Merry reading for modern kids> Picture books adults and children may enjoy together

You can give children dolls and bikes and video games for Christmas, but the gifts that last the longest are always books.

Because there are so many to choose from, it may take you a long time to pick out the right book for the children in your life. So here are some suggestions from local children’s book specialists, including Gig Weeks at BookMarc’s, Jennifer Estabrook at The Briar Patch, and Saabrina Mosher at B. Dalton Bookseller. The picture books on this list were chosen because they have proved themselves popular among readers from age 4 to adult. Some are newly published, others are tried and true. But they all reflect the tastes of a generation of readers and listeners that is concerned about the environment, multiculturalism and peacekeeping. These are all hardcovers, which means they may cost up to $30. But don’t let that detail daunt you. Each of the bookstores has a large selection of paperback books which cost less than $10.

“GRANDFATHER’S Journey,” written and illustrated by Allen Say, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993. ($16.95)

Say’s Japanese grandfather emigrates to America in the late 19th century and falls in love with the country. He raises his own family in California, but eventually returns to his homeland in search of the landscapes and people of his childhood. The book follows the family history through to Say’s birth in Japan and arrival in California as a teen. A cross-cultural tale of ethnic pride and personal history, “Grandfather’s Journey” is illustrated with soft watercolor paintings of the land, sea, and Say’s family.

“FROM SEA to Shining Sea, A Treasury of American Folklore and Folk Songs,” compiled by Amy L. Cohn, Scholastic Inc, 1993. ($29.95)

A compilation of more than 140 folk songs, tales, poems and stories that tell the multicultural history of America, “From Sea to Shining Sea” is illustrated by 11 Caldecott Medal and four Caldecott Honor book artists, including Maine’s Barbara Cooney. From an Iroquois account of creation to Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream” speech and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” anthem, this book is sure to become a classic of the current generation of children. The stories are well-told, and the illustrations represent many different styles and mediums. An index section that includes a glossary, research notes about the book, notes on the artists, suggestions for further reading, a subject guide and chronology of works will be particularly useful for parents and teachers. This is a great gift for the entire family.

“THE THREE Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig,” written by Eugene Trivizas and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, Macmillan Publishing Company, 1993. ($15.95)

The tables are turned in this book so that the wolves have chinny, chin chins and the pig is big and bad. Houses of brick, cement and heavy-duty metal don’t keep the pig from pestering the cowering wolves. Finally, the three little wolves devise a house that transforms the pig into a tarantella-dancing playmate. Suffice it to say that parents who were once flower children will love the lesson that this clever and funny book teaches. Oxenbury’s watercolor paintings add even more humor.

“SANTA Calls,” by William Joyce, HarperCollins Publishers, 1993. ($18)

When a mysterious box marked “S.C.” lands in Art Atchinson Aimesworth’s backyard one dusty December day just before Christmas, the boy goes on a holiday adventure that changes his life forever. Accompanied by his little sister Esther and his best friend, Art constructs a flying machine that transports the threesome to the North Pole. Esther is kidnapped by the Dark Queen and her Dark Elves, and Art must devise a candy bomb to save his sister from peril. Not only does he get the girl back safely to their Texas home, but Esther gets what she wants most for Christmas — and it’s a secret that’s not revealed until after the story ends. The surprise finale of the book proves that some secrets are better when they are solved. Joyce’s soft-tone colors and cowboy images give these Christmas-y paintings a western feel.

“WILD Fox,” written by Cherie Mason and illustrated by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen, Down East Books, 1993. ($15.95)

This true story about a Deer Isle woman and the special relationship she develops with a wounded red fox is fascinating and poignant. Few people get such a close look at the natural world, and Mason recounts hers with detail, sensitivity and suspense. She first sees the fox, a male which she calls Vicky, eating strawberries from her yard. Six months later, the fox returns after having gnawed his foot from a steel-jaw leghold trap. From there, the story of an unusual friendship unfolds in a stunningly simple fashion and with perceptive illustrations. The book is a plea to outlaw steel-jaw leghold traps throughout the United States, and Mason makes a good argument.

And other new and old favorites:

“Christmas Trolls,” “Trouble With Trolls” and “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. Brett’s Troll series is immensely popular with little folks.

“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. This magic train ride tale has become a Christmas classic. Some editions come with a jingle bell and audio tape of the story read by William Hurt.

“Snow Queen” by Mary Engelbreit. Engelbreit is primarily popular for her greeting card line of drawings, a style which she repeats for this book.

“Emily” written by Michael Bedard and illustrated by Barbara Cooney. A story about a little girl who lives across the street from the reclusive poet of Amherst.

“Giants in the Land” by Diana Appelbaum. Scratchboard drawings tell the story of how redwoods used to cover New England.

“We’re All in the Dumps with Jack and Guy: Two Nursery Rhymes with Pictures” by Maurice Sendak. A classic Sendak rendering of two English nursery rhymes with urban images and surreal icons.

Finally, here are a few recommendations from children’s librarian, Anne Madore, at Bangor Public Library. The best thing about these books — and about most of the books on this list — is that if you can’t afford to buy the books you can borrow them from the library. A trip to the library is also a good and warm way to spend some family time over the chilly holidays.

“I Thought I’d Take My Rat to School,” by Dorothy M. Kennedy and illustrated by Abby Carter (a Maine artist). A collection of poems about school.

“Apple Tree Christmas,” by Trina Hakes Noble. A historical fiction about how an apple tree becomes part of a Christmas celebration (published in 1984 but still popular).

“Jesus Christmas Party,” by Nicholas Allan. A light and fun tale written from the innkeeper’s perspective.