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Consider giving a book to the children on your Christmas shopping list. You’re sure to find something to suit any child’s fancy among these fine titles.
For the picture book set – ages 3-8
THE COAT, by Connie Korda, illustrated by Middy Thomas, Biddle Publishing Co., P.O. Box 1305, Brunswick, 28 pages, $7.95.
The story, told in rhyme, of a coat handed down from one brother, to another, and then to a needy girl. Meant as a promotional tool for the Salvation Army’s “Coats for Kids” program, this book was written by Connie Korda, a licensed counselor working with grieving children and families in the Greater Portland area. A tale sure to put everyone into the true spirit of Christmas.
CHRISTMAS TROLLS, by Jan Brett, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 32 pages, $15.95.
When Treva investigates the disappearance of her family’s Christmas things, she finds two mischievous trolls who have never had a Christmas of their own. She sets out to teach them about the joy to be found in giving, as well as receiving. Brett’s illustrations are chock-full of details which keep young eyes busy as they read or listen.
A POSSIBLE TREE, by Josephine Haskell Aldridge, illustrated by Daniel San Souci, Macmillan Children’s Books, 32 pages, $14.95.
A crooked old fir tree stands deep in the forest, unwanted by the men who come to take trees to sell for Christmas. However humble, it provides refuge to a host of forest creatures, creating an unforgettable sight on Christmas Eve. Told with grace and simplicity, this book reminds us of what truly is important. A special holiday story.
CHRISTMAS TREE FARM, by Sandra Jordan, Orchard Books, 32 pages, $14.95.
The true story of a Rhode Island Christmas tree farm, from the point of view of a young family coming in search of the perfect tree for their holiday celebrations. Various aspects of such a business are included, from planting seedlings to pulling weeds and pruning the growing trees. Sepia-toned photographs give the book a nostalgic feeling.
Beginning chapter books – ages 7-10
LADY DAISY, by Dick King-Smith, Delacorte Press, 131 pages, $14.
Ned returns from a visit to his grandmother’s with an antique doll that speaks to him and becomes his friend. Although his father is a trifle concerned about the appropriateness for a boy of such a toy, Ned is thrilled with her and determined to hang onto her at all costs. When she is stolen, he springs into action, and Lady Daisy returns to Ned and future generations of his family. Well-written, with plenty of plot twists to engage young readers.
THE BOYS START THE WAR, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, Delacorte Press, 133 pages, $17.
A family with three girls has moved into the former home of the best friends of the Hartford brothers, and they are disgusted. They cook up a host of practical jokes designed to force the newcomers out. A war between boys and girls ensues and the reader is treated to a fun-filled story. Reynolds, who won the 1992 Newbery Medal for “Shiloh,” moves the plot along briskly and engages the reader’s interest through the use of realistic characters.
Older readers – ages 8-14
CITY OF LIGHT, CITY OF DARK — A Comic-Book Novel, by Avi, illustrated by Brian Floca, Orchard Books, 192 pages, $15.95.
In the beginning, there were Kurbs, mysterious creatures who thrived in darkness and who controlled an island upon which humans wished to build a city. Before receiving the Kurbs’ permission to do so, the humans had to agree to perform a ritual of acknowledgment that the island belonged to the Kurbs. This ritual involved the hiding of the Kurbs’ power somewhere within the city, after which the people had six months to find and rturn this power to the Kurbs. Failure to successfully carry out this ritual would mean doom for the people. The story is framed comic-book style, and told in a highly suspenseful manner. Its ambitious mix of fantasy and adventure is bound to appeal to a variety of readers.
THE WINGS OF A FALCON, by Cynthia Voigt, Scholastic, 512 pages, $14.95.
Oriel, a young nameless boy taken captive as an infant, escapes his island prison. He sets out to explore the world beyond with his loyal companion, Griff. Armed only with a gemstone, he encounters war, marauding wolfers and the possibility of ruling a kingdom. The third in Voigt’s fantasy trilogy, following “Jackaroo” and “On Fortune’s Wheel,” this book is filled with adventure. Newbery winner Voigt, of Deer Isle, creates characters of great depth and intelligence and writes about them in spellbinding prose.
Poetry, songs and folktales
CHRISTMAS GIF’, An Anthology of Christmas Poems, Songs, and Stories, written by and about African-Americans, compiled by Charlemae Hill Rollins, illustrated by Ashley Bryan, Morrow Jr. Books, 106 pages, $14 (all ages).
The name of this anthology comes from a tradition that had its origins in the days of slavery. Two slaves, meeting for the first time that day, would compete to be the first to call out “Christmas Gif’!” The loser paid a simple forfeit of a few nuts or a piece of cake.
In 1963, Rollins, a librarian, compiled this collection in response to the demand for Christmas stories and poems specifically related to African-Americans. This reissue, with linoleum-block illustrations by Ashley Bryan, remains true to the original version. Through poetry, prose, spirituals and recipes, this anthology affirms the importance of the Christmas season in African-American life.
Judy Eyerer is a free-lance writer who lives in Bangor.
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