Nothing compliments Modern Warfare like a healthy dose of reading. The holiday's are the perfect excuse to help build your child's personal library. However, I am aware of the you-think-socks-are-a-present-look. The books listed below should feel like a present.
While I advocate supporting your local independent bookstore, if you are an Amazon user, the links below could earn me 4-7% in gift certificates, which I can use towards my classroom library.
1. Quintessential Graphic Novels
You won't find a book format more highly recommended that the graphic novel. Just as I've never met a student who didn't love to tear through them. Last year, a student at my school, very proficient this reader was- had the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy bound in one edition- even I was intimidated. I handed this student a copy of Lunch Lady. He balked at the rinky-dink trim size, and... pictures (gasp). "No thanks." He politely replied. I gave him my best I'm-suggesting-this-for-a-reason-look, to which he begrudgingly accepted. Of course he asked for the rest of the series. 75% percent of our sensory receptors are dedicated to vision, it's how we first began exploring our world as infants, we love movies, and advertising, and pretty sunsets. While yes, they're a great way to hook emerging readers into the book experience, even the most aggressive readers are enthralled because of the complex aspect of visual storytelling. The following are sure to bring delight (and keep them out of your hair).
       
2. Best Middle-Grade Novels of the Year
          
3. The Best Book I've Ever Read, Period.
The first time you read through this one, you may wear a puzzled expression. Without saying too much, when you get to the end, you'll get it. Then, you'll go back and read and reread it. You'll have to ask yourself, Should I read this out loud or should I hand it to guests to watch their reactions? Note the eyes.
4. The Essential David Wiesner Collection
Wiesner tells the most creative stories using just a few, if any, words. Readers will lose themselves in his meticulous watercolors and surreal plot-lines. These are sure to be read again and again.
    
(This one tops my personal list!)
"For transit and type nerds alike, Paul's book is the Bible. It finally tells the true story of the New York subway sign system and shows how even big projects like it are shaped by people and their likes and dislikes; by accidents, prejudice, and half-knowledge. This is a history book, a type book, a design book, and a business book." Erik Spiekermann , creative director and managing partner, Edenspiekermann
  
6. Seasons and People
Children and adults alike will marvel at Blexbolex's subtle visual commentary on the human condition. With minimal text and simple illustrations, this french author and illustrator speaks volumes. While each page may only take a few seconds to take in, the thought, observations, and discussion could last hours.
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| Amazon Link |
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7. The Art of the Hobbit
75 years ago The Hobbit was published with two original maps and 20 illustrations. As it turns out, Tolkien created over 100 illustrations, maps, and sketches. Recently uncovered amongst his papers, this edition was digitized by Oxford's Bodleian Library. A gift that any Hobbit fan will cherish for a lifetime.
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| Amazon Link |
8. Moby Dick in Pictures
(A close second on the personal list!)
Artist Matt Kish spent a year and a half creating an original illustration for each of this classic tale's 552 pages. It will delight readers of all ages. The illustrations will engage our younger audience while adults will marvel at Kish's interpretation of the story.
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| Amazon Link |
9. Fairytales of the Brothers Grimm
This edition by the Taschen publishing company brings together the best illustrations from the illustrious 200 year lifespan of this timeless classic
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| Amazon Link |
10. The Phantom Tollbooth 5oth Anniversary Edition
• Gorgeous packaging that features the classic original art stamped and debossed on the case with a transparent acetate jacket.
• Brief essays from esteemed authors, educators, and artists, including Philip Pullman, Suzanne Collins, Jeanne Birdsall, Mo Willems, and several others.
• Photos of the author and illustrator at the time of writing and today on the two-color endpapers.
• The 35th anniversary essay by Maurice Sendak.
• The complete text of the book.
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| Amazon Link |
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