Amazingly, as I walked through the store the other day, the Halloween stuff was being shoved to the side to make room Christmas decorations.  Thanksgiving...poor turkey...he's just a bystander.  Thus begins the annual journey of finding "the perfect gift."

This year -- as in year's past -- I am going to select the present that gives the recipient a gift for life: a book.  Think about it...with a single volume you are helping a child discover their place in the world.  Whenever anyone asks me what they can get my daughter for Christmas, I always tell them a book. She doesn't need more toys...and besides, that's Santa's domain.  I will never complain that she has too many books!

What the book is about is not as important as the message: "I love you and want to help you become a successful person.  Books and learning to read will take you wherever you want to go."  Like all presents, you want your gift to be treasured.  It isn't quite as simple as picking the book on the front tables at your bookstore or ordering just any ol' magazine subscription.  You need to think about the person you're buying your gift for.  Here are a few tips to help you.

*Pick a book that matches their interests.*  Kids love to talk about themselves and what they're doing. Do they go on and on about baseball?  Are they always drawing pictures of dragons?  The fastest way to "this is cool," is to pick something they like. If you aren't close to the kids, then ask the adults in their lives.  They'll be able to tell you what the kids like/don't like and what kind of reader they are.

*Engage all their senses.*  Enjoying a book doesn't always mean that you're sitting in a chair.  If they are hands-on kids, think about how-to books, like how to paint, make paper dolls, etc.  If they aren't quite ready to read or would prefer listening to a story, look for books with a CD or an audio book.

*Be Creative.*  Ready-made books are one way to connect kids with reading, but they aren't the only way.  Kids who like writing their own stories might enjoy a journal; kids who draw comics might like a sketch pad.  You might consider a magazine subscription as a fun way to keep reading fresh. Do you have a child that likes maps?  Then put together a collection of maps.

*Consult the Book Awards Booklists.*  There are hundreds of book awards programs that celebrate children's books.  Some programs recognize books for their literary merit, others look at kid appeal.  In every US state there is a children's choice program.  Each year, students nominate, read, and vote for their favorite books.  If you want to find a book that lots of other kids like, check out your state's list.  We have a directory of the state and regional awards programs on the Reading Tub.  [http://www.thereadingtub.com/childrens_book_awards.asp]

Reading is more than a skill; it is the key to unlocking a world of potential.  When our children are born, we wish nothing but the best for them.  We want to give them the moon and the stars.  Through books, we can do that and so much more!

Over the next few weeks, I'll be offering some lists of book ideas here.  For a more personalized consultation, you can email me at: terry@thereadingtub.com.  I'd also encourage you to visit Buy Books for the Holidays beginning in November.  Book-loving parents, teachers, librarians, and others will be offering their advice and made-to-order recommendations on selecting the perfect book.