Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about books for children…Do you buy books as gifts for children – either your own or those of friends or family? Would you buy books for all children, or only children who are already practiced readers?
I don't have any children of my own...unless you include Kitty, but imaginary cats seem to read imaginary books, so no purchases needed there.
But as to other people's children, yes, I have bought books for them, because a good book is one of the finest gift you can give anyone. Whether they agree or not!
Certainly if a child, or for that matter, a person of any age, is a reader, a good book will be an appreciated gift. But I also suggest it is a good gift for a child who is not a big reader. A really nice book of their very own, to enjoy at their own pace, about a subject they are interested in and therefore more motivated to delve into, is a wonderful way to introduce the marvelous world of books to non-readers or not very enthusiastic readers..of any age.
And while picture books are all well and good and I think beautiful illustrations can be a great plus to a book, I would actually prefer to give a book to a child that they will find a little more challenging. Not totally discouragingly challenging, but not too quick and easy. If the parents have to get in there and do some reading with the child, all the better! Two birds with one stone, because I think there are few better activities that a parent and child can share than reading together!
I agree...I love to give books as gifts. I got them from one particular uncle growing up, and really appreciated the thought he put into the choices. (Now he buys Barnes & Nobles gift cards for my kids!). There isn't a Christmas that goes by that I don't buy books for at least a half dozen people!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Caite! I always received books as gifts when I was young, and I KNOW that has helped me on my way to becoming the reader I am today :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's the best thing one can do for kids, really. Here is mine
ReplyDeleteI still have a book I got for a gift when I was a tot
ReplyDeleteback in 194... well, let's just say I am old! The book has held up well even though I have probably read it a million times. With beautifully illustrated glossy pages, Marcella, a Raggedy Ann Story,by Johnny Gruelle is still one of my cherished possessions.
yes, you are ALL right!
ReplyDeleteA great book can be a gift that will keep giving and giving and be revisited again and again...even for decades..as Kaye can attest! ;-)
Couldn't agree with you more. I was also gifted with books then and I've loved them ever since.
ReplyDeleteagreed, books are just plain good for children. my musings
ReplyDeleteI still have some of the books my parents gave me when I was a child. They are sitting on my shelf, and I'll be reading those to my son soon enough.
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful if you can find a book to interest a child and get them excited about reading.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I've ever given kids a "difficult" book but I've definitely given them some of my favorite books. Sometimes I'll give a heads-up if the book is a bit scary or, yes, I suppose "difficult", but I usually prefer just giving purely good books suited to the kids' reading level.
ReplyDeleteAmen to this!!!
ReplyDelete