They are wonderful gifts. Indeed, books are the very best gifts for children, as I'm sure any reader of BookPage knows.
Books stimulate a child's intellect, imagination and sense of self.
The masterpieces of children's literature set the stage for children to understand and appreciate the complexity of life, its beauty and mystery, the disappointments and moments of saving grace. Once upon a time, you could rely on help at the local children's bookstore, but today most of those stores are gone. This is why The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children, by Eden Ross Lipson, children's book editor of the New York Times, is so valuable. A.A. Milne to The Yearling by Majorie Kinnan Rawlings. I also found personal favorites like Fables by Arnold Lobel and Zlateh, the Goat and Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer.