“Junonia”

The gift of a book is the perfect choice for any occasion.

Whether it's a baby book for a shower gift or newborn, a picture book for preschool or elementary-age kids, or a chapter book for older readers, giving a book to a child sends many important messages about the value you place in reading while also offering an opportunity to be whisked away on an exciting journey through the pages of an excellent book.

Today's books are great examples of stories that are certain to please. So, too, are the books recommended by your local librarian under the “Librarian's Choice” section of this column.

Want more ideas on the greatest books for youngsters? Visit this column's companion website for more ideas at Greatest Books for Kids (www.greatestbooksforkids.com).

Give the gift of reading by purchasing a book or more for the child in your life. And while you're at it, don't forget to get a library card for that child, too. Ahh ... an endless supply of great books; nothing could be better!

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>“Diary of a Fly”</B> by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Harry Bliss, HarperCollins, 36 pages; read aloud: age 5 to 6 and older; read yourself: age 7 to8 and older.This is Fly's diary, chronicling events in her life that are important, scary, and always very funny!From assignments and new skills Fly learns in school, life at home with Fly's mother and 327 siblings, and hanging out with her best friends, Spider and Worm, Fly's enthusiasm for life is evident. Maybe Fly could even become a superhero!Another very funny “Diary” book by bestselling team Cronin and Bliss, this selection is guaranteed to make children laugh.<B>Librarian's ChoiceLibrary: </B>Butler Public Library, 218 N. McKean St.<B>Library Director:</B> Lori Campbell<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Peter Bess<B>Choices this week: “Wiggle”</B> by Doreen Cronin; <B>“Moosekitos”</B> by Margi Palatini; <B>“The Mouse and the Motorcycle”</B> by Beverly Cleary<B>Books to Buy</B>The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>“Firefighter Frank” </B>written and illustrated by Monica Wellington, Dutton, 2011, 24 pages, $5.99 board book; read aloud: newborn to age 2; read yourself: age 6 and 7.Firefighter Frank is on duty at the firehouse.While he and his fellow firefighters wait for the alarm to sound, there are many things that must be done.The fire truck and other equipment must be kept in perfect condition, and when children visit the fire house, Frank explains his job to them and even lets the youngsters sit in the truck.Suddenly the fire alarm goes off. The truck zooms out of the station, and Firefighter Frank and his co-workers race to the burning building, rescue the people inside, and put out the fire. After a long day, it's time to rest until the next alarm rings …An exciting and informative introduction to the life of a brave firefighter, this recommendation packs a lot of learning in an easily accessible form for very young readers.<B>“Junonia”</B> by Kevin Henkes, Greenwillow, 2011, 176 pages, $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 8 and older; read yourself: age 10 to 12.Alice and her parents vacation every year on Sanibel Island, Florida.As an only child, Alice considers the other vacationers who return annually at the same time as her family, too. Alice has always celebrated her birthday during their vacation, and this year will be especially exciting because Alice will be 10 years old.One of Alice's favorite pastimes is collecting seashells, and more than anything, this year Alice wants to be lucky enough to find a rare and special shell — a junonia. But as events unfold, things aren't the same as they had been in years past.Between moments of joy, disappointment, anger and confusion, Alice begins to feel she no longer fits into the world she once knew.A gentle and profound coming-of-age story, master author Kevin Henkes has once again written a memorable, thought provoking work of fiction that is certain to especially appeal to girls.

“Firefighter Frank”