(NAPSI)—Reading is more than fun. It’s a valuable skill that helps children succeed in school and later in life. That’s why books are a great gift for the kids on your list. This season’s favorite titles include the following: • “Every Thing On It” is a new book of unpublished poems and artwork by the beloved Shel Silverstein. All ages. • “Everything Goes: On Land” by Brian Biggs is a celebration of cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and other things that go on land. Ages 4−8. • “Liesl & Po” by Lauren Oliver, illustrated by Kei Acedera, has been described as “a gorgeous story—timeless and magical,” by Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead. Ages 8−12. • “If You Give A Dog A Donut” by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond is the eighth book in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling blockbuster “If You Give” series, starring Dog! Ages 3−7. • “A Christmas Goodnight” by Nola Buck, illustrated by Sarah Jane Wright combines the ever popular theme of “Christmas in the Manger” with the reassuring simplicity of “Goodnight Moon.” Ages 2−5. • “Wildwood” by Colin Meloy, lead singer of the band The Decemberists, and Carson Ellis, illustrator of “The Mysterious Benedict Society,” is the first book in an epic middle-grade fantasy series. Full of magic, wonder and danger, it has been described as nothing less than an American “Narnia.” Ages 9 and up. • “Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas” by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser offers a chance to celebrate Christmas with Fancy Nancy. Ages 4−7. • “Breadcrumbs” by Anne Ursu is a stunning and heartbreaking story of growing up wrapped in a modern-day fantasy, inspired by the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale “The Snow Queen.” Ages 8−12. • “The Happy Elf Book” and CD is based on the beloved song and Christmas special “The Happy Elf.” It’s a holiday classic in the making from Grammy Award−winning musician Harry Connick, Jr. Illustrated by Dan Andreasen. Ages 4−8. • “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson, illustrated by Laura Cornell, is a picture book adaptation of the beloved best-selling novel about the holiday misadventures of the worst kids in the history of the world. Ages 4−8. • “Littlest Evergreen” by Henry Cole is the timely environmental story of a little tree that grows up peacefully on a hillside, then is taken by humans to become a decorative object in their home. Ages 4−7. • “Little Bea and the Snowy Day” by Daniel Roode is a bright accessible story in which Little Bea and her friends spend the perfect winter day outdoors. Ages 2−5. Encouraging kids to love reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime.   On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate(NAPSI)

One of the best gifts to give a child is a love of reading. (NAPS)