Despite the current lack of snow in Durango, Santa will still be doing his annual visit on time. Fortunately for Santa’s helpers, there is a wealth of wonderful books available for the lucky readers of Durango.
For the littlest children, there are cute and colorful picture books ready for parents and others to read to them.
First there is “The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals,” by Deborah Underwood, pictures by LeUyen Pham. This is a funny prequel to “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” The story begins in the city with a man who loved his neat and orderly home, but he didn’t like animals because they are too messy. The change begins when a stray cat gets into his house. This is a delightful and fun book.
Next up is “Alice in a Winter Wonderland,” by Jan Brett. It is a beautiful book that features a different take on the Lewis Carroll’s original “Alice in Wonderland.” The action takes place in the wilds of Alaska. Alice is an Alaska Native with black hair and a warm parka. She sees a white rabbit go down a frosty hole while she is in on top of a glacier. Then the story follows most of the major events included in the original tale but with Alaskan and new fantasy characters. The book is a visual treat.
There is also the charming “Tamales For Christmas,” written by Stephen Briseño and illustrated by Sonia Sánchez. It is taken from a true story about their grandmother. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. The story tells about how the grandmother made 1,000 dozen tamales to sell to buy her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren presents for Christmas. This is a lovely and heartwarming book.
For middle school readers, there is a graphic novel called “The Ribbon Skirt,” by Cameron Mukwa. The main character, Anang, is 10 years old and is looking forward to the annual powwow celebration. Anang is nonbinary and is two-spirit and wants to make a ribbon skirt to wear during the fancy dance at the powwow. Their worry is that the dance is for women and girls. But first Anang must find the materials to make the skirt. This is when family and spirits step in to help. The novel has lovely illustrations.
“Off The Map,” by Meika Hasimoto, is a great chapter book for middle readers. This adventure also takes place in Alaska, and it is perfect for both boys and girls. Marlo is 13 and is excited to go with her river guide mom on a four day canoe trip in remote northern Alaska. Marlo is trying to recover from her father’s abrupt leaving her and her mother a mouth ago. Also her best friend, Arlo, has practically disappeared from her life despite living right next door. They have been best friends since they were 4. The trip turns out to have a surprise: Arlo and his father are on the trip, too. The group of four gets separated and the teens are left on their own on the wild and rapid-filled river. After that, it is a fight for survival. This is an action-filled read for early teens.
Buy the books!
Books are available through Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave. For more information, visit mariasbookshop.com.
For older and more advanced readers, there are several fascinating and mysterious books to choose.
“Impossible Creatures,” by Katherine Randell with art by Ashley Mackenzie, is a fantasy novel that can be enjoyed by both boys and girls. Randall is a well-known British writer, and this novel is the first in a new series. The story begins with the introduction of the two main characters. Christopher is a pale, coddled boy who is sent by his worrywart father to be with his grandfather in Scotland’s high country. Mal is a girl from a mystical place, The Archipelago. She has no family to watch out for her but a great aunt. She was given a special coat as a baby that allows her to fly, provided the wind is just right.
The two have been forbidden by their adults to one thing; knowing how most youngsters want to do the opposite of what they’re told, the author uses this to start this two-worlds-collide fantasy adventure. The creatures are wonderful and the action easily becomes a quest to save the worlds of both protagonists.
“The Reappearance of Rachel Price,” by Holly Jackson, is a suspenseful thriller. Reading like a true crime special, the plot is full of shocking twists and turns. Bel is 18 and lives with her father. Her mother, Rachel, disappeared when Bel was a toddler. Bel was found in the dead of winter on a lonely road in a car with the motor and heater running, her mother gone. Currently, Bel is involved in the making of a documentary about her missing mom. Suddenly, Rachel returns, in tough shape. Her story of where she was for the last 16 years does not go down well with Bel, and she starts investigating, not realizing how mind blowing the real story is. This is a riveting and compelling read.
So for families looking for Christmas presents, the bookstore is your best friend. Happy Reading to one and all!
Leslie Doran is a retired teacher and freelance writer.
