Every year, we host a Christmas-ish pajama party and white elephant book exchange with some of our favorite people. The house gets full and messy, the kids are loud, and we sit around, laugh, and share (and steal) some of our favorite books from the past year. It’s a sweet way to share things that have been meaningful or just enjoyable. I’ve been thinking about what books to contribute this year, and as it’s also gift-giving time in general, here is a list of books I love to share with you, too, in case you need something new to read or give.
Picture Books
Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters, by Oliver Jeffers. Featuring an astronaut afraid of heights, an electrical lumberjack, and a rather unintelligent parsnip, this collection of (very) short stories makes me laugh every time. Each letter has its own little tale, and while most are silly in their own right, a few build on each other for some laughs that pay out later. Illustrated in Jeffer’s signature style, this isn’t your average alphabet book.
Hooray for Amanda and her Amazing Alligator, by Mo Willems. One of Willem’s lesser-known stories, this one features a girl and her stuffed alligator, who must deal with the fact that while Amanda is the center of his world, he is not the center of hers. A sweet story mixed with Willem’s delightful illustrations and classic humor (sometimes I laugh more than my kids do).
The Hundred-Year Barn, by Patricia McLaughlan. Generations are born and grow up, and the story of the barn shapes the story of their family’s life. We see the barn raised in community, and shared in the work of the people. A simple, beautiful story of family.
Middle Grade
The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place, by Maryrose Wood. While I assume most of the readers of this blog are already familiar with this charming series, I would be remiss to mention it for the few of you who are not acquainted. A plucky young governess is employed to care for three small children at a mysterious old manor house, discovers these children are foundlings raised by wolves, and hilarity and hijinks ensue. Great for a read-aloud.
The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone, by Jaclyn Moriarty. A quirky adventure story featuring a young lady who must enact a series of tasks dictated by her dead parents’ will, taking her across the world and into her own story. Featuring pirates and enchanted pepper grinders, this book is great fun.
The War that Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. This Newbery Honor book is well known, but it is always worth a mention. A young girl joins her brother to run away from her abusive home to evacuate to the countryside during World War II. In finding a new home, she also finds herself in this beautiful tale about family and friendship.
Restart, by Gordan Korman. My son asked me to read this book, and I’m glad I did. A young man falls from a roof and loses his memory, and realizes as he gains it back that he was not the kind of person he thinks he is. A thoughtful look at bullying, fresh starts, and forgiveness.
Young Adult or Adult
The Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green. I am a big fan of Green’s work, both on the page and in the general world, but this book of essays is by far my favorite. A funny, poignant, thoughtful look at various facets of what it means to be human in this world, Green manages to bring tears to my eyes even when writing about Canada Geese or the World’s Largest Ball of Paint. I have bought and given away so many copies of this book, I’ve lost count. If you’re an audiobook person, that version is also excellent.
The Blue Castle, by L. M. Montgomery. Yes, that Montgomery. A funny and thoughtful story about a young lady who learns she only has a year left to live, and decides to live it fully, this book is delightfully light without being vapid. It’s a perfect Sunday afternoon cat-and-tea-and-blanket kind of book.
The Deep Down Things: Practices for Growing Hope in Times of Despair, by Seth and Amber Haines. A difficult read, as it deals with spiritual abuse and presents an honest, vulnerable look at the hard parts of their lives, this beautiful book is filled with gentle reminders of where to look for grace and hope in the inevitable hard times. Whether or not you are currently in a season of despair, this book is worth your time and attention.
Sharing books is a way we can share parts of ourselves. Like a favorite meal, it invites others into something that is meaningful to us. Here is a little bit of my self—and I hope you’ll find ways to share yourself with those who are special to you.
Originally from South Carolina, she lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband and two kids, and occasionally writes for The Rabbit Room. She can be found at instagram.com/millie.sweeny.
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