If there's a little girl in your life, you probably already know Fancy Nancy, the diminutive star of Jane O'Connor's bestselling series. Children love Nancy, with her elegant airs, fancy vocabulary, and unsurpassed talent for turning the ordinary into the super-spectacular. And parents heartily approve the exuberance and independent spirit of this pint-sized glamour-puss. So, it's glad tidings all around that Nancy is back to deck the halls in a holiday-themed picture book that makes the perfect kid's gift. Robin Preiss Glasser's delightful, detail-filled illustrations lend an air of festive fun, and a sparkly cover provides the perfect Fancy Nancy touch.
Age Range: Ages 3-6
Ever since its groundbreaking publication in 1985, Chris Van Allsburgh's Caldecott Medal-winning tale has cast its spell over millions of readers, young and old. The story of a mysterious train ride to the North Pole and a small boy's unwavering belief in the magic of Christmas, The Polar Express is available this year in a special deluxe kid's gift package that includes a CD recording by Liam Neeson and a silvery keepsake "All Aboard" ornament.
Age Range: Ages 3-7
Often imitated, seldom equaled, and never surpassed, this collection of children's verse by the late Shel Silverstein continues to delight with its energy, originality, and -- well, just plain weirdness! Silverstein understood kids from the inside out, and his quirky, cleverly subversive poetry caters to their natural fascination with the odd, offbeat, and absurd. Including a dozen never-before-published poems, this special edition is a kid's gift that will score big points with young readers.
Age Range: Ages 7-12
One of the sweetest surprises of the holiday season, this children's anthology compiled by Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton pleases on two levels. On one hand, it is a delightful introduction for little ones to some of the world's most beloved poems and songs; on the other, it provides a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane for grownups, who are bound to discover within its pages many of their own childhood favorites. Sampling an eclectic selection of classic and contemporary works, this unique kid's gift also includes original poems by Andrews and Hamilton and a bonus CD of readings.
Age Range: Ages 4-12
John Cech's fresh retelling of E.T.A. Hoffman's immortal fantasy unfolds in contemporary language that's easy on the ears and practically invites family read-alouds. But the delectable center of this lavish holiday book is Eric Puybaret's bold, imaginative illustrations -- vivid, color-drenched dreamscapes that lend a rich, surreal beauty to the classic story. Place this perfect kid's gift under the tree this year and begin a new storytime tradition.
Age Range: Ages 3-7
Kate DiCamillo is one of a handful of children's authors who writes up, not down, to kids. Her books treat big themes (hope, loss, redemption) and win big awards (the Newbery Medal). They are also big bestsellers, resonating mightily with young readers who adore her luminous stories with their evocative, dreamlike imagery. In DiCamillo's latest, an illustrated fable of extraordinary power, the fates of a small boy and an elephant accidentally conjured become inextricably intertwined. For a unique kid's gift that will really be appreciated, share this magical tale with a child you love.
Age Range: Ages 8-12
Encourage young foodies with authentic recipes adapted from Italy's most revered and bestselling bible of regional cookery. Although The Silver Spoon for Children includes simple, straightforward instructions for preparing favorite foods like pizza and lasagna, this is no dumbed-down cookbook for kids. With its emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients; essential information about ingredients, measurements, and proper preparation techniques; and a range of recipes from familiar to exotic -- this is one kid's gift that will spark a lifelong passion for good food and healthy eating.
Age Range: Ages 7-12
Bloodless, watered-down adaptations don't begin to do justice to A Christmas Carol, a delightful holiday classic that simply must be read in its unabridged, full-bodied entirety to be appreciated. Introduce your little Dickens to the real McCoy with this kid's gift book from Sterling. It's a great way to develop young readers' literary taste -- and a painless way to expand their libraries. Just check out that price!
Age Range: Ages 8-12
A close encounter of the most beguiling kind, Antoine de Saint Exupéry's charming little visitor from another planet returns to Earth in a beautiful collector's edition that includes unabridged text and spectacular pop-up renderings of the author's delicate illustrations. Young readers familiar with the classic tale, as well as those who have yet to experience its subtle grace and charm, will welcome this deluxe kid's gift with open arms -- and a grateful heart.
Age Range: Ages 8-12
One of the most celebrated children's picture books, Ezra Jack Keats's The Snowy Day appears in this spiffy little board book version, a perfect kid's gift for the youngest "readers." Retaining all the charm of Keats's deceptively simple story and colorful collage illustrations, this edition is sturdy enough to withstand a toddler's loving attention. What better way to encourage a lifelong love of reading than to introduce the classics at an early age?
Age Range: Ages 0-2
