Give the gift of reading to kids this holiday season. Librarians at our local public library shared some great picks for kids.

For the little guys, these picture books will be treasured gifts.

1. "The Christmas Giant" by Steve Light- This winner has an elf, a giant, and best friends. Doesn't get much better than that! Now, the characters try to grow the tree for Christmastown, but they sure do run into trouble!

2. "The Christmas Wish" by Lori Evert- A little girl named Anja is bound and determined to become one of Santa's elves. Nothing will stop her quest! Anja has the best time meeting all the animals she encounters on her way! Gorgeous illustrations in this one.

For the upper-elementary and early-middle school readers, an oldie and a newer one make the grade for kids of this age.

1. "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" by Barbara Robinson. Of course there is a movie, but the book is better! Hilarious. My students loved this one!

2. "A Ghost Tale for Christmas Time" by Mary Pope Osborne- This one is part of Osborne's "Magic Treehouse Series."

3. "Winter of the Ice Wizard" by Mary Pope Osborne- Another "Magic Tree House Series" book.

Young Adult Books are crucial for middle school kids. If they are not avid readers by the end of middle school, then not many gains are made in reading during the remainder of their schooling. Get 'em a book!

1. "My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories," by a host of talented authors, is for the young adult who is really into the holidays.

2. "The Winter Horses" by Philip Kerr- All will become hooked on this one. WWII in the Ukraine is the setting for this tale of survival and courage.