A book I'd like to give:

Hey, Kiddo
Jarrett Krosoczka

There are so many people I think would enjoy this book (some to their surprise.) I’ve already sent a copy to a family friend away at school and brought one home for my daughter. Hey, Kiddo is a graphic memoir, relating the childhood of author Jarrett Krosoczka who was raised by his grandparents after his mother was sent to prison (and his father was not in communication at the time.) When I read this book, I hadn’t read a graphic since I read Maus by Art Spiegelman in college. As a person who loves both reading and theater, I found this book to a very compelling, satisfying way to tell a story.

A book I'd like to receive:

If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t!
Elise Parsley

When I’m feeling out of sorts, this is my go-to book. I have never at a minimum not smiled while reading it and usually, I laugh…sometimes a belly laugh. I love all the books in the Magnolia series by Elise Parsley, but this one I especially find funny. As usual, Parsley had managed to come up with a ridiculous premise and runs with it. The illustrations of the adults in the book are just as funny (sometimes funnier) than the text. I’ll be getting copies for my favorite little ones, and maybe a few grownups who could use cheering up!

A book I'd like to receive:

A Map of Days
Ransom Riggs

In this, the fourth book in the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series, Jacob returns to his home in Florida, bringing his peculiar friends with him. I’ve enjoyed this quirky series, and look forward to reading the latest installment.

Books I'd like to give:

Hush Hush, Forest
Mary Casanova

Nick Wroblewski's beautiful woodcuts illustrate Casanova's descriptions of the forest creatures as they prepare for hibernation. Casanova's descriptions make for a great bedtime book and an invitation to all readers to pause and appreciate the wintry forest world.

Louisiana's Way Home
Kate DiCamillo

Louisiana Elefante first appeared in DiCamillo's Raymie Nightingale. Louisiana's Way Home tells her story. I am always on the lookout for books that will make children and middle-grade students love to read. I believe that this book will join DiCamillo's other works in accomplishing that goal.

A book I'd like to receive:

Fly With Me: A Celebration of Birds Through Pictures, Poems, and Stories
Jane Yolen

I would not describe myself as an avid bird watcher, but I do enjoy observing birds throughout the year, learning their names and habits. Though it is a National Geographic Children's Book, I'm confident that Fly With Me would increase my knowledge and appreciation of birds. I would also enjoy sharing this collection of photos, artwork, stories, and poetry with the children in my life.

A book series I'd like to give:

Baby Loves Science!
Board Boxed Set
Ruth Spiro

Every baby needs that “seed” planted in their little sponge of a mind. 

Fly With Me: A Celebration of Birds Through Pictures, Poems, and Stories
Jane Yolen

I love watching birds. A great introduction for kids of all ages.

A book I'd like to give:

The Snowy Nap
Jan Brett

I have absolutely loved (and still love) Jan Brett's books and would like to pass on that tradition to younger family members. 

A book I'd like to receive:

Louisiana's Way Home
Kate DiCamillo's

I've read many of Kate DiCamillo's timeless books and I'm sure I would enjoy this newest addition to her repertoire. 

Books I'd like to give:

Hush Hush, Forest
Mary Casanova

I picked this book for the great-grandchildren. Mary Casanova is a great Minnesota writer.

Mascot
Antony John

This is a young adult book that my grandson who is an English teacher will put on his book shelf for his students to borrow. Noah loses his father and is in a wheel chair after a devastating accident. He struggles to come to terms with his new reality.

A book I'd like to give:

Turning Pages
Sonia Sotomayor

The courts are so important and are under attack, as are Latinas. What a positive way to introduce kids to both, and to the possibilities of life when young people are inspired.

A book I'd like to receive:

Red and Lulu
Matt Tavares

I have a small collection of beloved children’s Christmas books. This looks like a worthy addition. The illustrations, which are the motif for this year’s Beage and Wolf catalog, are beautiful. And cardinals are great symbols of the holiday.

A book I'd like to give:

Business Pig
Andrea Zuill

This is a great book about acceptance. I love how the people around Pig accept him and his quirks. I also love how he finds his forever home.

A book I'd like to give:

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs
America's Test Kitchen Kids

For anyone interested in improving the comprehension of a young reader, what could be better than the reading and following of recipes? Additionally, everyone needs to know how to get on in the kitchen, it's a necessary life skill. Not only that, you get to eat the results!