It’s Teacher Appreciation Week. Mother’s Day is around the corner. It’s Children’s Book week. What do all these holidays have in common? How about books, the perfect gift for just about any occasion? (I should note that the other all-purpose gift is chocolate.)
First, the fabulous graphic designer Carter Higgins put together this beautiful testament to moms and reading together just in time for Mother’s Day. This video will make you cry, so grab a kleenex. Wouldn’t a beautiful basket of books, perfect for snuggling or reading together, make a beautiful Mother’s Day gift? Or perhaps the busy mom needs a few paperbacks and some quiet time to read alone (with chocolate, or course).
As for teachers, I recently was reminded of the power of books when Finley’s Mommy and Me teacher broke down over Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I knew in that instant I would find her a couple of perfect picture books for her Teacher Appreciation gift. If you are looking for a great list, look no further than author Susanna Leonard Hill’s site.
Finally, it’s Children’s Book Week, a literacy event established almost 100 years ago. Check out the site for author and illustrator events around the country. The celebration runs until May 13th.
With all this book mania, I’m curious, do you have a favorite book to give as a gift? What books are on your wishlist?
Kirsten W. Larson 
I should point out that the perfect gift is books AND chocolate 🙂 Also thanks for the mention, and I will go see Carter’s testament right now!
Well, Susanna, you and the PPBFers have gathered such a wonderful list!
How about a book MADE OF CHOCOLATE? Such a delicacy was the dessert at the final luncheon at SCBWI LA last year. I have never seen so many people taking pictures of their dessert. The book itself was hard chocolate, with the cover slightly open to show the “pages” — a creamy custardy wonderful stuff (yes, I confess, I nibbled…).
Mum and I always gave each other books for every occasion. They are, indeed, the perfect gift. A great Mother’s Day book to give is “Thanks to You: Wisdom from Mother and Child” by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. It tugs at the heartstrings one minute, and makes you chuckle the next. There’s a review on Diane’s blog (The Patient Dreamer) — it was her PPBF pick recently.
For a new mom, I’d suggest a book of lullabies. Over the Moon: The Broadway Lullaby Project, is just released, and benefits breast cancer research. Win/win!
My current top “want” is Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. It would be a great gift for anyone, too!
Oh, Beth, thank you for the wonderful recommendations!
It really is a “packed” week, and I agree 100% with your perfect gift assertion. My favorite book to give moms, especially new-ish moms, is Let Me Hold You Longer, by Karen Kingsbury – it reminds us to cherish lasts (last time rocking to sleep, last day of kdg, etc) in addition to firsts in our children’s lives.Books are fabulous teacher gifts too. B’s teacher is getting “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds (don’t tell her till Friday!).
I’ll have to see “Let Me Hold You a Little Longer.” I don’t know that one, but one of my favorites is “I Will Hold You ‘Til You Sleep.” THAT one makes me cry.
I just realized who “Little Sprout Books” is. Nice to “see” you Anne!
Interesting Kirsten, I just posted a blog earlier this week and mentioned that we (the kids and I) would be getting mom some chocolate for Mother’s Day. I think we’ll be adding a book 🙂
Oh, good. You can’t go wrong with chocolate and books. Now if I can just get the husband to read my posts.
LOL! Send him over to shaferpower.com to check out my most recent post. Perhaps it will give him some ideas 🙂