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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Picture Book Pair for a Fun Fall Story Time

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by Rebecca J. Gomez

Pairing two or more picture books with similar themes can open up a world of discussion possibilities, and those discussions are great ways to connect with your children or students. It can be fascinating to see how different authors and illustrators approach different topics and themes. Pairing books with similar themes during story time will help children learn that everyone sees the world a little differently, and it's good to see other people's perspectives.

Read: Leaves by David Ezra Stein and The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater

Discuss: 

  • What is the main theme in each of these stories?
  • How are these two books different? How are they similar?
  • What were Bear and Squirrel both confused about? 
  • Have you ever been confused or curious about something in nature? Talk about it!
  • What is fall like where you live? Do you see leaves changing, then falling from the trees? 
  • What other books about fall or leaves have you read? Are any of them similar to these two?
Do: Try one or more of these leafy activities!
  • Make leaf prints. Head outside and find some fallen leaves. Make sure they are still flexible, not dry and crinkly. Then get out some paint, such as tempera paints or craft paints. You will also need a wide paint brush and some paper. You may want to wear an old shirt so that you don't get paint on your good clothes. Use the brush to paint one side of the leaf, then carefully press the leaf onto the paper. Lift the leaf off the page and you'll have a lovely leaf print. Let it dry and hang it somewhere for all to see!
This leaf print was made with radish greens
  • Make leaf rubbings. Find fall leaves like you would for a leaf print. You'll need paper and crayons too. Set a leaf under a sheet of paper, and "rub" a crayon over it. It is easier if you remove the crayon wrapper and color with the side of the crayon.
  • Jump in leaf piles.
  • Make a leaf garland, like this one! 
  • Go for a fall leaf walk. What colors do you see? Collect one leaf of every color, then arrange them like a rainbow and take a picture.
  • Draw pictures of colorful fall leaves.
Looking for more fall fun? Check out this list of ten story time activities to pair with fall books! 

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