Thoughtful books for kids this holiday!

We canvassed HipSilver Curators and Contributors to gather more recommendations for holiday gifts – this time, books especially for your Grandchildren.  Here are their picks, including some from HipSilver Founder and Chief Curator Gail Bruce. 

All quotations and links are either from Common Sense Media, (an independent non-profit organization that everyone should know) or Barnes & Noble.  While all our recommendations are available on you-know-what, we encourage you to support independent booksellers. 

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein for ages 4 and up.  “Classic sensitive parable about selflessness.” 

Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle for ages 6 to 9.  “An international and beloved bestselling children’s classic, [this book] helps parents and their curious children get up close and personal with the intimate world of human sexuality in the form of a picture book.” 

“I give this book top grades for humanness and honesty. Some parents will find that its humorousness helps them over the embarrassment.”                                                           —Dr. Spock

What's Happening to Me? by Peter Mayle for ages 9 to 12.  “Warmly and relatably illustrated throughout, [this book] creates a safe space where families can talk about the physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty and adolescence, answering the questions that kids ask most often.” 

 The Learning Tree by Gordon Parks for ages 14 to adult, this is “a moving first-hand account, in short novel form, of what it is like to grow up as a Black man in America, by photographer, writer, and composer, Gordon Parks.”

First Laugh - Welcome Baby! by Rose Ann Tahe, Nancy Bo Flood, for ages 2 to 5.  “In Navajo families, the first person to make a new baby laugh hosts the child's First Laugh Ceremony. Who will earn the honor in this story?”

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown for ages 2+, the “Ultimate going-to-bed book has stood the test of time.”