Gift a book and a library card to kids
A book is a magical gift for kids, whether it is store bought or borrowed from the library. Make that happen this holiday season!
Books to Borrow
The following books are available at many public libraries.
“Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas” by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Harcourt, 32 pages. Read aloud: age 6-9. Read yourself: ages 7-9.
Michael is a 9-year-old Jewish boy. His friend is Elijah – a barber, woodcarver, and Christian man in his 80s. Unlikely as the pair may seem, they are friends and enjoy spending time together. Their differences are of no consequence to either until the day Elijah gives Michael a carved angel for Christmas. Although Michael loves all of Elijah’s carvings, he is afraid to bring the angel into his home, fearful that he is disobeying God with a “graven image.”
Through Michael’s courage and the warm support of his parents, Michael comes to realize that Elijah’s angel is an angel of friendship. On Christmas morning, Michael presents a special gift to Elijah, establishing a bond between the two and an important understanding of each person’s faith.
Based on real events about the friendship both the author and illustrator shared with Elijah, this book is an exceptional addition to holiday selections.
“Brian’s Hunt” by Gary Paulsen, Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 103 pages. Read aloud: age 9 and older. Read yourself: age 10 and older.
Just 16 years old, Brian Robeson is back in the Canadian wilderness. With his canoe, bow and arrows, and minimal provisions, Brian is paddling north to find his Cree friends at their summer camp. Shortly into his journey he finds a badly wounded dog.
Brian tends to the dog, but he has questions. What caused the dog’s injuries? A lone dog in the wilderness belongs to someone. Perhaps his Cree friends? A sense of foreboding comes over Brian and he hurries north with the dog to find answers and his friends, unaware of the horrible truth and challenge he will be faced with.
Brian Robeson first appeared in Paulsen’s Newbery Honor book, Hatchet. Be prepared to read Brian’s Hunt in one sitting, for this fifth sequel is every bit as riveting as its predecessors, if not more.
Librarian’s Choice
Library: Stark County District Library, DeHoff Memorial Branch Library, 216 Hartford Ave. SE, Canton
Executive Director: Mary Ellen Icaza
Senior Director of Public Services: Jen Welsh
Branch Manager: Jo Schofield
Choices this week: “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin; “Dad’s First Day” by Mike Wohnoutka; “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows” by J.K. Rowling
Books to Buy
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.
“The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back” by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, Candlewick, 2022, 48 pages, $18.99 hardcover. Read aloud: ages 4-8. Read yourself: ages 7-8.
Vincent was a friendly little mouse who had a heart of gold. He had traveled many miles with his house on his back and had lived in many places. Throughout his travels, Vincent always knew where he was supposed to be, and would take his house off his back and set it down in just the right place.
Soon enough, a weary traveling bullfrog explained to Vincent that he simply was too tired to hop any farther. Vincent offered the bullfrog rest inside his house, but the bullfrog said Vincent’s house was much too small for him to fit in. As it turned out, Vincent’s house was much bigger than it appeared.
One tired traveler after another appeared at Vincent’s door, and every time a new guest entered, the house grew bigger. Vincent shared his food and home with many exhausted, hungry guests, never turning anyone away. Then, when morning came, the grateful guests departed, and Vincent put his magical house on his back and continued his journey, spreading his message of joy and generosity everywhere.
A wonderful story perfectly complemented with delightful illustrations, The Mouse Who Carried a House on His Back is a genuine winner.
“Cozy in Love,” written and illustrated by Jan Brett, Putnam, 2022, 32 pages, $19.99 hardcover. Read aloud: ages 4-8. Read yourself: ages 7-8.
Two musk ox bulls were testing their strength against one another in the hope of proving to the herd who was stronger. When Cozy lost the competition, he was heartbroken, thinking that now he’d never win the admiration of lovely Lofti.
Cozy’s attention quickly shifted when he learned that his friend Bella, a beluga whale, was still swimming in the nearby inlet and ice was forming that would trap her. Cozy sprang into action, using his strength to save his friend. Cozy was relieved to have succeeded, but someone else had seen how strong, smart, and kind Cozy was – Lofti.
Lovely in every regard, Cozy in Love makes clear that helping friends is important, whether someone is watching or not.
Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children’s literature. She can be reached at kendal.rautzhan27@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Kendal A. Rautzhan: Books to borrow ... Books to buy
