Books make a great gift because there’s literature out there on everything. To narrow it down a bit, we asked Katherine Nevins of MainStreet BookEnds in Warner and Willard Williams of the Toadstool Bookshop in Peterborough, Keene and Nashua to offer some suggestions on books that would make a good gift.
By Mary Lyn Ray,
illustrated by Stephanie Graegen
Get excited about this new children’s book from New Hampshire’s own Mary Lyn Ray, a companion to last year’s The Thank You Book on expressing gratitude. On Dec. 8 at noon, you can meet Mary Lyn at the release party at MainStreet BookEnds, when she will read this as well as another of her classics, The Christmas Farm. She is a treasure, whose books have defined everyday childhood experiences growing up in New England.
By Rebecca Rule
For over 25 years Rebecca Rule has collected so many funny stories throughout New England, and thrills her audiences in the retelling. Collected here are some of the best, plus learn how the shyest little girl in the room became New Hampshire’s favorite storyteller. You can catch her at MainStreet BookEnds on Dec. 7 at noon when she reads her children’s classic, The Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever!
Edited by Deborah Jacobs
This is what we recommend as the ultimate stocking stuffer. Each issue, small in size, is packed with absolute gems from some of the finest writers in our country. From Wendall Berry to Naomi Shihab Nye to emerging young writers, each carefully picked piece brings joy, solace and fragments of wisdom.
By Kristin Kimball
A key voice for the young farmers taking on the hardest but most satisfying work, Kimball’s first book, The Dirty Life, was an instant bestseller. Their successful year-round CSA feeds the families of their area, and this book follows the ongoing ups and downs of farming while raising young children.
By Susan Ware
As we celebrate 100 years of women having the right to vote, how better to prepare than with this wonderful collection of stories from New Hampshire historian Susan Ware. Looking beyond the national leadership of the suffrage movement, she beautifully gives voice to the thousands of women from different backgrounds, races, and religions whose local passion and protest resounded throughout the land.
By Ken MacGray
For all the hikers, a handy new guidebook to the increasingly popular New Hampshire 52 With a View peakbagging list. Features detailed route descriptions for all 52 peaks, historical tidbits, parking and road access. MainStreet BookEnds can’t keep this one on the shelf.
Williams seconded this suggestion saying: MacGray presents a useful hiker’s guide to a list of some lesser known but equally impressive mountains for those who are looking for a different set of climbs to complete – whether having done the 4,000 footers or something more moderate but with a great view to boot.
By Carole Gerber,
illustrated by Yumi Shimokawara
In this picture book for children, poet Carole Gerber and Japanese artist Yumi Shimokawara present the traditional story of the birth of Jesus with the added element of the contributions the sheep, cows, birds and other animals add to the manger.
By Yuval Zommer
Yuval Zommer has written and beautifully illustrated this picture book about a crooked little fir tree left behind when each of the other Christmas trees is chosen by a family. But as the forest animals gather round and offer up the love and spirit of the holidays the tree realizes it is truly right where it belongs.
By Bill Bryson
In his new book, the ever popular Bryson takes us on a tour of the body, body part by body part to leave you marveling at the fact that such a complex collection of cells can really function as you and me.
By John Brighton
Brighton writes about Washington, N.H., in the nominally forgotten Sullivan County. He grew up in the 1960s and 1970s in Peterborough and at the old hill farm his parents purchased in Washington. His portrait of the close knit town of Washington is an appreciation of the community and a reminder of what may be lost in our “modern” world.
By Matt Kracht
Totally ridiculous, but Kracht has written and fully illustrated this guide to recognizable but absurdly named birds. Perfect for the birdlover with a sense of humor, or the bird watcher who will really never actually learn the real names.