The Gift of Prose> Bangor librarians suggest titles for children this holiday season

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Editor’s Note: In the spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah, the children’s librarians at Bangor Public Library offer this selection of books they believe would make nice gifts for the holidays. The offerings range from sturdy board books for preschoolers to the classic “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” for young adults. The books may be purchased at local bookstores or found at your local library.

Preschool to kindergarten

MY VERY FIRST MOTHER GOOSE: Wee Willie Winkie and Other Rhymes, compiled by Iona Opie, illustrated by Rosemary Wells, Candlewick Press, 1996, 16 pages, $6.99.

This colorful, sturdy board book, perfect for little hands to hold, will invite youngsters to bounce along with a short selection of familiar nursery rhymes. With three other titles available in the series — “Humpty Dumpty,” “Little Boy Blue,” “Pussycat Pussycat” — these treasures are great beginnings for learning old favorites that have endured over time.

CLAUDE THE DOG: A CHRISTMAS STORY by Dick Gackenbach, Houghton Mifflin, 1974, 1984, 32 pages, paperback, $5.95

A simply written and illustrated story that represents the true spirit of Christmas — giving and being grateful for the ones we love. Great for most beginning readers but will appeal to all ages.

ARTHUR’S REALLY HELPFUL WORD BOOK, by Marc Brown, Random House, 1997, 34 pages $12.99.

The well-known Arthur is back again with a lively illustrated vocabulary book. The format, similar to Richard Scarry’s books, will simultaneously encourage learning while entertaining readers.

ALL ABOUT LIFE by Shirley Hughes, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1994, 128 pages $18.

Included in this collection are four short stories about Alfie, a lovable preschooler. The stories of his adventures and predicaments of growing up will warm children’s and adults’ hearts and maybe even tickle the funny bone, too.

Grades One to Three

MARVIN’S BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER by Katherine Paterson, pictures by Jane Clark Brown, Harper Collins Publishers, 1997, 48 pages, $14.89.

An easy reader by the award-winning author of “Bridge to Terabithia.” This book addresses the frustration of a young child wanting to make his parents a really “great” Christmas present. It is a charming family tale of how, with a little bit of luck, a present can keep on giving.

SMASHER by Dick King-Smith, illustrated by Richard Bernal, Random House, 1996, 72 pages $6.

Smasher is a homely, clumsy pup who seems destined to create havoc. When Mrs. Buzzard wants the dog gone, a warm-hearted Farmer Buzzard comes up with a scheme to keep Smasher from exile. Being privy to the pup’s thoughts adds a delightful humor and understanding to the plot. This story is bound to amuse and entertain the young reader.

BEANS ON THE ROOF by Betsy Byars, illustrated by Melodye Rosales, BDD Bks Young Read, 1990, 65 pages, $3.50.

A Bean family rule is no playing on the roof, but when Anna Bean writes a “roof poem” for a class project, all the Beans, one by one, make the trip to the roof to write their own poems. The love and support this family shows to each of its members is a true inspiration to all families.

Grades Four to Six

VOICES OF THE HEART by Ed Young, Scholastic Press, 1997, $17.95.

An extraordinary book for all ages beautifully illustrating 26 Chinese characters describing a feeling or emotion of the heart.

A PENNY FOR A HUNDRED by Ethel Pochocki, illustrated by Mary Beth Owens, Down East Books, Camden, 1996, 31 pages, $14.95.

A wonderful book that takes place in Maine but has universal appeal to those with heartfelt respect and love for humanity.

FESTIVALS by Myra Cohn Livingston, poet, and Leonard Everett Fisher, painter, Holiday House, New York, 1996, 32 pages, $16.95.

A perfect gift of poetry celebrating different rituals and traditions throughout the year done in the spirit of the world.

THE JETTY CHRONICLES by Leonard Everett Fisher, Marshall Cavendish Press, New York, 1997, 96 pages, $15.95.

A historical fiction set in the 1930s during hard times. A young man far from war finds adventure, danger and dreams as he grows up in his world.

Young adults

THE GOLDEN COMPASS by Philip Pullman, Alfred A. Knopf Inc., New York, 1995, 399 pages, $20.

A fantasy about a 12-year-old girl’s adventure in the far north with an armored bear and a high-flying Texan. Be sure to read the sequel, “The Subtle Knife,” too.

FINDING OUR WAY by Alison Abner and Linda Villarosa, Harper Collins, New York, 1995, 319 pages, $15.50.

A teen girl’s survival guide to who we are, what we want and how we can get it. It will help you face the changes in your life.

DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE by Robert Louis Stevenson, DK, New York, 1997, $14.95.

An Eyewitness Classic, these and others in the series are great picks for the reluctant reader. Abridged, with facts and information complementing the text on every page.