Patti Neske
Harold at the North Pole
by Crockett Johnson
The lovable little guy from Harold & The Purple Crayon has a Christmas adventure! Christmas is coming and Harold needs a Christmas tree, so crayon in hand, he rallies forth to get one. Harold winds up at the North Pole, where he meets a snowbound -- and decidedly purple -- Santa Claus who needs help! Fortunately, Harold and his purple crayon are there to save the day (and Christmas).

Meg Smith
Smilla's Sense of Snow
by Peter Hoeg
Baby, it’s cold outside. And I’m reminded of one of my favorite winter books, Smilla's Sense of Snow, by Peter Hoeg. This wonderful novel can make even chilly, gray New York in December seem like a spring day. Smilla, a Greenlander living in Copenhagen, is an expert on the forms and varieties of snow. And, she is plagued by a persistent melancholy in the midst of which she finds herself investigating the death of a young neighbor boy. Both Smilla and the tone of this book are moody and engrossing, as she peels away layers of lies and half-truths during the investigation, learning as much about her own family as about the crime that absorbs her attention. Curl up in front of a fire for this one; it may take days to shake the chill.

John Son
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again
by David Foster Wallace
If you want an introduction to one of the best "young" American writers at work today, enjoy these essays by Wallace. Though at times verbose to the extreme, more often than not, Wallace's highly readable Coltrane-like linguistic riffs (i.e. a seeming inability to edit himself, coupled with a festering use of footnotes) cover a variety of topics, ranging from his experiences as a junior tennis star as seen through his obsession with mathematics in college, to his knee-slapping investigative reports on the bizarre cultures of luxury cruises and the Illinois State Fair. Every piece in this book confirms Wallace's reputation as a writer of awesome and original talent, and reading this book will keep your holiday spirits suitably festive.

Gavin J. Grant
Officer Buckle and Gloria
by Peggy Rathmann
This is a book both children and adults will enjoy. Officer Buckle gives incredibly boring school-safety talks that suddenly become a favorite of schoolchildren. Could the addition of Gloria, a dog with a unique sense of humor, have something to do with it? Peggy Rathmann both wrote and illustrated this 1996 Caldecott Medal Winner, as well as the very funny Good Night, Gorilla.

Jay Gesin
The Golden Compass
by Philip Pullman
This is the book I give to anyone developing nervous tics from waiting for the next Harry Potter book. While in Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, I detailed the mysterious journey of young Lyra, from growing up among scholars at Jordan College to the harsh arctic, where she learns about the golden compass -- and a plot to influence the fate of all worlds. Immediately my aunt, brother, and three strangers headed for the Philip Pullman display! Children love reading about the adventures of a young person who slowly discovers her importance in the world; adults will love the deeper, darker themes of destiny, religion, and conformity. The best part: armored polar bears (insert Right to Arm Bears joke here). The really best part: all three parts of the trilogy are available now! No waiting!!!

Jen Lombardo
Katie Brown Entertains
by Katie Brown
A fun and funky entertaining book from the woman who could give Martha Stewart a run for her money! With simple, step-by-step instructions and lots of pictures, this fabulous book celebrates everything from a family Christmas to a romantic breakfast for two. She covers every aspect of party-planning, including menus, table decorations, and invitations. The book includes recipes and craft ideas for decorating the home, as well as some of Katie's favorite recipes and personal anecdotes. This book would be a wonderful gift for anyone who loves to entertain!

Kristen Gilligan
The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Chronicles the adventures of the inhabitants of Middle-earth and Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit who brought home to The Shire the One Ring of Power. Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders and worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo -- alone and unaided -- who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside! Tolkien is a brilliant storyteller. This is one of my all-time favorites. I can't believe I waited this long to read it! Great for all ages.

Linda Castellitto
The Complete Chronicles of Narnia
be C.S. Lewis
It's been nearly two decades since The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe forever changed the way I look at armoires ... and it's been 50 years since C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia first brought wonder and magic to readers worldwide. This gorgeous tome holds all seven Narnia stories, arranged in chronological order. Each page bears a colorful border (a different hue for each story), with detailed, vivid line drawings sprinkled throughout. A book for all ages -- though it's a bit weighty, so you might want to make sure an adult is doing the hefting!