Looking for last minute gifts for children on your Christmas list? Consider the timeless gift of a book. In a world of video games and computerized toys, it can be hard to sell the notion of finding a quietspot on a winter afternoon to read during the school break, but we should at least try!
You may need to go online to find some of these books. During a recent shopping trip to both Borders and Barnes and Noble, I was unable to find many of them. (Of note, for those in search of children's books on Barack Obama, Borders has a hefty selection in the Children's History section.)
Later in the day I stopped at the public library branch near my home to check out some books about Christmas--Christmas as in 'Christ', not Santa. I couldn't find hardly a one, so I asked for assistance. I was told there was a big display of 'holiday' and Kwanza books on a table, but that the few Christian-type Christmas books would be located in the Children's Mythology Section.
Possible selections for your consideration include any of the children's books written by Lynne Cheney. "When Washington Crossed the Delaware", "We the People", "A Time for Freedom: What Happened When in America", "America: A Patriotic Primer", and "A is for Abigail" are remarkable, both from a literary standpoint as well as in illustration. Her books are beautiful and the proceeds benefit charity.
There is also "Lessons on Liberty: A Primer for Young Patriots" by Peter Lillback and Judy Mitchell. Again, the chances of finding some of these books may be limited but if you are diligent, you may be able to uncover other treasures such as, "Discover Nature in Winter" by Elizabeth Lawlor and "The Adventurous Boy's Handbook" by Tim and Stephen Brennan. "Everyday Graces: A Child's Book of Good Manners", written by Karen Santorum (Rick's wife) is wonderful, as is "The National Review Treasury of Classic Children's Literature" by the late William F. Buckley, Jr. "The Miracle of St. Nicholas" by Gloria Whelan is a delightful story for this time of year.
Merry Christmas to you and yours and may a special child in your life find a wonderful book under the tree this year.