Gift Guide2008
From toys that stand the test of time to board games that are anything but boring, we found the best products for each grade that will build your child's brain as well as being chock full of fun. Our list of loot is kid-tested, teacher approved, and full of options for any family, so get wrappin'!
The Other Side of the Island
Honor and her family live on Island 365, where the sky is covered by a rigid enclosure that regulates the weather, and the population is governed by a mysterious ruler and her Corporation. Like 1984 for the modern teenage set, this chilling look at a possible future reads like a rocket.
Hush Little Dragon
This story traces a mama dragon's quest to find a tasty bedtime snack for her sleepless little dragon. The progression of princesses, knights, magicians, and others that get dropped on his plate, only to run away, is sure to bring on a set of the giggles, and the ending a big satisfied yawn.
Too Many Toys
At Spencer's house, toys spill out of every nook and cranny, and his mother is determined to see him put at least some of the robots, board games, and cars in the giveaway box, while Spencer is determined to keep them all. Kids will wait with bated breath as they flip through the negotiations.
Madame Pamplemousse and Her Incredible Edibles
Full of incredibly creative ingredients and fairytale characters, this book reminds us of early Roald Dahl. And, just as with books like Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it makes a wonderfully delicious read-aloud for first graders who are inching towards chapter books.
Toy Dance Party
This early chapter book is a delightful look into the secret lives of playthings. Lumphy the buffalo, Stingray the stuffed stingray and Plastic the bouncy ball will capture your child's heart, and their silly antics will have your whole family laughing. Great as a read-aloud or a read-alone.
The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
The Penderwick sisters are back! The new installment, fresh on the heels of the National Book Award winner "The Penderwicks", resumes the story of Rosalind, Skye, and Jane, with the addition of new little sis, Batty. A sure bet for family read-alouds and individual page-turning alike.
Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris
Is she like Nancy Drew? A pint-sized version of Indiana Jones? A female Harry Potter? When the first book in this series hit the shelves earlier this year, critics couldn't decide. But they did agree on one thing...they loved her! This winter, Theodosia is back, and she's just as clever as ever.
The Mousehunter
Emiline dreams of becoming a famous mousehunter. One day fate intervenes, when she's given the chance to hunt down the infamous pirate Mousebeard. What follows is a high sea adventure full of mythical creatures, double-crossing pirates, and of course, incredibly interesting mice!
Rapunzel's Revenge
For some middle schoolers, reading can go from a joy to a chore in a flash. Fortunately for parents, Newbery Award-winning author Shannon Hale has come up with an intelligent and original story featuring a butt-kicking heroine, wrapped up in an easily digestible graphic novel format.
How to Be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum
Think of this less as a book and more as a guide to individuality, creativity, self-expression, and positive thinking. This tome teaches that everything around us--from coffee cup rings on notebooks to a crumpled up leaf--is the stuff of great art, and merits closer observation and analysis.
