By Fiona Stevenson — Columnist
Many of us process what is happening around us by reading — but we also read to relax. If there ever was a time to curl up with a good book in search of distraction, now’s the time.
There has been a spate of articles recommending that people use reading as a form of self-care. Fortunately, with holidays happening in the next month, it’s easy to find something for everyone on your list of deserving recipients and something for yourself, too.
Please consider shopping at our own Concord Bookshop for newer titles or The Barrow Bookstore on Main Street for that vintage treasure. If you can’t decide, purchase a gift certificate at either or both for your chosen recipient, and they will have something wonderful to look forward to in the new year.
As the great children’s author Kate DiCamillo says, “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” For preschoolers, offer them “Everything Under a Mushroom” by Ruth Krauss, illustrated by Margot Tomes (NYRB), a reissued classic title about what your child might choose to do if they were small enough to fit under a mushroom.
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, try “Powwow Day” by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight (Charlesbridge), ages preschool-K, a counting picture book of elements of one of the most beloved, inclusive, and misunderstood tribal ceremonies.
Any book by Rosemary Wells will be appreciated as a classic addition to a young family’s library, and her Mother Goose books are familiar presences on bookshelves. Her newest offering is “The Little Chefs: Three Stories” (Hippo Park), ages 4-8, an appealingly small book about every child’s fantasy of making food for those they love.
Reinforce positive feelings about building a child’s personal library with “My Book and Me” by Linda Sue Park, illustrated by Chris Raschka (Red Comet Press), ages 3-6, about a child’s love of reading. “Just Like Millie” by Lauren Castillo (Candlewick), ages 4-8, is a lovely story of a girl who gets the right dog at a time when she needs all the love and companionship she can get. Warning: You might feel the need for your own adorable pet to cuddle.
“A Face is a Poem” by Julie Morstad (Tundra Books ), ages 3-7, matches Morstad’s stunning illustrations with gorgeous words about human beauty of all kinds. “Bog Myrtle” by Sid Sharp (Annick Press), ages 6-10, is a spunky graphic novel about sisters who discover the Earth is not a limitless resource — and to beware of thinking it is.
“All About U.S.: A Look at the Real Lives of 50 Kids from Across the United States” by Matt Lamothe and Jenny Volvoski (Chronicle Books), ages 6-12, is a fascinating look at how children live in each great state, but even more important, an opportunity to be reminded children have much in common, even in divided times.
“The Bletchley Riddle” by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin (Viking), ages 9-12, is a middle-grade tale of siblings working in World War II to break Nazi codes — and solve some family mysteries — at the famous estate in England.
“Medici Heist” by Caitlin Schneiderhan (Feiwel & Friends), ages 13-17, is a clever historical novel for teens set in Renaissance Italy with a gang of con artists in Florence pulling off a spectacular caper.
A Newbery Honor graphic novel I loved this year was “Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir,” by Pedro Martín (Penguin Random), about a teen traveling between California and Mexico to see his abuelito.
For adults looking for a comforting literary read, anything by Laurie Colwin will do. Her food essays from Gourmet magazine, collected in “Home Cooking “(Vintage), or her novels — I usually recommend “Happy All the Time” (Vintage) — are witty, bright, and ruthless in dissecting the bourgeoisie of late 20th-century New York City. Please consider attending the Fowler Library’s Afternoon Tea Book Club on Friday, December 6, from 2-3 p.m. to discuss Colwin’s remarkable writings, and don’t forget to register at concordlbrary.org.
“A House Restored: The Tragedies and Triumphs of Saving a New England Colonial” by Lee McColgan (Countryman Press) is the latest book to examine the fascination that old New England houses inspire in historians, craftsmen, builders, and those of us who like seeing them. It’s interesting not just because it is about a 300-year-old Nantucket house that McColgan decided to use historical restoration methods to rescue, falling down a rabbit hole of frustration, obsession, and pride. It also details the recognizable discoveries and disasters that arise with any household project, big and small, but how grateful we should be to have that privilege.
“The Art of the Literary Poster” by Allison Rudnick (Metropolitan Museum of Art) is a gorgeous collection of graphic works for the literary people in your life. They might also like “The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore” by Evan Friss (Viking), a delightful collection about famous bookstores past and present and the owners and staff who build community and welcome all to their stores.
Finally, introduce yourself to “Old Fox,” the anthropomorphized English hero of online short stories published by Anne Louise Avery on her Instagram and Patreon accounts. His life in a Dorset village is touched by nature, community, spirituality — and perhaps magic. Old Fox has gone from a cult following to worldwide fanship amongst those who are fascinated by his rituals and recipes and have an obsessive interest in what exactly is served at high tea. Avery’s book “Reynard the Fox” (Bodleian Library), about another trickster who gets up to mischief in medieval times, would make a lovely gift. Rumor has it there will be an Old Fox collection soon.
Don’t forget to attend the Concord Free Public Library’s Holiday Book Sale from December 6-8 during regular hours; many choice titles will be waiting, with all proceeds benefiting the Library Friends’ programs.
