Miss Betsy’s Book Nook: Picking Books for Gifts

Embracing My Identity

I used to try to be one of those crafty types who gives a lovingly handmade item at a baby shower, for a young relative’s Christmas gift, or even to a young couple getting married. And then I saw the light: I know books, I love books, and now I give books. People expect it, and I happily oblige!

The Challenge

It’s become something of a challenge for me: for several years in a row now, Aunt Betsy’s books have earned the “favorite gift” spot for a few of my nephews—even over automated toys and things that make noise. I’ll soon have my first niece, but I buy a lot of books for boys (five nephews and counting). Can I reach “best gift” status this year at Christmas and winter birthdays? What to pick this year? As my nephews get older, it gets harder to pick the book, the one that they will treasure like I still treasure my copies of Black Beauty and The Secret Garden, both given to me by one of my aunts when I was eight and nine, respectively.

Asking Questions

Early fall, I start asking questions. I ask the kids themselves! Whenever I talk to a nephew on the phone, particularly my sixth-grade nephew, I ask, “What do you like to do? What’s your favorite TV show? What have you read recently that you liked?” When I talk to my sister and sister-in-law, I ask similar questions about their children. I also ask what books they already have (very important question, that one!). Then I go to my trusted colleagues and ask them questions: What have you read this year that would be good for this type of kid? I pay attention to our reviews on this site; even though I read a lot, several of my “best gift ever” titles have come from recommendations my fellow Redeemed Readers have recommended (books by Doug TenNapel come to mind).

Choosing the Books

And then the fun part begins. For any newborn, I give one of a few standards to start off their library; I also give a “fun” book in the mix. For children who are just beginning to read or are newly independent readers, I make sure to give them books they can read on their own. For older kids, I try very hard to find something that connects with their interests. Here is this year’s line-up, many of which come from our Best of the Best list:

Twin babies (one boy/one girl) in utero: Hello Ninja by N. D. Wilson (board book); a book of nursery rhymes in board book format

3-year-old nephews: Both are getting Light for My Path.

6-year-old nephew: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo

7-year-old twins (my sons): Henry Huggins by Beverly Cleary and Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins

9-year-old nephew AND my 9-year-old daughter: I Survived True Stories by Lauren Tarshis and The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angelberger (birthday and Christmas are two weeks apart for the nephew)

12-year-old nephew: Somebody on This Bus Is Going to Be Famous by Janie Cheaney

Grown-up relatives who are musical (MANY of my relatives including in-laws, siblings,and parents fit this category): Every Valley

What are you getting as gifts for the readers in YOUR life?