Book and Gift Pairings for the Holidays

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

THE TWELVE SLEIGHS OF CHRISTMAS Review and Craft

 

By Mindy Baker

The Twelve Sleighs of Christmas by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Jake Parker is a playful story that will spark your child’s creativity. With only two weeks before Christmas, Santa’s sleigh needs some repairs. The elves decide to have a build-off competition to see who can create the best new design. They teams work feverishly with pulleys, levers, gizmos, and gadgets, and Santa has trouble choosing between the dragster, the big rig, the floating ship, and many other fabulous designs. In the end, nothing is quite as right as his own restored classic sleigh. This book is a perfect choice for all those future engineers, and is the perfect spark for a day of inventive play. 


READ: The 12 Sleighs of Christmas by Sherri Duskey Rinker 

 

DISCUSS:  

  • What was your favorite sleigh that the elves built?  

  • What did you like about it? 

  • Do you like to build and create things?  

  • What is something that you have created? 

  • How do you feel when you make something unique? 

 

DO: Make a Sleigh 

 

You will need:  

  • A small cardboard box 

  • Two candy cane shaped tubes  

  • Wrapping paper 

  • Tape 

  • Scissors 

 

Optional: Stickers or other decorations to give your sleigh a unique style. You can also add stuffed animals to either ride in or pretend to pull the sleigh. 

  1. Cut the box into a sleigh shape and wrap with wrapping paper.  

  2. Tape the candy cane tubes onto the bottom of the box to form the “runners.” 

  3. Decorate your sleigh into your own unique “style.” 

 

 


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