When I finish cleaning up the Thanksgiving festivities, I am one of those crazy people that totally gets into the chaos and craze of Black Friday. I'm almost ashamed to admit it. But, in all honesty, my daughters and I have made this day one of complete celebration. We make a sort of scavenger hunt of the day and accomplish a great deal. In the chaos of the flurry, we find a way to enjoy the experience. Calm in Chaos is important to remember in December. It is a short school month with so much to do, and we all need to find a way to balance the holiday season with the work to be accomplished. Every December, I dedicate this month's message to thinking about books as a special gift. Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, a new book is a gift that can be opened again and again, a present that opens minds to many different experiences - windows to other worlds. So, where do you start in making decisions for the best book to give? Try some of the sites listed below for ideas and don't forget to attend the Little Silver Book Fair at Barnes and Nobel on Dec. 11th! |
Inspire a love for reading with suggestions from Booktrust. You will find The Ultimate list of 100 titles for all ages. The New York Times also just published a list of all time favorite picture books for 2015. A picture tells 1000 words and can be a great gift for any age!
The Bank Street Center for Children's Literature is another good source for best children's book titles. The site begins: The Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2015 Edition includes more than 600 titles chosen by the Children’s Book Committee as the best of the best published in 2014. In choosing books for the annual list, reviewers consider literary quality and excellence of presentation as well as the potential emotional impact of the books on young readers. Other criteria include credibility of characterization and plot, authenticity of time and place, age suitability, positive treatment of ethnic and religious differences, and the absence of stereotypes. Nonfiction titles are further evaluated for accuracy and clarity. Each book accepted for the list is read and reviewed by at least two committee members and then discussed by the committee as a whole.
And finally, children are never too old to read with them. Reinforcing the love of reading IS the gift! Check out
25 Ridiculously Wonderful books to Read with Kids in 2015.
The Markham Place Media Center and the Point Road Media Center add titles to their collection of great reads each year. You can search for those titles from any computer by visiting the Media Center websites. There is no better way to create calm out of chaos than snuggling up with a great book! Enjoy the holiday season and encourage our children to make the choice to READ!!