BOOKS ARE NEVER THE WRONG SIZE FOR CHILDREN'S GIFTS CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Nov. 24 -- The perfect children's gift can be found between the pages of a good book. So believes Patricia Crook, associate professor of education at the University of Virginia, who serves on the Children's Literature Assembly of the National Council of Teachers of English. A nationally recognized expert on children's literature, Crook delights in offering age-appropriate book suggestions for children. Here are descriptions of her 1994 recommendations: Picture Books for Young Children Bub: Or the Very Best Thing by Babbitt, Natalie. Harper-Collins. The author's outstanding writing style, along with her captivating illustrations, engage the reader completely in this story of a parental dispute over the best way to raise a toddler prince. Peppe the Lamplighter by Bartone, Elisa. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. A beautiful book, set in Little Italy, New York, at the turn of the century, this is a moving story about an immigrant family's experiences. Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present by Burningham, John. Candlewick Press. With bold and humorous illustrations and a story of a devoted Santa who endures many obstacles to make a forgotten delivery on Christmas Eve, this book will thrill the younger set this holiday season. Stellaluna by Cannon, Janell. Harcourt Brace & Co. Stellaluna, a fruit bat, gets separated from her mother and falls into a nest of baby birds. She adapts to their habits and learns much about friendship. This touching and humorous story makes it a big hit for young children. Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies by Cutler, Jane. Scholastic Hardcover. Darcy, faced with a new baby in the family, asks Grandma her opinion about babies. What follows from Gran in a humorous tale is pure delight. Owen by Henkes, Kevin. Greenwillow Books. Kevin Henkes has given us another endearing character. Owen, a mouse, hangs on to his yellow "Fuzzy" despite his parents receiving much advice from helpful neighbors on how to eliminate the blanket. The story contains wonderful humor. Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the American Southwest by McDermott, Gerald. Harcourt Brace. A Caldecott Award winner, McDermott is known for his delightful tales; this time it's a tale about a troublesome coyote and his comeuppance. The author's notes reveal that the illustrationsŐ colors are true to the Pueblo of the Zuni, who most certainly excel in telling coyote tales. Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest by McDermott, Gerald. Harcourt Brace. Raven, a shape-changing trickster, steals the sun from the sky chief in order to bring light to a dark world. Snappy text in this clever tale. Uncle Jed's Barbershop by Mitchell, Margaree King. Simon and Schuster. Sarah Jean's uncle fulfills his dream and finally opens a barbershop. The text, combined with warm oil paintings, gives the reader a poignant description of a loving family during the hard times of segregation. Hue Boy by Mitchell, Rita P. Dial. This beautiful book, set in the Caribbean, is about a boy who tries one remedy after another to achieve greater physical stature. The incredible illustrations are done by Amazing Grace author, Caroline Binch. Yo! Yes? by Raschka, Chris. Orchard Books. In few words this author portrays a story about friendship and reaching out, starting with an African-American boy who calls "Yo!" to a Caucasian boy who is so shy, he is edging off the page. Intermediate Fiction, ages 8-12 The Boggart by Cooper, Susan. Margaret K. McElderry Books. An invisible, mischievous spirit, the Boggart gets packed with the furniture sent from an inherited Scottish castle to the recipients' home in Canada. Both fun and dangerous tricks ensure as the Boggart discovers new conveniences, such as electricity. The Great American Elephant Chase by Cross, Gillian. Holiday House, Inc. The two major characters, Cissie and Ted, lead a prized elephant from Pennsylvania to Nebraska while being pursued by the rather evil Hannibal Jackson. This exciting adventure, fast-paced and full of humor, is a most enjoyable reading experience. Flour Babies by Fine, Anne. Little, Brown and Co., Inc. A child-development project involves giving a class of boys bags of flour to treat like babies for three weeks. One of the boys decides to be the father he never had. This is a humorous story, but the responsibilities of parenting clearly emerge. Bull Run by Fleischman, Paul. Harper-Collins. Through this creative novel the reader shares the lives and thoughts of several different people who had roles in the Battle of Bull Run. Although it is historical fiction, the background is factual and includes details of the battle. The Apprentice by Liorente, Pilar Monia. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Inc. Thirteen-year-old Arduino becomes apprenticed for three years to a well-known artist. The first-person narrative allows the reader access to the practices of the times. Flip-Flop Girl by Paterson, Katherine. Lodestar Books. Another of Paterson's compelling tales, this one is about a young girl, Vinnie, and how she comes to terms with the death of her father. The story is powerful in its exploration of universal themes of grief and healing, jealousy and forgiveness. Historical Across America on an Emigrant Train by Murphy, Jim. Clarion Books For ages nine and older, this is the story of Robert Louis Stevenson's trip from Scotland to New York and then across the United States to see the woman he loves. The author uses many of Stevenson's words from his trip journal, allowing the reader to see the country as Stevenson saw it. A train trip across American history. Older Fiction, ages 12-up The Giver by Lowry, Lois. Houghton Mifflin. 1994 Newberry Award. Jonas lives in a society that is "perfect," where everyone knows his/her place. When Jonas is given his life assignment--to hold the collective memory of society--he discovers some very dark secrets about his world. A fantasy that moves the reader close to some basic truths. Make Lemonade by Wolff, Virginia. Henry Holt and Co., Inc. Fourteen-year-old LaVaughan, who needs money for college, takes on a babysitting job for a 17-year-old single mother. The relationship between the two leads both toward taking steps to better their lives. The words in the brief chapters are arranged on pages like poetry, which makes fast reading. Gift Sets The Alfie Collection by Hughes, Shirley. Tupelo Books. This is a boxed set of four of Hughes' books starring lovable Alfie and his little sister. Recommended for the youngest on a gift list. Frederick's Fables: A Leo Lionni Treasury of Favorite Stories by Lionni, Leo. Pantheon Books. A re-issue of a collection of 13 fables, this edition includes "Frederick," "Swimmy" and "Alexander and the Wind-up Mouse." ### November 23, 1994 FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Crook at (804) 924-0849.