Books make the #1 best gifts!

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The love of reading is gift

I am notorious for gifting books. I’ve written about this before in Guess what you’re getting for Christmas and other posts. It would not surprise me if you are also a notorious gifter of books. Perhaps that could be our super power: The Book Gifters!

Reading is empowering. A book is a gift that continues to give, long after the occasion has past. It’s effects cannot always be measured.

books-life-memories

In this post, I suggest some books you may like to purchase for special people in your life. And why not treat yourself with one or two as well?

Most, but not all, are fairly recent releases. A few are long-time favourites.

Most, but not all, are written by people I know personally or through blogging. You might recognise their names from comments on other of my blog posts. A few are long-time favourites written by people who inspire me.

I have read most. The only two not read (the books of short stories) are very, very recent. However I am happy to recommend them as I am already familiar with some of the stories, and the writers’ work  from their blogs.

Disclaimer: These are books that appeal to me. They may not appeal to you. The important thing in choosing books for others is in finding something that they will like.

The list is not exhaustive. It is just a beginning to provide a few ideas that you may not have considered. There are many other wonderful books that could just as easily have been included.

I have arranged my list in this way:

For children:

Picture books (including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry)

Early chapter books (for readers of about 7 to 12 years)

For adults:

Books of short stories

Novels

Memoirs

Books for teachers and parents

If you follow the links you will be able to discover more about the writers and their other work.

For children:

Picture books – Fiction

picture-books

Lauri Fortino The Peddler’s Bed This heart-warming story demonstrates that a kindness given can encourage kindness in others. You can read a lovely interview with Lauri on the readilearn blog here.

Tara Lazar Little Red Gliding Hood In this fun fractured fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood needs a new pair of skates. The only way she can acquire them is by winning a skating competition. But which fairy tale character will be her partner?

Galvin Scott Davis Daisy Chain This is a beautifully illustrated, animated and interactive, anti-bullying book app, narrated by Kate Winslet.

Non-fiction

non-fiction-picture

Rebecca Johnson The Insect Series This series of ten little books, each about a different insect, combines both fact and fiction with stunning close-up photographs. You can read a lovely interview with Rebecca on the readilearn blog here.

Sue Fliess The Bug Book This book about bugs is beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs. Written in rhyme, it introduces children to many tiny creatures.

Poetry

book-cover

June Perkins Magic Fish Dreaming This gorgeous book of poems with its focus on nature will uplift and inspire you and your children. You can read a lovely interview with June on the readilearn blog here.

Early chapter books (about 7 to 12 years)

early-chapter-books

Rebecca Johnson Juliet nearly a Vet This lovely series of books tells of the adventures of ten-year-old Juliet who aspires to be a vet, just like her mother.

Karen Tyrrell Song Bird Superhero This story tells of Rosella Bird and her quest to fly. While she battles the bully at school and at home, she is empowered and discovers the joy of flight when she finds her voice.

Bette A. Stevens Pure Trash: The Story Set in New England in the 1950s, this story tells of a Saturday afternoon adventure of two young boys. The Kindle version is free on Amazon until 29 November (today – be quick!). 

Hazel Edwards & Ozge Alkan Hijabi Girl In this story, when eight-year-old Melek is deciding what to wear to the book parade, she is unable to find a super-hero who wears a hijab, so she creates her own.

Robert Hoge Ugly (a memoir) Robert’s story is one of resilience, of survival against the odds, and of making hard decisions. While coping with difference and bullying, Robert shows that strength of character is a trait of survivors. I have introduced you to Robert previously here and here.

Books of short stories

short-stories

Sarah Brentyn Hinting at Shadows This book is a collection of very short stories, each 100 words or less. While each may be a quick read, they will give insight, inspiration, and a greater understanding of what it means to be human.

Hugh Roberts Glimpses Launching on 2 December, available for pre-order “28 short stories that will take your mind on a rollercoaster of a ride into worlds that conceal unexpected twists and turns.”

Novels

novels

Anne Goodwin Sugar and Snails In this mid-life coming-of-age story, Diana Dodsworth has some tough decisions to make as she comes to terms with who she really is. Anne has previously talked about her book on my blog here and here.

Geoff Le Pard Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle This story about nineteen-year-old Harry Spittle, who is home from university for the hottest of hot holidays, will have you laughing out loud at his misadventures.

Terry Tyler Best Seller This intriguing novella is about three writers, all of whom wish to write a best seller. One does; but which one?

Memoirs

memoir

Robert Hoge Ugly (a biography) Robert’s inspirational story is one of resilience, of survival against the odds, and of making hard decisions. While coping with difference and bullying, Robert shows that strength of character is a trait of survivors. I have introduced you to Robert previously here and here.

Lesley and Tammy Williams Not Just Black and White Told as a conversation between mother and daughter, this inspirational story tells of the importance of family, of difficulties experienced by many Indigenous Australians in relatively current times, with a drive to ensure that history is neither forgotten nor repeated.

Malala Yousafzai Malala The Girl Who Stood up for Education and Changed the World The story of Malala, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is one of courage and of the difference that one person can make in the world. I have previously written about Malala here.

Magda Szubanski Reckoning: A Memoir With a Polish father, a Scottish mother and an Australian childhood, Magda’s story is complex, courageous, compassionate, and inspirational.

Books for teachers and parents

for-teachers-and-parents

Mem Fox Reading Magic This book provides lots of practical advice and support for parents in developing a love of reading in their children. I have introduced you to Mem many times previously, including here and here.

Michael Rosen Good Ideas: How to be Your Child’s (and Your Own) Best Teacher This very readable book is packed full of suggestions for encouraging curiosity and learning in children (and you!) I have previously introduced you to Michael here and here.

Vivian Kirkfield Show Me How Vivian passion’s for picture books and her understanding of the importance of literacy are obvious in this book that provides great ideas for reading and extending the learning experience associated with many picture books.

Or, for a special early childhood educator, gift a subscription to readilearn, a collection of teaching resources that can be used throughout the year.

special-gift-for-special-teacher-ad

It’s easy. Simply send an email to hello@readilearn.com.au, arrange payment for the currently discounted subscription, and you will be emailed a voucher with a coupon code, unique to your special teacher. Print the voucher and personalise it with your own message before presenting your gift.

Note: The subscription is for 12 months from date of activation, not purchase: a gift that will go on giving all year long.

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I hope there is something in this list that you can add to your gift list.

Thank you

Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.

 

 

 

69 thoughts on “Books make the #1 best gifts!”

    1. Norah Post author

      Thank you for visiting, Barbara. I’m pleased to welcome you to my blog. I’ve popped over to visit you and seen some lovely work on your blog too. It’s lovely to meet you.

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  3. Bec Colvin

    What a fantastic collection of books! And such a talented community you have, Nor! I would like to say I have read all on the list, but I can’t. At least it is something I can work toward! And you are very notorious for giving books. We are all the better for it!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Norah Post author

      Thanks, Bec. It is a great collection. Every member of the family got a book for Christmas. Would you believe that not one was fiction! I hope they all, including you, enjoy them! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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  4. Let's CUT the Crap!

    Wow. A magnificent collection of titles. It’s awesome to say I know some of these authors from Blog World, which makes me smile. Wonderful covers. The colors are eye-catching and vibrant. So many to choose from. An amazing list. Thanks for the legwork. 🙂 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Norah Post author

      I’m so pleased you find the list useful. It is exciting to know friends from the Blog World who are published authors. I’m sure there will be more than a few titles there to interest you and your loved ones. Thanks for reading and sharing. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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    1. Norah Post author

      Thank you, Sally. I am delighted that you have shared this post with, as you say, some great books from our writing community. You are a wonderful support for writers. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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  7. Pingback: Books make the #1 best gifts! — Norah Colvin – Scholars Education Centre – Thunder Bay

  8. Hugh's Views and News

    Hi Norah, thank you so much for including my book on your list. As you know, this is my very first book and I can’t tell you how excited I am at finally becoming a published author. I’ve finally made one of two life ambitions (since a child) come true.
    I’ll be gifting books this year. I also gifted myself, Sarah Brentyn’s book which arrived today 😀 I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it.
    Thank again, and Happy reading.

    Liked by 2 people

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    2. Norah Post author

      My pleasure, Hugh. I wish you success. Is today the day it’s out? I tried to pre-order it the other day and couldn’t. I’ll have to check it out again.
      I’m sure you’ll love Sarah’s book. What a lovely gift to yourself. You’ve just reminded me that I was supposed to pop back to your blog with a link to this post. I’ve had a busy week! 🙂 Popping over now.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Hugh's Views and News

        Hi Norah, yes the paperback version was published 1st December, although I note that Amazon does not offer it everywhere. The Kindle version should be available for pre-order everywhere. I’ve already had a few orders for it. Once it is preordered it will then download onto devices on 6th December. Let me know if you encounter any problems ordering it and I’ll let Amazon know so they can sort it out.
        Thank you for leaving the link to this post at my blog party.
        Wishing you a lovely weekend.😀

        Liked by 1 person

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  9. dgkaye

    What a fantastic list Norah! I’m thrilled to say I have quite a few of them on my reader awaiting my eyes. I was thrilled to see you display Hugh’s new debut book too. And I am going to check out your selection for children, particularly on the topics of anti-bullying and kindness, right up my alley, for my little grand niece. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Norah Post author

      I’m pleased you enjoyed the list Debby. Unfortunately I was a bit too slow in downloading your book “Have Bags Will Travel” or it could have been added to the memoir list. Maybe next year! I haven’t started reading yet, but am looking forward to doing. It sounds like a ton of fun. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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  11. Sarah Brentyn

    Fantastic post! Books are always what I ask for and often what I give. Most of my gifts for holidays and birthdays are books. Wonderful and varied list you have here…something for everyone. Thank you so much for including my book (with that amazing write-up of it). ❤ That is my gift from you this year!

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Annecdotist

    What a generous Christmas gift to your blog followers and from there into the hands of their/our family and friends. Nice to recognise some you’ve written about here previously and honoured to find my own novel included in your list.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Norah Post author

      Sometimes it’s difficult to work recognition of my friends’ writing into my blog focusing on education. I thought this was the perfect way. I’ll have to think of do others ways of incorporating it.

      Liked by 1 person

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  17. thecontentedcrafter

    What a wonderful list of books Norah! I agree the best of gifts come in a small rectangular parcel, I can never wait to see what has been chosen for me, I receive a pile of books every mother’s day, birthday and Christmas. The pile of books beside my bed grows and shrinks as those dates roll round 🙂 The children’s books do look beautiful – I wish I had children to gift them to! I’ve read ‘Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle’ and loved it – as you say it is a laugh out loud read and, I think a movie just waiting to be made!

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Norah Post author

      Those small rectangular parcels, and then the wonderful smell and feel of a new book! Mmmm! My pile of books never seems to reduce. I read one and ten more take it place – like wire coathangers in the wardrobe! (or is that the other way round!)
      I think “Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle” would make a marvelous movie. Must get Geoff onto that!

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  19. Lauri Fortino

    Thank you, Norah, for including my book on your incredibly thoughtful list. I really like the way you described The Peddler’s Bed and couldn’t have said it better myself.

    I’m also a gifter of books and will be shopping soon for my two little nephews. With so many wonderful choices out there it’s hard to choose. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  22. codeinfig

    its really not enough to give books for the holidays– you have to do it right (you probably do already.)

    you can generally tell when its a book before its opened. you know the phrase “you cant tell a book by its cover?” this is why books can be an unexciting gift, at least until youve had a chance to enjoy it.

    some of the best gifts ive gotten ever were books. in many cases, those were beautiful books with truly outstanding pictures, like the polar express. if you like books at all, and you open a present and find that, its pretty incredible.

    but because you cant tell a book by its cover, it takes more (for a kid at least) to get excited about it until theyve had a chance to read it. so you have to keep in mind, a first impression can be “oh, a book” (i have no idea what to get exited about, its just paper) because it might not trigger imagination– and excitement– until after you start reading it.

    one thing that can help is if you write a note on the inside cover. whether you write inside the cover itself (in that case it will be there for years, which can be nice but makes the book harder to sell years after its outgrown) or on a piece of paper, this makes it like a big greeting card– you know theres a note inside to read right away, and the note can tell you something about the book to get excited about.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Steven

      On the rare occasion that I visit a place with second-hand books, finding the handwritten notes inside the cover can make very interesting reading, almost like a snapshot of history or a story within a story. If it is an old book, I personally think this adds to the value of the book. I once found a book presented to an Australian politician by looking inside the cove.

      Liked by 2 people

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    2. Norah Post author

      I try to get it right, but it’s sometimes difficult to choose just the right book.
      I used to always write a note inside a book, and sometimes still do. I think it’s nice to remember who gave me a book and for what occasion. Now there are so many books that I can never be sure if they already have the books I have chosen or not, so I don’t always write a message.
      I like looking at books that belonged to my Mum and reading the message inside the cover. It takes me back to those days and its nice to remember.
      Thank you very much for reading and adding your thoughts to the discussion.

      Liked by 1 person

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  23. Colline

    I am a book gifter too. My children now expect to receive at least one book every year for Christmas 🙂
    To add to your list, a few books for teens: The Unwind series by Neil Shusterman, The Maze Runner series, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth. All these stories are perfect for reluctant readers as well. Not surprising as the stories and writing are excellent.

    Liked by 2 people

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  25. Gulara

    Oh, I love this list, Norah, I was especially pleased to see the names of old friends – Sarah Brentyn and Geoff Le Pard. A wonderful post, and you are right – no better gifts than books!

    Liked by 3 people

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