Looking for some great reads for the children in your life? Check out our updated post on the most popular children’s books on Reading Rewards.

dear santaNovember isn’t even over and one of my younger son’s favorite activities of late is ‘working on his Christmas list’. This involves browsing the websites of ToysRUs, Amazon, BestBuy and other online retailers for the best of the best in electronics and gaming. Sigh!

Not surprising.

A recent Nielsen poll suggests that 44% of kids in the US want an iPad for Christmas.

what kids want for ChristmasSo I suppose in a way I should consider myself lucky that the top item on my son’s list is something called Skylanders…

Although they may not realize it while they are working on their lists, Lady Montagu put if perfectly when she said, in 1752:

“No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting. She will not want new fashions nor regret the loss of expensive diversions or variety of company if she can be amused with an author in her closet.”

Yes somehow, unwrapping books, no matter how enticing they may be, pales in comparison to the shiny electronic gadgets, DVDs, and video games.

MotherReader has some great ideas over on her blog, including ways to wrap a book, and 105 ways to give a book. You must check them out for inspiration, I know I will! There is nothing I love more than browsing my local bookstore for great picks for my kids, but I’ll be looking for some creative ways to make them stand out amidst Mario and all the rest.

You’ll also find great inspiration over at The Book Chook, where Susan has brought together literacy-related holiday inspiration from around the kid lit blogosphere. And if you’re looking for books ABOUT Christmas, don’t miss our post about 21 must-read Christmas stories for children.

No excuses to not include books, and lots of them, under the tree this holiday season!

Hope you’ll share any advice you have on how to give the best children’s books this holiday season!

Happy Reading,

Michelle