Little Shop of Stories co-owner shares reading recommendations as holiday gifts for children

December 14th, 2023

Diane Capriola, co-owner and children's book buyer at Books are the ideal gift for children. Stories stimulate their imagination and help them better understand our world. (Pixabay)

Books are the ideal gift for children. Stories stimulate their imagination and help them better understand our world. Diane Capriola is the co-owner and children’s book buyer at Little Shop of Stories in Decatur. She shared her reading recommendations to give children for the holidays.

Her children’s book recommendations:

Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang -Debut author-illustrator X. Fang has created a delightful picture book about a young girl dreaming of dim sum.
Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods by Grace Lin – The award-winning author and illustrator tells the story of the evolution of American Chinese cuisine through history, folklore, and lush (and delicious looking) illustrations!
Zilot & Other Important Rhymes by Bob Odenkirk– Together with his children, actor and comedian Bob Odenkirk has written some seriously silly poetry reminiscent of the work of Shel Silverstein.
Mike Lowery’s Everything Awesome series written and illustrated by Mike Lowery– In this series, curious kids can learn all that they want to know about dinosaurs, space, and sharks. Each book is chock full of facts, jokes, comics, and fun.
Ryan Hart series by Renee Watson– Ryan Hart is a girl with heart! Always looking on the bright side, she is a role model for the ages. Whether facing friendship or family troubles, Ryan approaches life with grit, determination, and kindness.
First Cat in Space series by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Shawn Harris– In this newer graphic novel series, a cat, a queen, and a toenail clipping robot join forces to save the universe.
Mexikid by Pedro Martin– In this graphic memoir debut, the author retells the story of his Mexican American family’s trip to Mexico to bring his grandfather back to California to live with them.
Betting On You by Lynn Painter– Bailey and Charlie can’t stand each other- or can they? A fun YA rom-com that throws together two teens who couldn’t be more different from each other.