Give the gift of literacy

Buying books for a child you care about is a wonderful, lasting gift. With literally thousands of children's books on the market, it's no easy task to know which books are the cream of the crop.

Eliminate the confusion by using this quick reference guide. Written by veteran children's book reviewer Kendal Rautzhan, this guide directs you to the best books for children.

Save time and avoid the hassle of trying to navigate through the high seas of children's books by using this no-nonsense guide that points you in the right direction for every age group.

Happy Holidays!

Infant to 18 months

"Where is Baby's Yummy Tummy?" written and illustrated by Karen Katz, Little Simon, 2011, 14 pages, $6.99 board book.

This charming story is filled with just the right elements that your youngest readers will enjoy. Each double-page spread asks a question about locating a part of baby's body, then lift the sturdy flap to discover the answer. Find baby's pretty nose hiding behind the flowers, feet that are hiding under the blanket and more.

Colorful illustrations and simple text combine to make this book loads of fun.

"Won't You be My Hugaroo?" by Joanne Ryder, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2011, 32 pages, $11.99 board book.

"Won't you be my hugaroo? I've lots of hugs to share with you." So begins this warm, delightful book that describes many different kinds of hugs, from a friendly hug to a tickle hug, a cheer-up hug to a cuddly hug and many more.

Playful, engaging illustrations and jaunty, rhyming text are perfectly blended, making this a flawless "feel good" book for young and old alike.

"The Very Best Daddy of All" by Marion Dane Bauer, illustrated by Leslie Wu, Little Simon, 2011, 32 pages, $7.99 board book.

Engage your baby with this endearing tribute to all the ways daddies love their babies. Featuring zebras, gorillas, birds, horses, humans and more, this love story is loaded with good stuff.

"My First Farm Friends" written and illustrated by Betsy Wallin, Storey Publishing, 2011, four board books, 20 pages each, $18.95/set.

A farm is a busy place, and these four board books introduce babies and toddlers to four of the animals that live there. "A Day With Chickens," "A day With Pigs," "A Day With Goats" and "A Day With Cows" each take readers on an engaging tour of each animal as they begin their day until it's time for bed.

Packaged in a beautifully illustrated box that doubles as a play barn with the added delight of four stand-up sturdy cardboard figures of each of the featured animals, "My First Farm Friends" is certain to entertain, educate and ignite the imagination of young minds.

Age 2 — 3

"The Splendid Spotted Snake" written and illustrated by Betty Ann Schwartz and Alexander Wilensky, Workman, 2011, 18 pages, $13.95 board book.

"When yellow snake was born, he had bright red spots. But then he grew. ... His new spots were blue!" But that's not all. Yellow snake continued to grow and grow, and each time he sprouted more spots, each a different color.

Not only does this book teach children about colors, but the magic polka-dotted cloth ribbon literally threads its way throughout the pages of the book, changing with each double-fold page.

Enormously clever and innovative, "The Splendid Spotted Snake" is aptly titled — it is quite splendid, indeed.

"A Box of Bugs" written and illustrated by David A. Carter, Little Simon, 2011, 4 books, 14 pages each, $14.99 boxed set.

This awesome choice features four pop-up books in a boxed set. Each book is a miniature version of author/illustrator David A. Carter's best-selling "Bugs" series, and each is designed as an early concept learning book.

Including "Up & Down," "Counting," "Colors" and "Opposites" and boasting colorful, fun pop-ups on every page that help illustrate the concept, "A Box of Bugs" makes a great gift.

"Otis and the Tornado" written and illustrated by Loren Long, Philomel, 2011, 40 pages, $17.99 hardcover.

Otis was a cheerful tractor who had many animal friends on the farm, and one of their favorite games was to play follow-the-leader. There was only one farm animal that never wanted to play and didn't want to make friends — the bull. Because the bull was so nasty, he stayed in his pen alone.

One day, a sudden tornado was barreling down toward the farm. Otis sprang into action, freeing the animals from the barn and leading them to the safety of low-lying Mud Creek. But once there, Otis heard a pitiful cry of fear; it was the bull, still trapped inside its pen. Otis knew what he had to do, but would he make it to the bull in time to free him and lead him to safety, too?

A wonderful story of courage, heroism and friendship, "Otis and the Tornado" is a great read.

"Match-and-Muddle Terrific Transport" by Macmillian Publishers Ltd., illustrated by Ian Cunliffe, 2011, Campbell Books/Macmillan UK, 10 pages, $10.99 board book.

Start your engines and let's go! Double-page spreads offer different opportunities to take the five separate vehicles with super-strong stick-on backings and place them within each of the four distinct settings.

A car, a train, a bus, a plane and a bulldozer can be positioned throughout the book — on the road, in the air, at the gas station, to pick up passengers and finally back to their garages at night.

Fun, brief text and lots of interactive fun make this selection a real hit with young transportation enthusiasts.

Age 4 — 5

"Treasured Classics" retold and illustrated by Michael Hague, Chronicle, 2011, 133 pages, $19.99 hardcover.

Fourteen classic children's stories that have delighted children for generations are included in this lovely volume with the magical illustrations of Michael Hague.

From "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Cinderella," "The Ugly Duckling," "The Elves and the Shoemaker" and 10 other cherished stories, this collection is a delightful gift that will be enjoyed for years to come.

"The Magical Christmas Horse" by Mary Higgins Clark, illustrated by Wendell Minor, Simon & Schuster, 2011, 36 pages, $17.99 hardcover.

Eight-year-old Johnny lives with his family in Arizona. One Christmas, when Johnny was 3 years old, they went to visit his grandparents in snowy Connecticut. It was one of Johnny's favorite places, and his fondest memory was riding on the beautiful wooden horse that had been in the family for generations.

This year, the family would return to Connecticut for Christmas. Johnny excitedly told his little brother about the wooden horse and how he couldn't wait for Liam to ride it. But Johnny soon discovered the wooden horse was broken. He had promised Liam, and now didn't know how to make his brother's Christmas wish come true.

Beautifully rendered in words and illustrations, this heartfelt Christmas story is certain to become an annual favorite.

"Tom's Tweet" by Jill Esbaum, illustrated by Dan Santat, Knopf, 2011, 28 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

One morning, right after a storm, Tom the cat was on the prowl for a tasty morning treat. Suddenly, he spied a delicious-looking baby bird that had fallen from its nest. It seemed it was Tom's lucky day.

But when he approached the little bird, Tom realized two things: Tweet was too skinny to eat, and Tweet looked frightened, unhappy and alone. So instead of making breakfast of the little birdie, Tom decided to do the right thing and put it back in its nest.

Tom soon discovered being a good cat wasn't as easy as he thought. But he persevered, ultimately paving the way for a new life for Tom, Tweet and several other little birdies.

Hilarious in every way, kids will clamor to have this story read to them time and time again.

"The Giant Book of Giants" by Saviour Pirotta, illustrated by Mark Robertson, Sterling, 2011, 24 pages with a 3-D giant fold-out poster, $19.95 paperback book in hardcover case.

Six awesome stories about giants, all fully illustrated, grace this oversized book. And if that isn't enough, there is a huge (almost 4 feet tall) 3-D fold-out sturdy poster of a gruesome giant, just waiting to be your friend.

With two firm grommets to allow you to hang the poster on the wall, loads of information about this giant (including such facts as the value of his earwax and the toadstools that grow in his armpits), flaps to lift and removable items, it's easy to see why this choice will be enormously popular with kids both young and old.

Age 6 — 8

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Pop-Up Book" by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake, Puffin/Penguin, 2011, 20 pages, $29.99 hardcover.

The one thing young Charlie Bucket longed for more than anything else was chocolate. But his family was poor, and there wasn't any extra money for frivolous purchases.

To make matters worse, there was a huge chocolate factory in the town where Charlie lived. The factory was owned by Willy Wonka, and he had just announced he would be opening his chocolate factory to the five lucky children who found a Golden Ticket inside one of his candy bars.

As luck would have it, Charlie was one of the fortunate five, and once inside the chocolate factory, all kinds of wonderful (and sometimes strange) magic began to take place that would change Charlie's life forever.

Roald Dahl's much-loved story springs to life in this incredible pop-up book that's guaranteed to amaze, entertain and amuse readers for hours on end.

"Magic Tree House No. 46: A Merlin Mission — Dogs in the Dead of Night" by Mary Pope Osborne, illustrated by Sal Murdocca, Random House, 2011, 115 pages, $12.99 hardcover.

Jack and Annie have a new mission — to find a rare white and yellow flower to save one of their best friends. To fulfill their mission, their Magic Tree House transports them back in time to the Great Saint Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps.

But trouble begins immediately as the two find themselves in an avalanche. The two are narrowly saved by Saint Bernard dogs, then the monks who live at the ancient monastery. But something doesn't seem right. How are they to find this rare flower when snow covers everything as far as the eye can see?

Annie makes their situation worse by offering to train the unruly Saint Bernard dog, Barry. When Barry runs away and Jack and Annie must race off to find him, it seems they are going further away from succeeding in their mission, or are they?

Another thrilling "Magic Tree House" adventure, "Dogs in the Dead of Night" delivers magic, mystery, humor and history expertly woven into one exciting novel.

"Every Thing On It" written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, Harper, 2011, 195 pages, $19.99 hardcover.

Experience the joy and magnificent magic of Shel Silverstein in this brilliant new collection. Never-before-published poems and drawings by the author of "Where the Sidewalk Ends," "A Light in the Attic," "Don't Bump the Glump" and numerous other works kids have loved, this collection will amaze, fire the imagination and elicit endless giggles and outright laughter.

"Ballpark Mysteries 3: The L.A. Dodgers" by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Mark Meyers, Random House, 2011, 105 pages, $4.99 paperback.

Cousins Mike and Kate are flying to Los Angeles to spend their spring break with Kate's dad, Mr. Hopkins. Kate's dad is a baseball scout for the Dodgers. Mike and Kate are very excited about their trip and all the activities they have planned. But once they arrive, they quickly learn that something isn't right.

Kate's dad has had his computer stolen, then Kate's notebook is stolen at the airport. It also seems that they're being followed. What could it all mean? How much danger are they all in?

Kate and Mike decide they are going to help solve this mystery, and after a few hair-raising near-misses, it's clear that the man trailing and threatening them wants Mr. Hopkins' top-secret scouting reports, and more.

A fun mystery filled with action and lots of interesting facts about the Dodgers, baseball fans in particular will enjoy this quick read.

Age 9 — 10

"My Life as a Stuntboy" by Janet Tashjian, illustrated by Jake Tashjian, Henry Holt, 2011, 257 pages, $13.99 hardcover.

The school year has just begun, and Derek is very unhappy about that. Good news soon enters the picture, however, when Derek is asked to be a stuntboy in a major movie featuring a very pretty, very popular young actress.

Derek's joy quickly sours as his new stuntboy job causes problems of jealousy from his best friend, Matt. Then Derek learns his stuntboy job requires he wear a wig — a girl's wig — because he's the young actress's double. If that's not enough, Matt secretly videos Derek with his reading tutor, posts the lesson on YouTube and humiliates Derek.

Could anything else go wrong? You bet. Derek's pet monkey is in danger of being taken away because of Derek's negligent care. As friendships and situations collide and Derek tries to execute his stunts (as a girl) with precision, he manages to handle it all, including saving his pet money from being banished from his life.

Strong, believable characters, plots and settings and the hilarious first-person voice of the unlikely hero, Derek, "My Life as a Stuntboy" will appeal to avid and reluctant readers alike.

"Sally's Bones" by MacKenzie Cadenhead, illustrated by T.S. Spookytooth, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2011, 163 pages, $6.99 paperback.

Sally Simplesmith is a lonely girl. Eight years ago, Sally's mother died. At the same time, her best (and only) friend, Viola, moved away and she hadn't heard from her since. Sally's father is very absorbed in his work, and Sally just doesn't have anyone she can count on.

When news arrives that Viola and her family are moving back to town, Sally is elated. But her joy is short-lived: Viola has morphed into a very nasty girl who doesn't want anything to do with Sally. Visiting her mother's grave, Sally weeps bitterly, desperately wishing for something to happen to ease her sorrow. Her wish comes true in the form of a loving dog (who had come back from the dead and is literally a skeleton).

Sally names her new loyal friend Bones, and although he is odd to look at, he is pure delight. But when Bones is wrongfully accused of being a thief, it's up to Sally to set the record straight.

At once tender and hilarious, this mysterious who-done-it story will have readers cheering for Sally and Bones and all underdogs, no matter where they come from.

"Waiting for the Magic" by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Amy June Bates, Atheneum, 2011, 143 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

The day William's papa left "for a while," life took a different turn. Papa had left before, but this time it seemed like it might be forever.

Mama marched out of the house with William and his 4-year-old sister, Elinor, and promptly brought home four dogs and a cat from the animal shelter. Even though the animals filled their home with joy and distraction, Papa's absence was still hard-felt.

Elinor had been able to hear what their animals said from the moment they walked into their house, but suddenly William — the one who didn't believe in magic — began to hear the animals and the wise words they offered. Slowly but surely, magic started to weave its way into everyone's life and turned everything around for the good — the very good.

At once heart-wrenching, funny, tender and full of promise, "Waiting for the Magic" is everything a great novel should be, and more.

"Make a Mummy, Shrink a Head and Other Useful Skills" by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs, Klutz, 2011, 56 pages, $19.99 hardcover.

Explorers and want-to-be explorers — this is the book for you. Learn important skills such as decoding hieroglyphics, read a treasure map, making a mummy (out of a hot dog), build a sarcophagus from the easy-to-make colorful sarcophagus (included) for your mummy, make a shrunken head (out of an apple) and much, much more.

Everything you need to be the explorer you've always wanted begins with this book. Why wait? You never know when such skills might be needed.

Age 11 and older

"The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman" by Meg Wolitzer, Dutton, 2011, 294 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

Three very different middle-school students — Duncan Dorfman, April Blunt and Nate Saviano — don't seem to have much in common except for their connection to the game of Scrabble. Meeting for the first time at the national Youth Scrabble Tournament, their lives begin to intersect, both on and off the competition floor.

Duncan has a unique power to feel letters and words beneath his fingertips without looking, and once he reveals this to the school bully (and star Scrabble player) Carl, Duncan is dragged into prepping for the national Tournament.

Carl wants Duncan to use his powers to make certain they win, but Duncan isn't sure he wants to cheat his way into anything. Duncan is desperately trying to help his single mom adjust to life in their new small town while trying to survive being the new kid at school. Maybe being pals with Carl and an "ace" Scrabble player will be his answer — or will it?

Nate struggles to measure up to his father's high expectations, and April wants her family of avid sports people to recognize her sport of Scrabble as equally valid (while hoping to somehow reconnect with a mysterious boy from her past).

Will Duncan succumb to cheating? Who will be the victor? Does it really matter?

Perfectly wrought from start to finish, this awesome novel brims with humor, insight and superb storytelling throughout all 294 pages.

"Breaking Stalin's Nose" by Eugene Yelchin, Henry Holt, 2011, 160 pages, $15.99 hardcover.

"My dad is a hero and a communist and, more than anything, I want to be like him. I can never be like Comrade Stalin, of course. He's our great Leader and Teacher."

So begins this dramatic, moving and disturbing novel of 10-year-old Sasha Zaichik. Since the age of 6, Sasha has known the laws of the Soviet Young Pioneers and has yearned for the day he can join what he thinks is the most prestigious group any young person could be a part of.

Just before that great day is to happen for Sasha, things unravel that leave Sasha questioning his beliefs. His father is arrested and accused of being a traitor, he accidentally damages a bust of Stalin in school and his relatives, classmates and teachers turn on Sasha. Could it be that everything he has come to know, trust and believe in is a lie? If so, what does that mean for Sasha?

A stunning, powerful and most thought-provoking novel, "Breaking Stalin's Nose" isn't just about Stalin and communism but also acts as an important warning to the people of today.

"City of Orphans" by Avi, illustrated by Greg Ruth, Atheneum, 2011, 350 pages, $16.99 hardcover.

The year is 1893, and the tenements in the Lower East Side of New York City are full of poor families trying to make ends meet. Thirteen-year-old Maks Geless is one such resident, and like many boys, Maks works as a newsboy selling newspapers to help his family survive.

Maks' life isn't easy. He is in constant danger of being beaten and robbed by the Plug Ugly Gang. During one such encounter with the gang, Maks' pursuers are beaten off by a homeless girl, Willa. Maks and his family take Willa in, and the two forge a friendship.

Not long thereafter, Maks' sister is accused of stealing from the glamorous Waldorf Hotel where she works. Maks knows his sister is innocent, but she's been arrested and imprisoned in The Tombs. It's up to Maks to prove her innocence, and he only has four days to do so.

Avi paints a vivid and historically accurate picture of 19th-century New York City, where powerful forces threaten new immigrants on a constant basis. Brilliantly written, "City of Orphans" by master storyteller Avi delivers in every regard.

"Icefall" by Matthew J. Kirby, Scholastic, 2011, 321 pages, $17.99 hardcover.

In ancient Scandinavia, Princess Sloveig and her siblings have been sent to a remote fortress between mountains and the sea during a time of war. Soldiers and other workers have been sent with them, charged with the duty to protect the children from harm. Winter has the group all but cut-off from the outside world, and supplies to sustain life are dwindling.

Suffering from claustrophobia and hunger, a destructive malevolence threatens the once harmonious atmosphere. Then, the very men sent to protect the children are poisoned. It is up to Sloveig and her siblings to uncover the traitor before he succeeds in destroying everything in his path, including the kingdom itself.

"Icefall" is a superb mystery enriched with powerful, believable characters, plot and setting and guarantees that readers will be thoroughly engaged to the final word.

Kendal A. Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at her website: greatestbooksforkids.com.