Holiday books for kids> Special stories make wonderful gifts this time of year

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It’s holiday shopping season again, and you’re faced with the question of what to get for the little people on your list. Why not a book? There are so many good new books for children and young adults. Here are a few suggestions:

Holiday books

“Grandfather’s Christmas Camp” by Marc McCutcheon, illustrated by Kate Kiesler (Clarion Books, 1995, $15.95, 32 pages, ages 5-8).

On Christmas Eve, a young girl and her grandfather set out on a mountaintop search for their missing three-legged dog. When it’s not found by nightfall, they make camp, including an igloo for sleeping in, and wait to see what Christmas Day will bring. Snow-speckled illustrations and an evocative text by South Portland author Marc McCutcheon bring this book to life.

“Chanukah Fun” by Tali Marcus Minelli, illustrated by Stewart Walton (Tupelo, 1994, $6.95, 32 pages, ages 6 and up).

A book of holiday activities and projects for families to do together. Stencils and clear instructions provided, along with information about the holiday’s history.

“Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, illustrated by Roberto Innocenti (Creative Editions/Harcourt Brace, 1995, $35 hardcover, $20 paperback, 152 pages, all ages).

The beloved Christmas classic represented in a stunning new edition illustrated by an award-winning artist. Original and unabridged text.

“Letters From Father Christmas” by J.R.R. Tolkien (Houghton Mifflin, 1995, $18.95, 48 pages, all ages).

A book of 10 envelopes with pull-out letters and pictures — facsimile extracts of original letters and illustrations created by J.R.R. Tolkien, author of “The Hobbit” and other classics. The letters were sent by Tolkien in the guise of Father Christmas to his children over a 20-year period.

“The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey” by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P.J. Lynch (Candlewick, 1995, $15.95, 40 pages, ages 3 and up).

A woodcarver is brought out of his sadness by the simple request of a young boy and his mother who’ve lost a wooden creche and wish it replaced by this skilled craftsman. A story to touch your heart and remind you of the goodness in all of us.

Picture books for the very young

“Bye-Bye, Babies!” and “Eat, Babies, Eat!” two board books by Angela Shelf Medearis, illustrated by Patrice Aggs (Candlewick, 1995, $4.94 each, 14 board pages, ages 6 months-2 years).

Small books featuring multicultural babies in everyday activities: waving, clapping, counting fingers and feet. Bright primary colors and expressive babies are attention-grabbers.

“Sleep Song” by Karen Ray, illustrated by Rhonda Mitchell (Orchard, 1995, $14.95, 32 pages, ages 1-3).

Pleasantly predictable rhymes and expressive pastels capture the essence of an infant intent on avoiding bedtime. Babies and parents alike will see themselves in this sweet tale.

“Out of Sight!” by Claude LaPointe (Creative Editions/Harcourt Brace, 1995, $15, 32 pages, ages 2-8).

Inside, the kids are playing video games, but outside, there’s a world in action — changing, growing, and moving. Minimal text and delightful illustrations which change from page to page, challenging young observers to look carefully.

Picture books — ages 5-8

“Three Perfect Peaches”: A French Folktale retold by The Wild Washerwomen Storytellers, Cynthia DeFelice and Mary DeMarsh, illustrated by Irene Trivas (Orchard, 1995, $15.95, 32 pages, ages 5-8.)

A beautiful princess lies ill, lacking just three perfect peaches to restore her health. When a poor country boy provides the cure, the king connives to deny his reward. A hilarious retelling of an old folk tale in which goodness is rewarded and justice enjoyed.

“Island Alphabet: An ABC of Maine Islands,” by Kelly Paul Briggs (Down East Books, 32 pages, $15.95, ages 5-8).

A Maine twist on the typical children’s alphabet book. Each of 26 Maine islands, from the familiar Deer Isle, Islesboro, and Mount Desert to the lesser known Ensign, Kimball and Teel, is presented in rhyme with intricate illustrations. This is the first book by Camden free-lance illustrator and calligrapher, Kelly Paul Briggs.

“The Year You Were Born, 1988” by Jeanne Martinet, illustrated by Judy Lanfredi (Tambourine, 1995, $7.95 paperback, ages 6 and up).

The latest in a series of books packed with facts, amusing stories, and historic events about the year in which a child is born. Provides a fascinating day-by-day picture of 1988.

“You Shall Be King!” by Antonie Schneider, illustrated by Christa Unzner (North-South, 1995, $14.95, 32 pages, ages 5-8).

A strong female protagonist convinces a reluctant boy to enter her make-believe play. He’s allowed to be the king, but she’s the powerful sorceress, and he soon tires of the game. With imaginative wiles, she lures him back into the fun until he’s a true pretender. A celebration of imagination.

Middle-grade fiction

“Ozzie on His Own” by Johanna Hurwitz, illustrated by Eileen McKeating (Morrow Jr. Books, 1995, $15, 128 pages, ages 7 and up).

A boy, dependent on his only friend, is left adrift when she goes to France for the summer. Expecting to be bored, he seeks out new friends and finds a security which helps him decide what to do during a family emergency. A classic heart-warmer filled with humor.

“The Kid Detective’s Handbook and Scene-of-the-Crime Kit” by William Vivian Butler, illustrated by Sue Dennen (Little, Brown, 1995, $15.95, 64 pages, ages 7-12).

Everything the budding young detective could ever need to help in organizing an investigation. Besides providing information on the fundamentals of crime detection, the handbook offers fascinating facts about the real world of crime detection. Also included in the kit: a magnifying glass, ink stamp pad, chalk, paintbrush, notebook, pencil, ruler, and kid detective ID — all packaged in a sturdy plastic case.

Older fiction

“Runs With Horses” by Brian Burks (Harcourt Brace, 1995, $11, 128 pages, ages 12 and up).

A coming-of-age novel, set in 1886, about a teen-age boy in the last free band of Chiricahua Apaches who struggles to become a warrior in the face of the overwhelming odds presented by their white adversaries. Unflinchingly frank and honest, it presents a historical moment through the eyes of this young man.

“The Dalemark Quartet: Cart and Cwidder” (224 pages), “Drowned Ammet” (320 pages), “The Spellcoats” (288 pages), and “The Crown of Dalemark” (489 pages) by Diana Wynne Jones (Greenwillow, 1995, $15 each, ages 12 and up).

A fantasy set in the mythical realm of Dalemark where musicians and weavers, sons and countrypeople battle evil sorcerers to defend their honors, lives and countries. Good, solid fiction — expertly paced and full of suspense.