Book and Gift Pairings for the Holidays

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Books make great gifts any time of year. But what's even better? Books paired with a items meant to extend the enjoyment of the story! This Read, Discuss, Do! Gift Guide pairs some of our favorite books with other gifts meant to help extend the fun of the story beyond the last page and maybe even encourage some new experiences. We hope you find some good ideas for readers and doers in your life on this list. For Babies and Toddlers Hey, Bruce! by Ryan T. Higgins. Pair this super fun (and funny) interactive picture book with a black bear plush, such as this First and Main 10-inch Bear .  Stomp, Wiggle, Clap, and Tap: My First Book of Dance  by Rachel Burk and illustrated by Alyssa De Asis, a book that encourages imaginative play. Pair this book with a musical gift such as a music box or instrument. Or maybe a dance costume! More books for active babies and toddlers For Little Makers The Thingity-Jig by Kathleen Doherty and illustrated by Kristyna Litten will be a sure hit with lit
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THANK YOU, OMU! Review and Activity

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by Tina Cho

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora is a delightful BIPOC picture book about a woman who cooks a thick red stew in her apartment building and the smell wafts down the street and around the block. Soon visitors knock at her door, starting with a little boy, and then a police officer, all wanting to taste this delicious stew. But when it comes time for Omu to eat, there is none left. However, at the very end, the visitors remember Omu and thank her. This book could be shared during the Thanksgiving season as not all families in America eat turkey. And it has a wonderful theme of thanksgiving.

Read: Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

Discuss: 

  1. How do you think Omu felt about sharing her thick red stew?

  2. Can you think of a time when you shared with someone who didn’t have something?

  3. How did the visitors thank Omu? 

Do:

The little boy in the story made Omu a thank you card. You can make homemade thank you cards for people in your life. To make a thank you card inspired by the collage art of Thank You, Omu!, follow the directions below.

You will need:

  • Construction paper or card stock

  • Paper scraps in various colors and patterns 

  • Scissors

  • Glue stick

  • Pencil

  • Envelope (optional)


To make the card:

  1. Fold a sheet of construction paper or card stock in half. If using an envelope, measure and trim your paper ahead of time so that it will fit inside the envelope when folded.

  2. Choose your background. You can choose the plain card paper as your background or choose a colored or patterned paper. If using another paper, cut it to fit the front of your card. Glue in place.

  3. Cut out block letters for THANK YOU out of contrasting paper. If it helps, draw the letters lightly with pencil first. Glue the letters onto your card, spelling out THANK YOU. Add an exclamation point if you’d like. You can also add the recipient’s name.

  4. Other options: 

    1. Make your own patterned paper by coloring or painting on cardstock or construction paper. Be sure to let it dry before you begin your collage.

    2. Make a more complex design by creating a collage image in addition to THANK YOU message.



Other ideas for things to do after reading Thank You, Omu!:

This holiday season is a time for giving. With the help of a parent, cook a stew or bake cookies or muffins to share with neighbors and tell them how you appreciate them.

Comments

Mindy Baker said…
I will have to look for this book! I love your activity idea. Thanks for posting!
November 18, 2021 at 7:37 PM
Rebecca Gomez said…
You're welcome. I hope you enjoy the story (and the art)!
January 26, 2022 at 11:43 AM
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