Heartwarming, colorful, compelling children's books suitable for Christmas gift-giving

WASHINGTON (CNS) - The following children's books are suitable for Christmas gift-giving.

i>The Goodnight Train, by June Sobel, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith. Harcourt Inc. (Orlando, Fla., 2006). 32 pp., $16. This bedtime picture book is a rare combination of words and pictures that blend perfectly. The colorful, creative paintings dominate, but the rhyming text fits perfectly, starting with lots of activity, mimicking train rhythms and winding down for sleepy readers. Huliska-Beith's trains wind their way across facing pages, giving young listeners plenty to explore (ages 3-7). Prairie Christmas, by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, illustrated by Ronald Himler. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2006). 32 pp., $17. It's Christmas Eve 1880 on the Nebraska prairie, and when 11-year-old Emma travels with her mother, a doctor, to deliver a baby, she is a little resentful. But when she gets to the house, she discovers some frightened young children who might miss out on Christmas because of the birth of their newest sibling. In this heartwarming story, Emma uses very simple items from around the house to make the children's Christmas more festive. Full-page pencil and watercolor illustrations bring the sparse existence of the prairie to life (ages 5-10). Eva Underground, by Dandi Daley Mackall. Harcourt Inc. (Orlando, Fla., 2006). 239 pp., $17. When Eva, a U.S. high school senior, is forced to go to Poland with her father in the late 1970s, she is determined to return to Chicago. But her father, a university professor, is involved in the underground movement, and before she knows it, Eva has become friends with one of the moody young men in the group. This coming-of-age novel has romance, conflict, danger and history, a great combination for young teens (ages 12-up). Every Game Is Won or Lost Between the Ears: How to Think Like a Champion, by Greg Hatcher. Tiger Books Inc. (Little Rock, Ark., 2006). 351 pp., $29.95. Hatcher, a successful businessman and coach, has taken some of the same principles that work in business and applied them to sports. His results - proven in Arkansas youth sports - translate into developing an attitude that combines a positive mindset, hard work and competitiveness - with perspective. Very short chapters that provide practical advice, including how to set goals, should inspire young athletes (ages 11-up). The Imitation of Christ for Children: A Guide to Following Jesus, by Elizabeth Ficocelli, illustrated by Chris Sabatino. Paulist Press (Mahweh, N.J., 2006). 49 pp., $8.95. This illustrated adaptation of Thomas a Kempis' The Imitation of Christ is child-friendly, with short little lessons of one page or less. Ficocelli gets her message across without seeming preachy, and Sabatino's humorous illustrations keep the important message in a light vein. Although this book is advertised for children, adults who read it with them might find they learn something, too (ages 8-12). The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, by Barry Lyga. Houghton Mifflin Co. (Boston, 2006). 311 pp., $16.95. This first-person novel told from the perspective of a self-acknowledged geek and comic book fan is truly written in a teen voice. From the first page, it will draw in teen readers with its humor and discussion of "wants" that matter to many teens. The book deals with bullying, friendship, family and high school and touches on a few darker issues such as cutting and revenge. Fanboy's relationships - with Goth Girl, his "step-fascist" and the beautiful Dina Jurgens, among others - are the basis for this story, and even disenfranchised young teens should enjoy it (ages 12-16). James Houston's Treasury of Inuit Legends, written and illustrated by James Houston. Harcourt Inc. (Orlando, Fla., 2006). 304 pp., $18. "Treasury" is an understatement for this award-winning book of short stories. Houston has been called the greatest Arctic voice who ever lived, and this book illustrates why. He tells a good tale; but, additionally, some of the passages - such as his description of an old Inuit woman - are amazingly detailed and actually beautiful. I have read many outstanding children's books over the last 20 years, and this is only the second time I have come across writing of this caliber. Houston's black-and-white illustrations, sketched during years of living in northern Canada, add to the appeal of this book (ages 9-up). Deadly Invaders: Virus Outbreaks Around the World, From Marburg Fever to Avian Flu, by Denise Grady; Speed Show: How Nascar Won the Heart of America, by Dave Caldwell. Kingfisher (Boston, 2006). Each 128 pp., $16.95. These two books by reporters for The New York Times are part of a slick new series based on current events. The writers have been covering their subject matter for years and present their topics in a captivating yet informative manner. The visually appealing design incorporates news photos as well as historical photographs that will keep readers turning pages (ages 10-up). My Little Yellow Taxi, by Stephen T. Johnson. Red Wagon Books (Orlando, Fla., 2006). 12 pp., $19.95. A combination pop-up book and puzzle, this bright, sturdy board book has something different on each page. Little ones can gas up the taxi, check the oil and tire pressure, steer, check windshield wipers - with a running narrative from the imaginative taxi driver. Small pieces make this book inappropriate for toddlers (ages 3-6). - - - Barb Fraze, Catholic News Service international editor, is the mother of three.

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