Need Book Suggestions

Classics are always great like 3 little pigs, little red riding hood, etc. Also I spy books or Can you see what I see? books are always a hit. If one is a girl Fancy Nancy is the thing right now! THey will love it! Promise! Coming from a teacher of 6 year olds and a mommy of a 3 year old!

My son receives Highlights and National Geographic for little kids(he's 4) and absolutely loves them both. He, also, thinks it is great to get something in the mail every month that is just for him.

Not a book suggestions, but I just saw Kites (cool ones) in Costco for $12.99. Thought that would make some great and unique bday gifts...

My 3 year old ADORES "Llama, llama red pajama".. my daughter was introduced to Junie B at about 6 - she loves the entire series now - just start with book 1 and go from there.

Depending on your relationship with these kids, might they enjoy an experience more? A day at the zoo, or a picnic park, or a trip out for pizza? Sometimes kids who have everything really have everything except time with a grownup.

Just a thought.

S.

Richard Scarry, the books are big with lots of drawings, readers and nonreaders can spend hours looking for the hidden themes.

My 7 year old who is a big reader loved Junie B. Jones and Amber Brown when she was 6. My son enjoys Froggy series(Froggy's first kiss, Froggy's sleepover...etc)or the stories about Duck; Giggle Giggle Quack, Duck for President,or Duck rides a bike. They are hilarious, of course these books must be read by an animated person:)

T.

How about a magazine subscription? Such as any of the Wildlife Federation mags. (my dd gets Animal Baby) or the pre-school version of Highlights, called High Five. We really enjoy those at my house! :)

I always like a kid friendly cookbook...yes even for the boy. You can throw in a cute pot holder, cookie mix, cool guy type flipper, etc... Nobody ever goes the cooking route. I've even seen a great gift set at the dollar store with measuring cups and spoons. Wrap it all up in a bright bowl.

My 6 year old absolutely loves the Magic Treehouse also! Books on tape are great for both ages, or best, a book with an audio to go along with it. I wish I had a specific suggestion for the 3 year old, but I would say anything "interactive" that pops up, or you can touch, etc. Good luck!

I'm a teacher (first grade actually 6-7yr. olds). I would recommend Junnie B. Jones (very popular) for the 6 year old girl, or Judy Moody if she's a pretty advanced reader. Books by Dr. Seuss are alwyas fun for either age. Also, when my son was 3 he loved Thomas the Train, they have Thomas books out there. Or any picture book really would be good for him. Good picture book authors are Eric Carle (great pictures), Jan Brett, Robert Munsch, and there are many others. Good luck!
J.

Chicka Chicka Boom for the 3 yr old and
one of the Magic School Bus series books foor the 6 yr old if she is a younger 6. Magic Tree House is great, but it is really for an older 6, as it is a bit more complex than the Magic School Bus.

Not something that would be age appropriate for this situation, but just a future suggestion. For older kids who I do not know what to get... I do a movie bucket! I get a $5 or $10 g/c from Blockbuster and popcorn, fruitsnacks and juice boxes or candy and soda. (depending on the family! lol)

The kids ALWAYS love it!

For the 6 year old, how about an Eye Spy Book? My 7 year old girl has LOVED those for a few years now. And the 3 year old.... umm my little guy who is three loves anything that has trucks in it. They have some books that have wheels that move on the book. They like things like that at this age. Or He has a big fat counting book, the pages are really thick and it has bright vivid pictures that go from 1 to 100 with different objects. He always wants to read that book.

Good luck!

C.

My granddaughter loves to go to sleep listening to The Magic Treehouse stories. I get them on cd and put a different one on each night. She is learning so much and loves these stories. Wendy's put them in their happy meals over the last 2 summers and I think that is the smartest and most excellent happy meal prize any restaurant has given out. Sure beats the junky plastic toys that most restaurants give. You can find these at Barnes and Nobles. Start with Dinosaurs Before Dark so that they will know how the series begins.

I have taught k-5 and all the kids would LOVE Dav Pilkey's Kat Kong and Dogzilla. Funny!!! They are fun for the adults too.
Here is the book website. Scroll down to Creature Feature.
http://www.pilkey.com/bookview.php?id=38

He is the author of Captain Under Pants (not my favorites). He also does The Hallo-Weiner that is funny.
http://www.pilkey.com/bookview.php?id=38

These two books are really cute!!

My son is almost 4 and he has loved the I Spy books and the Where's Waldo books. They are a little old for him but he spends LOTS of time looking at them and can do almost all the "finding" activites in them. He also likes Go Dog Go, Head to Toe by Eric Carl and also some pop-up books. Hope this helps!

Im not sure how much time you have but i found a website that puts the kids face on the character in the book. Runs about $35 each. Flattenme.com

Good Luck

N. E

The 6 year old might enjoy a book that she can start to read herself. Target and BArnes and Noble have books for different reading levels that include Dora, Cars, etc...Since she is probably starting to learn to read that may interest her. I found a book at Pottery Barn that shows how to make many types of paper airplanes. My son is 5 and he loves it as long as the parent would actually sit down and help him make them. It's a fun semi-crafty thing to do with a boy and you get a "toy" out of it for the cost of a sheet of paper. good luck

here are some great ones:
The Seven Silly Eaters by Marla Frazee
The Secret Shortcut by Mark Teague
A Mouse in the House by Henretta
...good for all ages boys and girls

My 3 year old grandson loves any book by Mo Willems. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is his very favorite. I get them at Amazon online. I don't know about the older child, though. It's been many years since my son was that age.

D. Kimbriel
Grandma to 2 beautiful boys

My favorites:
"Going to the Ark" http://www.amazon.com/Going-Ark-C.-Speck/dp/1602478880/re...
It's about two little mice and their journey to the ark - a book of faith and adventure.

"Catching Fireflies - http://www.amazon.com/Catching-Fireflies-Family-Night-Dev...

This is a wonderful family book for kids that have everything - making learning about God such a fun occasion - just as if you were outside on a summer's night Catching Fireflies. We love it and it is so much fun compared to the average devotional. My six year old son loves the activities - all things are based on what you have at home. i.e. Tale of Two cups, The thread of lies.

Max Lucado Books: "You are Special" My teen bought it for her little brother because it was one of her favorites and he has me read it to him often.

I come across a book now and then that was given to my daughter when she was little. They are truly treasures especially if they have a little note of love in them.

And don't forget the classics - "Old Yeller" I read it to my son last year and cried like a baby. :)
We are planning on reading 10k leagues under the sea next.
Of course an adult would be needed. We do find Dr Suess is the best for learning to read. We are Dr Suess nuts over here and Green Eggs and Ham has all the words needed to pass kindergarten!

You're so thoughtful! C.

Melissa and Doug Toys and Puzzles! THey are great wooden toys that are very educational. You can get them at Dillards, Bealls and special childrens stores.

My kids favorite book is NO NO DAVID by David Shannon
He also has a few others he has written David Gets in Trouble. They are illustrated funny and a good message. Good Luck

My 6 yr old girl LOVES the Fancy Nancy series and Pinkalicious. There are multiple books in each series. They also have early reader versions of Fancy Nancy at some book stores. For the 3 year old, books with lots of repetition and fun sounds like Dr Suess.

I'm not sure about new book titles since you have a ton of great suggestions already provided, but you should be able to find something based on their interests/age. Most 3 year old boys seem to be into trains, trucks, cars, and construction vehicles, maybe dinosaurs if they have older siblings.

Boys dress up can be fun, because people forget about it. Target has a pirate and knight kit... or you can put together something using US Toy/Constructive Playthings or your creativity. Firefighter, police man, doctor, explorer/animal rescue...

6 year old girls of my acquaintance are moving toward Barbie and Hannah Montana (which is weird because they aren't allowed to watch the show). If she likes to be crafty, Klutz has a book on how to make tissue paper flowers that is fun for mom and daughter to try. If she's a reader, the other ladies made great suggestions.

If she's getting into music, you might also consider iTunes. My DD is going crazy since she can pick out her own music and -voila- it's on her iPod.

Got my 7 year old nephew a month of karate lessons ($34 at the rec center). His uniform was the tangible item, but a funny figurine or kung fu animal could be used instead. I've taken him twice while my sister was working... but it depends on how well you know the family and if they are overscheduled in addition to having tons of stuff.

Hope that helps get the creative juices going.

My 6 year old loves the Junie B Jones collection!

For the 6 yo, Disney Fairies Series (i e., Tinkerbell) and the Geremino Stilton series. For the 3 yo, anything Dr. Suess or Sesame Street. Good luck!

Go to www.frecklebox.com and they have really cute personalized books and other personalized products. I love giving gifts that are personalized, the recipients are always appreciative that you put some thought into their gift!

www.iseeme.com They are personalized books. My daughter still looks at hers and she's 12!

Hi S.,

I am local and recently co-authored a parent/child activity book for preschool age children, "Come Into My World!" Our book contains 365 creative activities that are designed to nurture and develop children's minds, bodies and souls. You can read more at www.LunitaCompany.com. I would be happy to personalize a book for the children. Good Luck! A.

For the boy, I would suggest books on trains or cars. My 3 y.o. LOVES his Thomas the Tank Engine books. But he loves trains in general. I can't imagine a bot not liking them.

What about a personalized book that has the child's name throughout the story? Both of my children have received these from their Aunt and they love it. I also got some for my neices for Christmas and I spent about $10 each, however they can be much more costly. Just google it and you'll see lots of companies offering these books. The ones my kids have were made by iseeme.com. I think I ordered from icantbelieveitsme.com. When I ordered mine we got them very quickly.

a mag subsc in their own names is a good suggestion.
& i like the book called "The Gift of Nothing"

HTH!

You might look into LookyBook. Heather just wrote an article about it for www.burbmom.net here: http://burbmom.net/lookybook-bibliovores-beware/

They probably have gift certificates that the children could choose the book they want...

If the six year girl is reading, the first graders at my son's school LOVE Junie B Jones books.

art supplies are consumable, so you can't have too many

I ditto the Fancy Nancy or Pinkalicious for a 6 yr old girl! My daughter loves them!! Also, Stellaluna or If You Give a Pig a Party are good ones.

For a 3 yr old boy, anything by Dr. Suess, Eric Carle or Mo Willems would be good. My daughter is 6 and she still loves The Hungry Catepillar by Eric Carle and the Pigeon series by Mo Willems. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is always a big hit too.

Another idea is a subscription to Hidden Pictures and/or Highlights magazine.

The three year old boy would probably like Freight Train by (I think) Crews; King Bidgood's in the Bathtub and He Won't Get Out by Don and/or Audrey Woods; The Mouse, the Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and/or Audrey Woods; so many for that age group. The six year old Miss Rumphius (don't remember the author); The Keeping Quilt (or almost anything else by this author) by Patricia Palacco; The Pain and the Great One by (I think)Viorst; The Teacher from the Black Lagoon (don't remember the author); Robert Munsch books; Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs; again, five minutes in the childrens' section of a large bookstore you will find more than you can carry out.

Hi S.! You have some great responses here! I also have a suggestion. I make fabric books for children of all ages. For this age group I have books that teach how to dress yourself (button, tie, snap, zip, velcro). I also have "shape matching" books, counting books, and alphabet books. I can of course custom make just about anything you can think of so please don't hesitate to contact me! I hope I can make something unique for you! You can see some of my books at
www.BabyNeedsMilk.etsy.com
www.BabyNeedsMilk.ShopHandMade.com
Thank you!
K.

Peter the Rabbit by Beatrix Potter or any of her books

If these children are computer literate, I think a great
inexpensive gift would be a webkin. These are stuffed
animals with codes that allow kids to get online and
play many games to earn points for their furry friend.
The great thing about it is that most of the games are
educational. Not sure if the 3 year old would be able to
do it as much.