IT'S "LISTING" TIME - when we make lists for shopping, lists of parties and special events, lists of names for our greeting cards and, of course, lists of holiday gifts . . . which is what the list that follows is all about. To make gift lists even easier, our theme is "Books: gifts that never stop giving."
To help with your holiday shopping, here are suggestions for children's books for family members, friends, teachers, mail carriers, the lady next door. One section features the "unusual book" for that special person on your list. And don't forget to give yourself a book, too, one that reminds you of this special holiday season!THE CHRISTMAS STORY
"The First Christmas" (Simon and Schuster), with text from the New Testament and illustrated with paintings from the National Gallery in London, is probably the most beautiful book of the season. The reproductions come from works by nearly a dozen 15th- and 16th-century painters. Besides the nine full-page classical pieces, clips from other mas-terpieces serve as entries, flap decorations and end papers. The story and message of the birth of Jesus can be found in this rich book for the whole family.
"The Beasts of Bethlehem" offers verse by X.J. Kennedy and drawings by Michael McCurdy (Macmillan). Kennedy's powerful, well-chosen words are voices of the witnesses - creatures of the farm and field - to the birth of the Christ Child. The scratchboard drawings complement this inventive rendition of the traditional story.
When Dad takes the children to cut a special tree in "The Christmas Tree Ride," by Mary Neville and Megan Lloyd (Holiday House), they travel a long way, up a hill, and then down again, very fast. This pleasing family story has a satisfying twist when the owner of the tree farm comes to Christmas dinner.
In "Christmas Eve at Santa's," by Alf Proysen and Jens Ahlbom (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), Carpenter Anderson and Santa Claus end up providing Christmas presents for each others' families in a fun-loving story of giving and love.
While the snow came and wiped out both tracks of Carpenter Anderson and Santa Claus, tracks that can be followed is what "The Snowy Path: A Christmas Journey," by Lark Carrier (Picture Book Studio), is all about. Except for two short paragraphs to set the scene, this is a wordless picture book about a little girl who thought hers were the only footprints in the woods. Each page with a trail of prints in the snow leads to a flap, which when turned up reveals the animals and finally Santa. There's lots of space here for youngsters to make up their own storylines.
There's hardly been a Christmas since Tomie de Paola began his career that he hasn't added a special book for the Christmas season. In "Jingle, the Christmas Clown" (Putnam) the young clown of the Little Circus is disappointed when he finds that their usual performance will not be held, since all that are left to participate are the vecchietti, the elderly of the village. In triumph he organizes the small animals and receives a blessing for his efforts.
New read-aloud books to celebrate the Christmas season include:
"Maria: A Christmas Story," by Theodore Taylor (Harcourt).
"A Christmas Sonata," by Gary Paulsen (Delacorte).
"The Christmas Box," by Joanne Stewart Wetzel, illustrated by Barry Root (Knopf).
"Solstice: A Mystery of the Season," by Jan Adkins (Walker).
" 'Twas the Night Before Christmas," * by Clement Moore, illustrated by Jessie Wilcox Smith (* the 80th anniversary edition).
HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS
"Elijah's Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas," by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson (Harcourt Brace Jo-van-ovich), is more than a story of a Jewish holiday. It tells of a Christian black barber (a woodcarver) and a Jewish boy who found love and appreciation for each other through their exchange of gifts from their cultures. Blended into the autobiographical storyline are paintings also based on the artist's recollections of Elijah.
Eric A. Kimmel drew on stories of his heritage for "The Spotted Pony: A Collection of Hanukkah Stories," illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher (Holiday House). In eight tales - one for every night of Hanukkah - the stories of King Solomon, Benayahu ben Yehoyada, the prankster, Her-shel and others are combined to make a pleasing read-aloud volume. Each story is preceded by a brief shammes story, a tradition Kimmel learned from his grandmother.
Although not about Hanukkah per se, "Riches" by Esther Hautzig (Harper Collins) is the kind of story a family can read together, remembering that sometimes priorities need to be put in order. For the old couple Samuel and Chaya-Rivka, it is when they find that ". . . to give of yourself and not of your money is God's special way of bestowing riches on the giver and the receiver."
NEW VERSIONS OF OLD STORIES
Every year dozens of traditional tales are retold with fresh new illustrations. In some cases the versions are variations of what children have already heard, in others they are nearly new stories. But in all cases they are works of art, to compare, contrast and enjoy.
"Orpheus," by Charles Mikolaycak (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich), is definitely a gift for an adult, I think, since the content suggests mature themes and the illustrations portray nudity. (A full review of "Orpheus" will appear in a later column.)
Four examples of contrasting artwork appear with stories written by Hans Christian Andersen.
In "Swineherd" (Lothrop), Deborah Hahn takes a contemporary twist as she portrays Hans, the author, putting the finishing touches on his story.
The old woman and the big dogs (BIG DOGS!) in "The Tinderbox" (Simon and Schuster) are illustrated by James Warhola as full of humor and animation, sometimes almost overpowering the story itself. Another version of "The Tinderbox" was illustrated by Barry Moser last year.
The delicate washes by Kaarina Kaila for Deborah Hautzig's retelling of "The Wild Swans" (Knopf) are truly stunning. Fairy tale lovers will find much enjoyment in this tender story of a girl who saves her 11 brothers from an evil spell.
Award-winning illustrator Fred Marcellino (the 1991 Caldecott winner for "Puss and Boots") has turned "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" into a masterpiece. This retelling by Tor Seidler (HarperCollins) is slight, but the illustrations provide "what the text doesn't tell" with detail, ususual vantage points and panoramic views on two-page spreads.
Barry Moser, whose art has won numerous awards, illustrated Margaret Hodge's version of "St. Jerome and the Lion" (Orchard), the story of the monk who translated the Bible into Latin, and "Polly Vaughn" (Little Brown), a British ballad that the artist fashioned from people he knew. The latter book, an extended story of romance, family feuds and reconciliation, is best for older readers. The illustrations are superb, sometimes serving as portraits that tell the story without text.
Some of Moser's most beautiful work is seen in his black-and-white engravings accompanying Nancy Willard's telling of "Beauty and the Beast" (Harcourt Brace Jovanovich). The pictures alone are worthy, but the lyrical text makes this an award-winner on everyone's list.
Other retellings as picture books that would make great gifts:
"East of the Sun, West of the Moon," by D.J. MacHale, illustrations by Vivienne Flesher (Simon and Schuster).
"Peter and the Wolf," by Michelle Lemieux (Morrow).
"The Breman Town Musicians," by Janet Stevens (Holiday House).
"King Midas and the Golden Touch," by Eric Metaxas, illustrated by Rodica Prato (Simon and Schuster).
"The Tale of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp," by Eric Kimmel, illustrated by Ju-Hong Chen (Holiday House).
"King Arthur: The Sword in the Stone," by Hudson Talbott (Morrow).
"Goldilocks," by Dom DeLuise, illustrations by Christopher Santoro (Simon and Schuster). In this one you can bet the retelling includes recipes!
Two new versions of novels are Felix Salten's "Bambi," with illustrations by Michael J. Woods, and "The Jungle Book," by Rudyard Kipling, with paintings by Inga Moore. Both of these are from Simon and Schuster.
FOR 7-, 8- AND 9-YEAR-OLDS
In "1983 the Year You Were Born" (and the ones for 1884 and 1985 with the same format) by Jeanne Martinet, illustrated by Judy Lanfredi (Morrow), the events from around the world are listed for each day of the year. Also included are topics such as the U.S. population for the year, the top movie, the most popular songs, location of the most rainfall, etc. Children born in those three years whose names are Michael will find that they have the most popular name for all three years, while Jennifer was the most-often given name for 1983 and 1984 but replaced in 1985 with Jessica. These are books that really provide reading for the whole year.
COLLECTIONS OF STORIES,
SONGS AND POETRY
What better way to remember others at this holiday time than to give a gift of HOME. In this case "Home" (a Charlotte Zolotow Book/Harper Col-lins) is a collaboration of 30 distinguished authors and illustrators of children's books, with all royalties going to Share Our Strength (SOS), a nonprofit organization established in behalf of hunger relief. This is a special project, with poetry, stories and pictures about "home" and its meaning to each contributor.
In "City of Gold and Other Stories from the Old Testament," with illus
trations by Michael Foreman (Otter Books/Houghton Mifflin), Peter Dickinson uses the voices of the characters in the tribes of Israel as they are collected and then the eventual destruction of the City of Gold. Pleasant reading in contemporary English.
"A Treasury of Children's Literature," edited by Armand Eisen (Houghton Mifflin), may be just the gift for a child when you wonder what they have read. It has selections from traditional tales, classical pieces and nursery rhymes. For older children, "Oscar Wilde Stories for Children" (Macmillan) may be the answer. This collection of six Wilde stories is refreshing to read, and the illustrations by P.J. Lynch add an aesthetic dimension.
Everybody's family needs to read and sing about American folk heroes. In "American Tall Tales," collected by Mary Pope Osborne, and "Gonna Sing My Head Off!" collected by Kathleen Krull (both from Knopf), readers and singers can travel from coast to coast and north to south with story, poem, song and yarns of our country.
GIVE A UTAH AUTHOR OR ARTIST!
From picture books to mysteries, from information to humor, Utah writers and illustrators provide a rich source of gifts for the giving.
"All Kinds of Answers" by Barbara J. Porter has a message that every child will understand: "Some answers aren't answers at all - like when you ask, `Is it time for recess?' and the teacher says, `It's not your turn to talk.' " The large, expressive illustrations by Dilleen Marsh add pathos and humor.
Rich Walton has published several books for young children, all with a tongue-in-cheek humor that have helped place them on the "children's choices" list across the United States. "Will You Still Love Me?" has the same humor, but with a patient father you get "set up" for the question asked by the child. Brad Teare's pictures complement the cumulative-type text.
Just when we finally located the Nephite in "I Spy a Nephite," Pat Bagley provides us with another challenge in "A Nephite in the Works." With the limitless interest in Waldo books, the Nephite becomes a family venture - "Who can find him first?" But it is also a quest to find someone else that you know. A coloring book based on the characters in "A Ne-phite in the Works" is also available.
All three of the previous books are published by Deseret Book.
A newcomer to the writing field is attorney Jay Meservy, whose recent book "Troll," illustrated by Sheila Lucas (Beautiful America Publishers), will cause many giggles and requests to be read a second time.
Not new to the publishing world are Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson (a mother and daughter), who both have new books this season. Skurzynski's "Here Comes the Mail" (Bradbury) is an important informational book that updates just about anything on library shelves regarding the Postal Service. This is a much-needed book for understanding what goes on when a letter leaves a child's hand. Ferguson's book, "Overkill" (Bradbury), is a spine-tingler that should cause a few sleepless nights; after all, it was a dream where the mystery began. If you want a back-to-back mystery, try her Edgar-winning book "Show Me the Evidence."
It's an inventive artist indeed that can illustrate something for a book as old as "The Book of Mormon." Marian Dautel's paperdoll collection attempts to provide a teaching tool for parents, teachers and children. Her four packets of dolls with authentic costumes, available in local bookstores, include Nephi, Lehi and Sariah, Laman and Lemuel, and Nephi's wife and Laman's wife.
"The Escape of Marvin the Ape" by Carolyn and Mark Buehner (Dial) is by other newcomers to the publishing scene. The crafty Marvin, with antics reminiscent of Curious George's, might turn into a series that gives George a little competition.
The animated pictures in "The Cat and the Fiddle and More" (Atheneum), by Utah artist Richard Hull, extends the lyrical verses of Jim Aylesworth and would be a barrel of fun for a gift.
And don't forget last season's "How the Ox Star Fell From Heaven" by Lily Toy Hong (Whitman).
GIVE A BOOK OF ART
The world of children's books is a magical one, and the art itself can be a large part of the enjoyment.
"Illustrating Children's Books: A Guide to Drawing, Printing and Publishing," by Nancy Hands (Prentice Hall), although not a new book, continues to give information and help those who venture into the trade.
"The Painter's Eye: Learning to Look at Contemporary American Art," by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Johnson, and "The Telling Line," by Douglas Martin (both from Dela-corte), will interest the art buff. The first examines post-war American artists and includes 30 full-color reproductions, with detailed sections from the paintings. The Martin book, which will appeal to art historians, students of children's literature and artists, is a collection of interviews with 15 award-winning illustrators.
Those who like to relate the art to the artist will enjoy "Talking with Artists," compiled by Pat Cummings (Bradbury). Questions such as where ideas come from, who influenced the art and how to get started are answered by some of the leading artists of today's children's books.
"Looking at Paintings" (Hyperion) is a series of books that presents many different painters' views of a single subject. In "Seascapes," one in the series, Peggy Roalf leads readers on a personal gallery tour of 19 favorite paintings of the sea and its surroundings.
Not a new book but still one of my favorites is "Great Painters" by Piero Ventura (Putnam), which tells the story of art from Giotta to Picasso, with small pictures in a diorama of storytelling.
"Portraits of Women Artists for Children,' by Robyn Montana Turner (Little Brown) is a series that presents what only adult publications previously printed. The layout and format of these books are glorious. My favorites are "Georgia O'Keefe" and "Mary Cassat."
"Incredible Cross-Sections," by Richard Platt, illustrated in full-color by Stephen Biesty (Random), is one of the most original art books of the season. Some of the world's fascinating structures will amaze readers of all ages when they are seen sliced down the middle. Included are illustrations of the Empire State Building and the Queen Mary, and the book has two drawings that fold out to nearly three feet.
THE "UNUSUAL" GIFT FOR
THAT SPECIAL PERSON
As soon as "Griffin and Sabine" and "Sabine's Notebook" (Chronicle) hit my coffee table, the interest among the adults and teenagers was high. So, I've carried them to schools and found similar interest in grades 4-6. These are touted as adult books, but believe me, they cross over to all ages. Nick Bantock has invented the new "pet rock," and the fad of writing mysterious letters and postcards just may be a beginning tidal wave.
"Errata: A Book of Historical Errors," by A.J. Wood and illustrated by Hemessh Alles (Green Willow) is another in the line of seek-and-you-shall-be-surprised genre, which accelerated with the Waldo books. Everyone gets involved in this one, and the spin-off is learning a little history.
If you think a book is a book, think again. "The Lunch Book and Bag" by Kinny Kreiswirth and Jolene Bodily (Morrow) includes a shopping list, growth chart and 25 easy-to-make recipes in a book and a lunch bag. Also by Morrow is "The Money Book," which when put on a shelf looks like a book but is also a bank. This is a smart kid's guide to savvy savings and spending.
For those who like to read under the covers, there is a new series that encourages it to be done with a flashlight. "Nightlights" (St. Martin's Press) is a series of classic tales in which every picture in every book glows - just right for reading with the light in the dark. The series includes "The Golden Touch" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, "Fever Dream" by Ray Bradbury, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Speckled Band" and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," adapted by Nicholas Stuart Gray.
Pop-up books are always favorites, and two this season add beauty - and another insight into paper engineering. "Castles" (Orchard) is a three-dimensional exploration of the times of heraldry. Four magnificent two-page spreads unfold into different parts of castles under siege, during tournaments and as a fortress. The text is by Gillian Osband and the illustrations by Robert Andrew. The paper sculpture is done by David Hawcock and was first printed in London.
"Grandma's Jewelry Box," by Linda Milstein, with illustrations by Jean Hirashima (Random), is an invitation to lift the lid of Grandma's special box and find the treasures. There's history here as well as the tidbits of antique jewelry.
For the child who likes miniatures "Jan Pienkowski's Fairy Tale Library" (Knopf) is a dream come true. Four fairy tales measuring 3-by-4 inches are in a slipcase set that will be a great stocking stuffer. The all-time favorites - which have appeared in the large format - are "Cinderella," "Puss-in-Boots," "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Snow White."
"The Macmillan Visual Dictionary" almost dispenses with words and uses 3,500 color illustrations and 25,000 terms to illustrate 600 subjects. The over-800 pages of this reference include sports, art, transportation, clothing, nature - from astronomy to weapons. This is the ultimate gift to get anyone engaged in page turning.
SOME FROM MY "BEST-OFTHE-YEAR" LIST:
First are my favorite books of humor.
It's not too late to have one more poke at the Bush family dog, Millie. In "Good Dog, Millie" (Macmillan), Andy Mayerm, Jim Becker, Mary Kit-tila (you will remember them from "Where's Dan Quayle?" and "The Official Book of Thumb Wrestling") have really taken a swipe at the antics of the White House when Barbara leaves President Bush to care for the dog. It's wordless, but there will be plenty to laugh about and say with this one.
When Lily in "Lily and the Present," by Christine Ross (Houghton Mifflin), goes to buy a present for her new baby brother, it needs to be big, bright and beautiful. A big crocodile is the first and . . . well, what do you think the other two things are?
In "Aunt Hilarity's Bustle," by Helen Ketteman, illustrated by James Warhola (Simon and Schuster), Hilarity wants to wear a bustle and decides to make her own. "She went out to the barn and stuffed the sack with hay." Little did she know that the hay was full of fleas. The bustle is Hilarity's fashion statement, and her attempts to make one are ridiculous.
The six remaining books each have features that make them outstanding; a theme that is universal, illustrations that are exquisite, a storyline that touches the heart or an excerpt that is worthy of all ages. Because each of them will be reviewed in depth later on, I'll only recommend them by title here:
"The Moon Lady" (Macmillan), a chapter from Amy Tan's adult book, "The Joy Luck Club."
"The Man Who Lit the Stars," by Claude Clement (Little, Brown).
"The Old Red Rocking Chair," by Phyllis Root (Arcade/Little, Brown).
"The King's Equal," by Katherine Paterson (HarperCollins).
"The Rainbabies," by Laura Krauss Melmed (Lothrop).
"An Angel for Solomon Singer," by Cynthia Rylant (Orchard).
Marilou Sorensen is an associate professor of education at the University of Utah specializing in children's literature.