Should you need a quick gift idea for a child in your life …
… may I recommend any book by Chris Van Dusen.
Our collection started with King Hugo’s Huge Ego and The Circus Ship (both favorites of all the kids – ages 5, 7, 9, 10). I didn’t even realize they were by the same author until my former-librarian aunt gifted us with Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee and we finally figured out why we loved the books so much … they are cleverly written and charmingly illustrated by the same talented guy!
Each book is written with a catchy cadence which make them fun to read out loud and I could look at the pictures all day. A well-illustrated book makes all the difference and these are beyond well done.
I just bought the boys a few more Van Dusen books: A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee and If I Built a Car. We’ll wrap them up for their somethings to read (we do four gifts for each kiddo at christmas – something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read) and I’ll be just as excited to read them aloud as they will to receive them.
So if you’re needing one more last minute gift idea, maybe a Chris Van Dusen book is just the right choice.
Love these books.
We do something similar with the gifts. We do something they want, something to read (movie and book), something to wear (whole outfit), and something to CREATE! They love to create/craft S much as I do… so we changed it.
Happy Holidays! Ma they be filled with the stories and spirit of Christ’s birth.
We love Chris Van Dusen, he has been a favorite since my oldest (13) was 3. I have not seen the King Hugo so that will be one that we will be looking for.
We also LOVE the Mercy Watson books, authored by Kate DiCamillo (she also wrote the Tale of Despereaux, Because of Winn-Dixie, etc) but so, so perfectly illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Books as gifts never go out of style!
I have not seen these, my son will love them. Thanks!
He’s one of our favorites too! Randy Riley & the Really Big Hit is his best. If I Built A House is fun too. It’s the same kid as If I Built a Car. He also illustrates the Mercy Watson early reader series by Kate DiCamillo.
If I Built a House is another good one…my kids have checked it out at the library countless times!! I didn’t realize he had so many others…I’ll have to check these out!
We love him too! I’ve read Down By The Sea at Mystery Reader days at school and all the kids just love it.
I love these books. On Christmas eve, my children receive a new pair of Christmas jammies and a story. Any of these would be perfect. Thanks again for the suggestions!
All of these books are my absolute favorites! So fun to read aloud.
I bought If I Built a Car at a garage sale for a quarter. My son loves it!
We love If I Built a Car – such a fun read-aloud! I can’t wait to check out the other titles. Thanks!
Books are my absolute favorite gift for children and adults. Thanks for the recommendation.