By Amy Schardein, Children’s Librarian Contributed by Several Kenton County Library Staff Members
Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the children in your life? Books are always the right size and can be enjoyed over and over again. You might even win a Joseph Beth gift card in order to buy a book as a gift (see below). But first, here are a few of our top picks for gift giving in 2012.
2012 Picture Books Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills Rocket the dog loves reading stories so much that he wants to create his own. He searches for words until he is inspired by a new friend. A perfect choice for growing readers and writers!
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems Three hungry dinosaurs insist they are not conveniently leaving a tidy house prepared to capture a little girl with gold locks. A funny twist on an old favorite sure to tickle both children and parents.
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen A minnow has taken a hat – it fits him perfectly and was entirely too small for its former owner, but the owner wants it back!
Oh No! by Candace Fleming One after another animals fall into a deep hole as a tiger plots their demise. At the last moment, an elephant appears to save the day! This tale is just suspenseful enough and features lush illustrations by Eric Rohman.
Step Gently Out by Helen Frost Luminous photographs paired with a lyrical poem turn backyard insects into beautiful works of art. A perfect choice for the nature-loving child.
2012 Chapter Books Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel by Jeff Kinney Fans of Greg Heffley rejoice! The latest book is finally here.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio Auggie was born with severe facial deformities. When he enters school at 5th grade after years of home schooling everyone knew there would be obstacles to face. No one knew that Auggie would change everyone around him. This is a moving & beautifully written story.
The Lego Book by Daniel Lipowitz This 2012 update will delight and inspire Lego fans.
Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers by Dav Pilkey Time travel, haunted pants and school pranks abound in this penultimate volume of the beloved Captain Underpants series.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate Ivan the Gorilla only remembers life in a dilapidated circus-themed mall. When Ruby, a baby elephant, is added to the exhibits Ivan knows that he must find a better life for her.
New Holiday Picture Books Santa from Cincinnati by Judi Barrett Did you know that Santa was born in Cincinnati?
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas by Eric Litwin Pete fills in for a sick Santa as only Pete the Cat can.
How do Dinosaurs say Happy Chanukah? By Jane Yolen The dinosaurs are back and they are celebrating Chanukah.
Dinosaur vs. Santa by Bob Shea Dinosaur (who has previously defeated bedtime ) conquers a series of challenges, including being very very good, and receives Christmas presents from Santa in this sweetly funny Christmas story.
Fa La La by Leslie Patricelli
Baby is so excited to explore Christmas. Leslie Patricelli’s bright and witty illustrations make this a perfect choice for the youngest readers.
Modern Classics Ages 0-6
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
The Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Ages 7-12
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
There is no better gift than a book.
You might want to borrow a few books from the Library that you are interested in before choosing to buy. You can also find great book, movie and music gift ideas for the adults and teens in your life by checking out this list. You can also check us out on Pinterest. What books are you giving your family and friends this year?
Joseph Beth Gift Card Giveaway Would you like to win a $25 Joseph Beth gift card in order to buy a child in your life the perfect book? Here’s your chance! Well actually, you have several chances. Number one is required and the others are optional for more chances to win. Library employees and their immediate family members are not eligible to win. Entries are due by noon on Monday, Nov. 26.
- Tell us what your favorite children’s book is by commenting here (required to enter).
- Click on “Following” in the upper left hand corner of our blog and comment that you did (I will receive a confirmation email as well).
- Share the link to our blog, telling your friends about the contest, on your Facebook page and comment here that you did.
- Check us out on Pinterest and mention here that you did.
- Post a picture of a child in your life with a book to our Facebook page and mention here that you did.
Kenton County Public Library 
My favorite children’s book is Llama Llama Red Pajamas, but I think my daughter’s favorite is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
My kids love to read. I like Magic tree house books for my 7 year old, Bob books and Sam books for my 5 year old and any little books for my 3 year old.
Following the blog!
Shared on facebook!
Following you on pinterest.
Posted a picture to your facebook of the girls at storytime!
I love the photo! Thanks
My daughter’s favorite book throughout preschool and kindergarten was chika chika boom boom. I can still recite it by heart. Would be a wonderful gift idea for any child! I’ve even thought about collecting some of her favorites as a keepsake for when she has her own family.
That’s a great idea Jessica. We might have to suggest that to some of our Library families.
I also shared on fb! I didn’t know you had a Pinterest page, I’ve checked it out. Great idea!
Glad you like it! Thanks for sharing!
I love Grandfather Twilight by Barbara Berger at least as much as the children in my life have loved it!
And shared on Facebook!
The Giving Tree
I clicked on “follow.”
Our favorite childrens book is “The Giving Tree”
my favorite book was the grinch who stole christmas
As a child my favorite books were Charlotte’s Web and The Secret Garden.
My favorite children’s book is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Following the blog. 🙂
I posted a link to the blog on my Facebook page!
Love the library pinterest page- there are several books on there I want to read!
My favorite book when I was a child was a Dog Called Kitty. I like reading the Percy Jackson series now.
My favorite books as a child were Matilda, Charlotte’s Web, Little House on the Prarie series and all the Berenstain Bears.
Following blog. Btw, the “follow” button is in the bottom right hand corner of my computer screen.
Shared link on my Facebook.
Just checked out the Pinterest page.
Posted a picture to your Facebook page of my niece Riley with the book she got for her 2nd birthday this year.
It’s hard for me to narrow it down to a favorite, but Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a fun read and has always been high on my list. My nephew’s current favorite is The Moon Shines Down. I’m now following the blog and your Pinterest profile – always looking for more great books to read!
My favorite book as a child was called Round Trip by Ann Jonas. I haven’t looked at it in ages, but I remember that I loved the pictures and how the same images looked so different upside down when you move back through it 🙂
Also wanted to say that I am following on Pinterest now 🙂
My sons favorite book is The Three Billy Goats Gruff, by Paul Galdone
Following you on Pinterest now!
And shared the link on Facebook
Following the blog as well 🙂
My favorite is The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear! My son seems partial to Down By the BAy these days. 🙂
Following!
Checked out pinterest page!
Two of my favorites have always been A Chair For My Mother and The Little House. My girls love anything by Kevin Henkes!
My 3 boys and I always have the most fun reading and roaring to Where the Wild Things Are.
Shared on Facebook.
My favorite children’s book is “A Taste of Blackberries.” My 3rd grade teacher read it to us by candlelight and it become my favorite. I’m now in my 30s and still reread it every year.
I am following you on Pinterest. I tweeted this blog and also shared it on my FB page.
I love reading the Junie B. Jones books with my kids.
Following the blog 🙂
Following on Pinterest
Shared on facebook
My favorite children’s book is Where The Wild Things Are! Great giveaway!
Following the blog!
I shared your post on fb about your blog, but couldn’t directly get a link to post.
My favorite children’s book is Little House in the Big Woods.
I already “follow” this blog and enjoy it. Especially postings from Amy Schardein.
I shared this on Facebook!
Photos of my kids and a Diary of Wimpy Kid book is posted on the library facebook page.
One of my favorites is Each Peach Pear Plum.
I also did #s 3,4 and 5.
My favorite book is The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear, Liv loves Gus and the Baby Ghost, and Jack loves Farmer Will.
I am following you 😉
I shared on facebook!!
I checked out pinterest and am following you again!!
I posted a pic on your fb page.
My favorite Children’s book is “The Giving Tree”, but my son has always been a big fan of “Curious George”.
I am following and shared the link on facebook
I love “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson! My son, who is three months old, loves the Sandra Boynton books! I am posting a picture of him with his favorite one on the KCPL facebook page!
“Days With Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel. I loved all the Frog and Toad books as a kid.
Following as well. 🙂
Where The Wild Things Are
I love Llama Llama Mad At Mama because it reminds me of my son and that makes me laugh no matter his mood. I will be following this blog. Also, I have shared this link with my Facebook friends via my FB page. I enjoyed getting book ideas on Pinterest posts by KCPL. And will dig up a cute pic of my boy and his books to post to the KCPL FB page. Thanks 🙂
The giving Tree. It’s a wonderful book to read during this time of year.
We are all about Rick Riordan’s books right now. My favorite for Christmas though is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.
I was going to submit a presentation on this very topic in
my University and i’m very delighted by all the contents. Thank you for creating such an educational piece of work. The points are very engaging and I do think I owe my presentation credits to you. Cheers!