BOOK MARKED
The Gift of Reading
8 Children’s Picture Books
That Make Great Gifts
BY WF STAFF
It’s not always easy picking out a gift for someone, especially if
that someone is your child’s friend. What current toys do they
not already have?
When in doubt, gift a good book. It’s a classic, fool-proof
choice, and an essential great read never goes out of style. So,
next time you’re in need of the perfect child’s birthday gift, pick
up one of these must-have books below. Each one these titles
are a wonderful addition to any child’s reading collection!
“Llama, Llama, Red Pajama”
“Press Here”
by Anna Dewdney
by Herve Tullet
In this classic and infectious rhyming book,
Baby Llama turns bedtime into an all-out
llama drama! Tucked into bed by his mama,
Baby Llama immediately starts worrying
when she goes downstairs, and his soft
whimpers turn to hollers when she doesn’t
come right back. But just in time, Mama
returns to set things right. Children will
relate to Baby Llama’s need for comfort,
as much as parents will appreciate Mama
Llama’s reassuring message.

“You Are My I Love You”
by Maryann Cusimano Love
This all-time family-favorite book describes
a day in the life of a parent and child. It’s
full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals,
boundless energy and well-earned rest. Not
to mention lots of love. It all comes together
in simple rhyming verses accompanied by
colorful, playful illustrations.

“I Took the Moon for a Walk”
by Carolyn Curtis
When the day has ended and everyone else
has fallen asleep, a young boy embarks on
a magical adventure with his friend the
Moon. Their unusual journey is described
in lyrical verse, creating an enchanting
story that celebrates the serene beauty of
the world at night.

“Giraffes Can’t Dance”
“The Wonderful
Things You Will Be”
by Giles Andreae
by Emily Winfield Martin
Giraffes Can’t Dance is a touching tale
of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing
more than to dance. With crooked knees
and thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe to
dance than you would think. Gerald is
finally able to dance to his own tune when
he gets some encouraging words from an
unlikely friend.

50 WashingtonFAMILY MAY 2019
Press the yellow dot on the cover of this
interactive children’s book, follow the
instructions within and embark upon a
magical journey! Each page of this sur-
prising touch book instructs the reader
to push the button, shake it up, tilt the
book, and who knows what will happen
next! Children will giggle as the dots mul-
tiply, change direction and grow in size —
igniting creativity.

This is a story that extends through life-
times. From brave and bold to creative and
clever, this book expresses all the loving
things that parents think of when they look
at their children. With beautiful illustrations
and a clever gatefold with kids in costumes,
this is a book families will love reading over
and over.