The holiday season tends to put most people in a more reflective state of mind than perhaps at any other time of the year.

It is a time to give, not just receive. It is a time to think about what we have to be thankful for, not what we lack. It is a time of kindness, to strangers as well as friends and loved ones.

There's nothing quite like a good book to help draw young readers in that same direction, such as the books reviewed below.

Who knows? Maybe the holiday season, coupled with books that create contemplative thought, will result in a change of heart and attitude and action — all year 'round.

The following book is available at many public libraries."Old People, Frogs, and Albert"by Nancy Hope Wilson; illustrated by Marcy D. Ramsey; Farrar, Straus & Giroux; 58 pages; read aloud: ages 7 to 8 and older; read yourself: ages 8 and older.Fourth grader Albert always has difficulty reading, and he depends on the help of an elderly volunteer, Mr. Spear. Albert likes to read to Mr. Spear and looks forward to his visits.Albert also looks forward to walking to and from school every day so that he can pass one particular house that has a fountain with three frog statues in the middle. Frogs are Albert's favorite thing on Earth, but his least favorite thing is very old people, and the house with the frog fountain is right next door to Pine Manor Nursing Home. The residents there always say hello to Albert, but he has trouble replying to them.One day when Mr. Spear doesn't come for reading class, Albert learns that his kind, old friend has had a stroke. Even worse, after his hospitalization, Mr. Spear can't take care of himself and must live at Pine Manor Nursing Home. Despite Albert's fear of the old people at the nursing home, he decides he must come to terms with his fears and visit Mr. Spear, and in so doing, Albert grows in more ways than one.A beautiful story about friendship and doing the right thing, this selection is rich on many levels.

Library:North Trails Public Library, 1553 West Sunbury Road, West SunburyLibrary Director:Kathy D. KlineChoices this week:"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?"by Bill Martin Jr.;"The Christmas Doll"by Elvira Woodruff;"Utterly Me, Clarice Bean"by Lauren Child

The following books are available at favorite bookstores."The Secret of Saying Thanks"by Douglas Wood; illustrated by Greg Shed; Simon & Schuster, 2005; 32 pages; $16.95 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 and older; read yourself: age 7 and older.One of the happiest secrets of life is one that we can all discover. You may find it at dawn, when the sun touches your cheek and warms you, giving new meaning to the gifts the sun provides. Maybe you'll find the secret in the beautiful glow of the moon that lights your way at night, or the song of birds in the daytime.No matter where you discover this secret of life, it is when you find yourself giving thanks for what you once took for granted that you will be enriched. For, "the heart that gives thanks is a happy one, ... the more we give thanks, the more we find to be thankful for."Beautifully rendered through gentle, thought-provoking words and tender illustrations, this selection provides an important message to readers of all ages of the importance of saying thanks and the subsequent result of finding real happiness in life."Time to Say 'Please'"written and illustrated by Mo Willems; Hyperion, 2005; 34 pages, with board game inside; $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 3 to 4; read yourself: age 7."If you ever really want something, really really want something, don't just grab it! ... Please say 'please'."Through clever and funny examples, this terrific book incorporates five important issues on manners — when and why to say "please" (but don't be a pest and over-do it!), when to say "excuse me," when to say "thank you," and that saying "I want that!" won't get you what you want!Quick and to the point, loaded with funny illustrations and a bonus board game to help drive the point home, this little book is a gem.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.