authors. I have to agree with others here that children's books have such great pictures.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDear Pamela,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a comprehensive list of books for the whole family..........and me!!!!!
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas!!
Cheers
Anita xx
Saw this on todays newsand thought of your Shetland boat trip. Today's not a day for being on the Solway Firth !
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30407295
I loved reading as a child, and still do!
ReplyDeleteI'm never without a book.
You chose some lovely books there.
One of my favourites, when I was small, was Charles Kingsley's "The Water Babies"
The edition we had, was full, of the most beautiful illustrations..
I have looked and looked, but just can"t find, that same edition.
Susan.x