If you give a child a book...

you can open new worlds and new words. With the right choice of book, you can stretch their boundaries - and abilities! You can send them to unexpected places where they can learn about character and choices and responsibility and a whole host of virtues. You can show them the consequences of bad choices, and the sorts of characters they should pity and avoid in their "real life". You can kindle their desire to learn more... on their own!

I gave the wee nieces a selection of titles for Christmas. The 5 year old received a novelty book with decreasing ladybug buttons on each page for "counting down from 10", the very silly and enjoyable "If you give a cat a cupcake" (which her big sister can read to her) and "Twas the Night before Christmas" that she can grow into as her parents and others read to her.

The 8 year old received "How apples grow"...because we saved seeds from our fall apple picking venture and we plan to grow trees :) she also received some fun, age appropriate "early reader" picture books.... and "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" - her first Narnia book. Its a little advanced for her, but as she immediately started to pick her way thru the first few pages I knew it was the right time we had a little chat about it, because it is a CHAPTER book, you see! I explained that it would be a bit challenging, but that I know she will grow into it :) I think she likes the idea of a challenge, of a book to "grow into", of being able to acquire - with help here and there - this wonderful tale!