The gift of reading

There can never be such a thing as too many children's books, providing they are excellent. So how can you tell which ones are the best among the thousands of children's books on the market? This is it — your one-stop shopping guide to great children's books for holiday gift-giving.

Each book reviewed below comes with my highest marks. I've been reading, critiquing and reviewing children's books every week for more than 22 years. I've seen a lot of duds, a bunch of mediocre books and some real gems, such as those you can read about below.

This guide makes holiday shopping easy. Find the appropriate age categories, read the reviews and you're good to go.

Voila! Stress-free decision-making and one less thing to worry about this shopping season — and that translates into happy holidays!

Infant — 18 months

• "Bouncy Baby" by Begin Smart LLC, illustrated by Elliot Kreloff, Begin Smart LLC, 2009, 10 pages with 10 flaps, $9.95 board book.

Little babies like to bounce, clap, kick feet, dance, splash water in the bath, eat yummy snacks and wave bye-bye, and this little book demonstrates all of that and more.

Simple concepts for the tiniest reader are coupled with fun, colorful illustrations. A further concept for learning are the five different flaps to lift, which add to the story and visual delight while simultaneously teaching babies that covered objects still exist.

Packed with learning fun, it's no wonder Begin Smart's motto is "Books for Smart Babies."

• "Toys" written and illustrated by Salina Yoon, Little Scholastic, 2009, 10 pages, $8.99 board book.

An ingenious little book, "Toys" is a book, a puzzle and flash cards all-in-one. The simple story teaches colors — red, yellow, blue, green — and relates those colors to familiar and new concepts — a red spinning top, a yellow ducky and more.

Pull out the flash card, each with one of the shiny four colors and the corresponding color written at the bottom. Then, when the child is old enough, flip the flash cards over to create a simple four-piece puzzle, using the back page illustration as the guide.

Wow — that's a lot of leaning and fun in 10 short pages!

• "Peek-a-Boo What?" by Begin Smart LLC, illustrated by Elliot Kreloff, Begin Smart LLC, 2009, 19 pages with six additional flaps, $10.95 board book.

Peek-a-boo is a favorite game of babies and toddlers everywhere, and Begin Smart has taken this concept and created the game in a book format with die-cut holes to give a hint of who or what is hiding, then flaps to lift to reveal the answer to the "peek-a-boo" question. As an added bonus, the last has a photo of a parent and child, which can be covered over by one of your own photos, if desired.

Told in rhyme, this book is sure to be a favorite with little children.

Age 18 months — 2 years

• "We're Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, Little Simon, 2009, 34 pages, $8.99 board book.

First published in 1989, this anniversary board book edition will delight a new generation of young readers as they join this adventurous family on their bear hunt.

Different obstacles lie in the explorer's path. They must pass through swishy grass, a deep river, oozy mud, a dark forest and a snowstorm until they finally reach a cave. And guess who is there to greet them? Yep — a bear! What to do? Hurry home, exactly the way they came!

Full of fun and just the right amount of suspense, little readers will love this charming story packed with action.

• "How Many Beeps?" by Begin Smart LLC, illustrated by Elliot Kreloff, Begin Smart LLC, 2009, 14 pages, $12.95 board book.

This little book is packed with fun and learning as five noisy trucks are ready to go on their different errands. As each truck leaves the line-up, press the soft button to hear the truck honk its horn.

Counting from one to five and down again, introducing colors and objects plus lots of interactive fun make this book a great introduction to books and learning.

• "Freight Train Trip! A Lift-the-Flap Adventure" by Susanna Leonard Hill, illustrated by Ana Martin Larranaga, Little Simon, 2009, 12 pages, $7.99 board book.

Rhythmic, like the chugging of a train, this clever rhyming book engages toddlers with fun flaps to lift while they discover what it's like to ride on a freight train, what the freight train carries and who the people are responsible for running the train, including Switchman Jack, who avoids a train accident — just in time!

Bold, colorful illustrations, simple, engaging text and flaps galore make this book a gem.

Age 3 — 4

• "Snow White: A Three-Dimensional Fairy Tale Theater" written and illustrated by Jane Ray, Candlewick, 2009, 12 pages with 12 additional fold-outs, $19.99 hardcover.

Most know the story of Snow White — the lovely fair-skinned girl whose evil stepmother is so jealous of Snow White's extraordinary beauty that she plots to get rid of her. Nowhere, though, will you find a more glorious illustrated edition than in this selection by Jane Ray.

Through six double-page, three-dimensional spreads, Jane Ray's exquisite artwork comes to life, with the story tucked behind two flaps on both sides of each illustration.

Like experiencing this wonderful story inside a viewfinder, this is truly a magical offering.

• "My Little Red Fire Truck" written and illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson, Simon & Schuster, 2009, 12 pages, $19.99 board book.

Young children will have hours of fun as they learn how a fire truck is readied for action. Easy, informative text combines with a host of creative, interactive features: numerous pop-out tools, wheels and bolts that turn, an erasable slate to write on, a simulated walkie-talkie and more.

Sturdy moving parts and an interesting story will delight young readers everywhere.

• "Five Little Monkeys Storybook Treasury" written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow, Clarion, 2009, 190 pages, $10.00 hardcover.

Celebrating 20 years of Five Little Monkeys fun, this anniversary edition is packed with great stuff. Beginning with Eileen Christelow's "Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed," first published in 1989, and four more of her later stories about the naughty, funny monkeys, this compilation boasts more than just five terrific stories kids will love. Also included are four pages that help young artists learn to draw a monkey, a song and four pages full of fun stickers featuring the monkeys and other drawings from the stories.

The net result — five jaunty stories in one book plus more, all at an incredible low price.

Age 5 — 7

• "The Big Fat Cow That Goes Kapow" by Andy Griffiths, illustrated by Terry Denton, Feiwel and Friends, 2009, 125 pages, $14.99 hardcover.

Early, emerging, reluctant and accomplished readers alike are certain to enjoy this hilarious, easy-to-read book chock-full of wacky, slapstick rhymes. Perfectly complemented with zany black-and-white illustrations, kids will gobble-up these 10 short stories.

Just a few of the characters you'll meet are a big fat cow that goes kapow, a mole named Noel who lives in a hole, Mike on a bike with a very big spike and a town that's incredible because everything is edible.

Full of humor, fun and an easy format that builds reading confidence, this selection is irresistible.

• "Fantastic Mr. Fox" by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Puffin, 2009, 81 pages, $6.99 paperback.

Every evening after dark, Mr. Fox asked Mrs. Fox what she and the children would like for dinner. Duck? Chicken? Turkey or Goose? Sly Mr. Fox knew just where to get their dinner — from one of the three farmers in the valley. All of these farmers were rich men, and all three were very nasty, but Mr. Fox had been stealing from them for years and hadn't been caught yet.

The farmers were fed up at having failed to rid themselves of Mr. Fox and devised a scheme to get rid of him once and for all. But the farmers didn't count on Mr. Fox being so clever. In fact, Mr. Fox had come up with a plan of his own.

First published in 1970, this current paperback copy also boasts eight additional pages of color photos from the new motion picture from 20th Century Fox. Hilarious, ingenious and loaded with nonstop fun, "Fantastic Mr. Fox" is nothing less than, well ... fantastic!

• "The King of Quizzical Island" by Gordon Snell, illustrated by David McKee, Candlewick, 2009, 40 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

The King of Quizzical Island was a very curious man. Among everything else he wondered, he had a burning desire to know what he'd find if he sailed to the edge of the world. His advisers and subjects didn't want him to do it, but the fearless, quizzical king set out anyway, and what he found was beyond his wildest imagination.

With hilarious, silly, infectious rhymes reminiscent of Edward Lear and Dr. Seuss, this fresh, funny and highly creative tale will appeal to young and old alike.

Age 8 — 9

• "Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt" by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, Candlewick, 2009, 118 pages, $14.99 hardcover.

Judy and Stink and their parents were on a ferry boat en route to an island off the North Carolina coast. The siblings were very excited, especially Stink, who desperately wanted to meet pirates, look at shipwrecks and find gold and treasure. Stink's enthusiasm was quickly transferred to his older sister, Judy. As they disembarked onto the island, they were met by Cap'n Weevil, a pirate with an eye-patch, a scraggly bead and a treasure map.

Judy and Stink couldn't believe their good fortune — first thing tomorrow morning was the start of the Third Annual Pirate Island Treasure Hunt. The first to collect 16 pieces o' eight would win a pirate gold doubloon and a ride on Blackbeard's own private ship. All Judy and Stink had to do was follow the trail of clues, solve the riddles to collect the pieces o' eight and keep ahead of their competition — Tall Boy and Smart Girl.

A very funny story brimming with adventure and riddle-solving, this selection is pure fun.

• "Max Disaster #3: Alien Eraser reveals the Secrets of Evolution" written and illustrated by Marissa Moss, Candlewick, 2009, 54 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

Max's parents are scientists, and Max plans on being a scientist, too. Unfortunately, his latest experiment was a flop. Max had found an ancient Egyptian recipe for a love potion, one he hoped would work for his mom and dad, who are separated. Not only didn't the potion work, but Max's mom had just had a date with a man who wasn't his father, and now she was acting weird, like she was a teenager again.

As Max works out this mixed-up situation of his parents and each of them dating other people, plus the crazy stuff in school and life in general, Max continues to write his comics about Alien Eraser. As he does, Max begins to see that things change and evolve, and maybe that's not such a bad thing.

At once hilarious and heartfelt, this new installment the "Max Disaster" series is first-rate.

• "Square One SmartCards About Pirates" by James Buckley, Jr., illustrated by Jamestoon Studio, Play Bac Publishing, 2009, 40 double-sided cards, $9.95.

For kids interested in pirates, this cool offering is loaded with awesome facts and fun ideas. The double-sided cards are held together with a sturdy metal ring and attached to that is a clip so kids can hang the card pack wherever they like.

Don't forget to check out other SmartCards in the series: "Spies," "Soccer" and "Horses."

Age 10 — 11

• "Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist: Book One — Flight of the Phoenix" by R.L. LaFevers, illustrated by Kelly Murphy, Houghton Mifflin, 2009, 138 pages, $16.00 hardcover.

When 10-year-old Nathaniel (Nate) Fludd receives news that his explorer parents have been declared "lost at sea," he is sent away to live with a distant cousin, Aunt Phil. Moments after his arrival, Nate learns that Aunt Phil is one of the last beastologists — brave souls who protect the world's most exotic and rare beasts.

In fact, Aunt Phil tells Nate that he comes from a long line of beastologists, and Nate needs to be trained. That's precisely what Aunt Phil intends in having him accompany her the very next day to the sands of Arabia.

The mission: to make certain the world's only remaining phoenix can safely hatch her egg, guaranteeing the survival of her species. But it's not as simple as it sounds. A mischievous gremlin, territorial Bedouins and an inhospitable environment begin their adventure. Then, Aunt Phil is kidnapped. Will Nate find the courage and be able to muster his wits to complete their mission and save Aunt Phil?

Myths, monsters, adventure and just the right dose of humor couple with an easy-to-read plot progression and terrific illustrations. This awesome first book will strongly appeal to emerging chapter readers as they travel along with Nathaniel Fludd in his first great adventure as a beastologist.

• "William S. and the Great Escape" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder, Atheneum, 2009, 214 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

Twelve-year-old William S. Baggett's mother died four years ago, his father is horribly mean to him and so, too, are his older brothers. William has been saving his running-away money for a long time, and in 1938, he decides it is time to leave the Baggett house forever. When he shares his secret plan with his younger sister, Jancy, she declares she is coming with him. She also tells William they will be taking the youngest Baggetts, Trixie and Buddy.

Traveling with three siblings was going to make William's escape to Aunt Fiona's house in Gold Beach a lot harder. Before the siblings barely get started on their journey, they meet a rich girl who vows to help them. Things are not going as planned, and William worries that even if they do make it to Aunt Fiona's, maybe she won't want them to stay.

Beautifully written, "William S. Baggett and the Great Escape" is a heartwarming story of grit, determination and the power of love.

• "The Funeral Director's Son: Kip Campbell's Gift" by Coleen Murtagh Paratore, Simon & Schuster, 2009, 141 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

Kip Campbell's family is in the funeral business. They live in the apartment above their funeral home, and each family member takes some part in running their business. One job 12-year-old Kip didn't sign-up for is his ability to hear the dead talking, asking for Kip's help to resolve some unfinished matters so they can pass into the next life.

Kip's life becomes more and more complicated as things start to come unglued. The new funeral home in town is overtaking the Campbell family business. Recently deceased Billy Blye spoke to Kip and told him if he'd stay with his job of talking with the dead for one more year, it would be worth his weight in gold. But Kip doesn't want that job anymore. What he wants is to be normal, not be bullied and date the pretty girl in his class, Drew. Is that so much to ask?

Humorous, heartfelt and peppered with just the right amount of tension and suspense, this second installment in "The Funeral Director's Son" series is a great read.

Age 12 and older

• "The Magician's Elephant" by Kate DiCamillo; illustrated by Yoko Tanaka, Candlewick, 2009, 201 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

Orphan Augustus Duchene lives in an attic apartment with an old, ailing soldier, Vilna Lutz. While Augustus has a roof over his head, he has little to eat, his life is monotonous and he wonders, after these many years, if his infant sister is alive. Vilna Lutz has always told him that his sister died shortly after birth, but something nags at Augustus that this might not be so.

When Augustus meets a fortune-teller in his city of Baltese, he asks if his sister still lives, and if so, how he can possibly find her. The fortune-teller's reply is both wonderful and bizarre. Yes, his sister lives, but to find her, Augustus must follow the elephant who will lead him to her.

A tale filled with mesmerizing prose, richly crafted characters and a plot that is thoroughly unique and refreshing, this selection is a magical tale of love, family, forgiveness and, ultimately, of hope.

• "Looking for Marco Polo" by Alan Armstrong, illustrated by Tim Jessell, Random House, 2009, 286 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

Eleven-year-old Mark Hearn and his mother are off to Venice, Italy. Mark's anthropologist father has disappeared in the Gobi Desert while researching the path traveled by Marco Polo, and Mark's mother wants to petition the agency responsible for his father's expedition to send out a search party.

One evening in Venice, Mark suffers a sever asthma attack. An old friend of Mark's father, Doc Hornaday, is summoned for help. To distract Mark from his wheezing, Doc begins to tell the tale of Marco Polo and his countless adventures, from his home town of Venice, all the way to China and back. Mark is so mesmerized by Doc's story that he finds himself wanting an adventurous life for himself, just like Marco Polo and his father.

Engaging every step of the way, this fascinating adventure novel loaded with historical information is certain to capture the imagination of readers.

• "If the Witness Lied" by Caroline B. Cooney, Delacorte, 2009, 213 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

In the last couple of years, Jack Fountain's family has all but disintegrated. His mother has died of cancer, followed by his father's death in a freak accident and Jack's two sisters, Smithy and Madison, have deserted what remains of their family. Jack chooses to stay at home with "Aunt Cheryl" so he can care for his toddler brother, Tris.

Beginning with the death of his mother, television crews won't leave the family alone, hoping to expose all of the nightmarish details. "Aunt Cheryl" is worthless as a surrogate mother, and Jack's primary goals are to nurture Tris and keep the media away from his little brother. But "Aunt Cheryl" has other ideas about the media, namely to cash-in on the family's misery in a big way.

Then, like a fog clearing from their minds, the older Fountain siblings begin to question the cause of their father's death. Their questions reunite them, and it starts to become clear that things are not as they previously thought. As evidence and events unfold, Jack, Madison and Smithy will stop at nothing to protect their little Tris and uncover the truth behind their father's death.

Spanning a 24-hour time period, "If the Witness Lied" will have readers on the edge of their seats. With believable, memorable characters and a thought-provoking plot carrying insightful moral and social underpinnings, this outstanding novel reveals the power of forgiveness, love, family and truth.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at kendal@sunlink.net.