Choosing a Book as a Gift

by Donna Wine

The holidays are fast approaching and shopping is in full swing. Perhaps this year you'll want to choose a book for that special kid on your gift list. Given as a gift, a book will last a long time and can be enjoyed over and over again.

The question, then, is how do you choose a good children's book? Consulting some experts could be helpful. A children's librarian might be a good resource for possible recommendations. Your child's classroom teacher might also have some suggestions. Advice from the bookstore salesperson might be beneficial but she may not be familiar with the child or even with children's books. Checking with children your child's age about their favorite titles or authors might also yield some good suggestions. When buying online, I like to read the reviews of people who have already purchased the book. When all else fails, use your own good judgment.

Picking out a good children's book isn't much different from making any other purchase.Take a minute and check the book out. If it's a picture book, read it. If it's longer, read the beginning, look through a few pages in the middle, search out any of the illustrations, and read the ending. Don't always depend on the cover or even the blurbs on the back to help make your choice.

If you're looking for something informational, pick a topic that interests you and the child as well. For example, ask for a book on basketball or bicycles and then read it. Are the illustrations clear, accurate and interesting to you? If you enjoy it, probably your child will too.

Reading a book is an activity that can be enjoyed together. Choosing to give the gift of a book is making an investment that will pay off in many enjoyable, shared times for your child and for you.