The gift of knowledge> Four new books from writer-illustrator Gail Gibbons w addition to classroom library

Four books written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons: BATS and THE PUMPKIN BOOK, published by Holiday House, New York, 1999, hardcover, 32 pages, $16.95 each; BEHOLD THE DRAGONS and SANTA WHO?, published by Morrow Junior Books, New York, 1999, hardcover, 32 pages, $16 each.

Have you found the right present for everyone on your list this year? How about that one-in-a-million teacher who has been making school come alive for your child? Want to give the gift that truly keeps on giving year after year? Just about any teacher would really appreciate a Gail Gibbons nonfiction book related to a topic he or she teaches. Since Gibbons has written dozens of books — most of which are still in print — it would be easy to locate the perfect addition to just about any class library.

Four new books out this year show Gibbons’ wide range of interests and depth of research.

Gibbons wrote my personal favorite, “Bats,” to clear up misconceptions about these fascinating but much maligned creatures of the night. Bats have been around for 50 million years. Today about 1,000 kinds live on every continent except Antarctica. Bats are mammals. I was amazed to learn about the tender nurturing bat mothers give their newborn pups. Young scientists will be fascinated by the detailed descriptions of how bats are the only mammals capable of flight, how these warmth-loving animals get through the colder months of the year, and how most bats locate and catch the insects they feed on. We all could stand to learn more about the important roles bats play in pollination and pest control and to discover the reasons they have far more to fear from us than we do from them.

Gibbons was impressed by their enormous range in wing span. “I thought they were all the same size relatively. I was totally wrong,” she said during a recent interview.

“The Pumpkin Book” is wonderful to share with younger learners. The detailed descriptions of the pumpkin’s colorful growth cycle and its important roles in Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities can provide children with much food for thought. Instructions on growing, caring for and decorating pumpkins can give them the kind of hands-on experiences that teachers agree really enhance the learning process.

Gibbons was inspired to write this book by her own experiences. “I planted a garden a couple of years ago. It was mostly a pumpkin patch. I watched them grow a whole year,” she said.

“Behold … the Dragons!” was created in response to requests from children Gibbons met on school visits. Dragon myths and folk tales from all over the world are vividly described and illustrated. Gibbons was fascinated by the universality of dragon beliefs in widely differing groups with no means of communicating and no connections. “They found evidence of dragon lore in every culture. They went way back,” said Gibbons.

Because of the widespread depiction of dragons in not only paintings, but tapestries, pottery, and jewelry this would be an especially fine book to give that art teacher who mentors your child’s creativity for three to nine years.

At this time of year we see all kinds of Santas ringing bells for the Salvation Army, listening to children’s lists in department stores, and adorning ads for anything from toys to soda. But how much do we really know about this jolly old elf? Gibbons wrote “Santa Who?” when she could not find a good illustrated book on his lineage for young children.

In this narrative as colorful, rich and satisfying as a favorite patchwork quilt, Gibbons spans continents and centuries, piecing together the many strands of beloved tradition that collectively shape today’s Santa Claus. She was especially intrigued by Thomas Nast’s contributions to America’s image.

“I was amazed at how his illustrations changed over the years,” she said. “Santa started off a sprightly little elf. He was quite robust in the end. The first picture was so different from the last.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Gibbons has a sports series for very young children, and books about rabbits and apples due to come out next spring and fall. Information on all her books is available at the click of a mouse at www.gailgibbons.com.

You’ll probably find among her books the gift that is just right for quite a few special people in your life.