Gift Books: Just for Kids

Gift books for kids that keep them entertained, educated and engaged are a the perfect answer to that age-old summer complaint, “I’m bored.”  Offer parents and kids a selection of interesting books that are fun and offer an alternative to TV and video games.

Rainy Day Games is a children’s picture book that has colorful illustrations and tongue-in-cheek variations on traditional games when played with the animals in Noah’s ark. Among the suggestions, “A game of Pong-Pong never fails. Beavers choose to use their tales.” Hardcover. $15.99. Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. (888) 501-0160.

You Can Do It is written by Indianapolis Colts football coach Tony Dungee. Its an inspirational and motivational story geared to young boys. Its message is to dream big and trust in a higher power. It follows the story of Tony’s little brother and his journey to find his “it,” his destiny, his life’s direction.  Ages 4–7. Hardcover. Colorfully illustrated. $16.99.
Little Simon Inspirations, div. of Simon & Schuster. New York.  
(800) 831-5497.

Smart-opedia Junior is for kids aged 5–8, providing them with encyclopedic information on  70 different topics from the human skeleton to modern technology. More than dry information, there are puzzles and other learning activities to engage kids while they learn. 184 pp. Illustrated. $24.95. Maple Tree Press, distributed by Publishers Group West, Berkeley, CA. (800) 788-3123.

Are You Afraid Yet? explores the science behind scary stuff. Author Stephen O’Meara provides kids with information about everything from what makes our skin crawl to why we scream at scary movies. For ages 9–12. Hardcover. 80 pages. $17.95. Kids Can Press, Tonawanda, NY. (866) 481-5827.

One Night in Frogtown by Philip Pelletier, is a picture book that also comes with a music CD. Through the story and the music, kids learn about cultural diversity and are exposed to different styles of music, from classical to rap. The book is charmingly illustrated by Verne Lindner. Allegre Music, Portland, OR.  (800) 288-2007.

At the Seashore is a storybook that comes with 10 toys. It is a charming story of a hermit crab in search of a place to be by himself. Along the way, it encounters many other creatures that make the shore their home, including sea lions, starfish, pelicans and more. The book with its foam lined pages is easy for youngsters aged 4–6 to handle. Part of the Junior Groovies line. $12.99.  Innovative Kids, through Hachette Book Group, Boston. (800) 286-9471.

The Adventures of Cali  is a story book that comes with the “iRead 2 You”  interactive voice recorder so that parents can interact with their kids even when they can’t really be there.  Parents can tape up to 4 minutes of the story on the recorder, which is activated when the book is opened by the child; it’s almost as if they are there reading the story in person. For kids aged 4–8. $19.95. Cali Publishing. N. Miami, FL. (786) 200-9374.