| How many times a year are your children invited to | | | | 2. Books are gifts that can be opened again and |
| birthday parties? If your life is anything like mine, you | | | | again. |
| find yourself constantly running out of the house to | | | | 1. Books, no matter how much you use them, never |
| buy a gift for one of your children's friends. There | | | | run out. |
| have actually been weekends where I've found | | | | So how do I find the perfect book for my child to |
| myself chauffeuring the kids to three different | | | | give as a gift? I approach it from one of three |
| parties! But that's not the most time consuming | | | | angles. I either purchase a book that my child loves |
| aspect of all the hoopla. Finding the right gift for each | | | | and can then pass that enthusiasm on to her friend. |
| of these wonderful kids is the most difficult part - I | | | | Or I choose a book that I know every child that age |
| can literally search for days to find the right one. The | | | | will enjoy-usually one that is filled with |
| one that will make the birthday boy or girl light up at | | | | age-appropriate activities. And lastly, I might go for a |
| the sight of it and yet, will satisfy their parents as | | | | classic or a retelling of a classic that I know will |
| well. Because we all know, you're not just buying the | | | | withstand the test of time. No matter what approach |
| gift for the child-the potential reaction of his or her | | | | I take, I typically write a special note to the birthday |
| parents can directly influence your choice. This is why | | | | boy or girl on the inside of the book, stating the |
| 95% of the time, I choose a great book for my child | | | | occasion and who it is from. That's an extra-special |
| to give to his friend. And here are my top ten | | | | touch that will keep that book on their bookshelf for |
| reasons why: | | | | years to come-long after any toy will have broken or |
| 10. Books don't need to be assembled. | | | | been tossed aside. |
| 9. Books don't need batteries or an electrical outlet. | | | | I encourage you to start giving your child's friends |
| 8. Books don't come in the wrong color or size. | | | | the best gift they'll ever receive- a brand new book. |
| 7. Books are easy to gift wrap. | | | | That brand new book might take them on journeys |
| 6. Books don't go out of style. | | | | they never dreamed possible. It might open their |
| 5. Books aren't noisy. | | | | eyes to acts of courage only super-heroes can |
| 4. Books can be taken anywhere and can take a child | | | | perform. It might give them hope. It might give them |
| anywhere. | | | | new dreams for their future. It will definitely let them |
| 3. Books aren't wrapped in impenetrable plastic. | | | | know they have a friend who cares for them. |