Yes, the toys and video games and electronics are cool, but why not take advantage of the holidays and give your child a book? You could suggest a book you know your child will like to your relatives that ask every year what to get. Or create a tradition – perhaps giving your child a special hardcover book or a new book series every year. You can also give your child a book you’ll read to him/her – you’d be surprised how much even older kids like to be read to.
By combining that special feeling of holiday giving with books, you’re encouraging and supporting reading for your child. But of course, you don’t want it to feel like getting socks or underwear. You probably have a sense of what your child enjoys reading and learning about and may have some ideas in mind. There’s also a lot of “Best Of” lists at this time of year where you might find something new. Here’s a few to get you started:
Kirkus Review Best Middle-Grade Books of 2016 by Category (ages 8-13)
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/issue/best-of-2016/section/middle-grade/lists/
Kirkus Review Best Picture Books of 2016 by Category (ages 2-8)
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/issue/best-of-2016/section/picture-books/lists/
GeekWrapped 100 Best Science Books for Kids
https://www.geekwrapped.com/science-books-for-kids
NPR’s Book Concierge Guide to 2016’s Great Reads for Kids
http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2016/#/tag/kids-books
New York Time’s Notable Children’s Books of 2016
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/23/books/review/notable-childrens-books-of-2016.html
New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2016
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/03/books/review/best-illustrated-books-of-2016.html
Publishers Weekly Holiday Gift Guide 2016: Don’t Forget the Kids
Entertainment Weekly’s 12 Best Children’s Books for the Holidays
http://www.ew.com/article/2016/12/07/best-childrens-books-christmas-hanukkah-kwanzaa
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Anna Johnson, Head of School at The Wolf School, is a devoted, passionate educator with more than 17 years of classroom and leadership experience. She holds a BA and MAT from Brown University and speaks locally and nationally on topics related to Complex Learners.