AGES 6 to 8: BOOKS

Mercy Watson: Three Treat Collection by Kate DiCamillo (pictured)
One of literature's most beguiling pigs — the smart, quite lovely Mercy Watson — gets her own boxed set. Perfect for the beginning chapter-book reader.

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore
This new version of the Christmas classic, just published by Candlewick, is like no other we've ever seen — a Victorian cut-paper edition. Yes, it's a little fragile, but it's also jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

Wings, Horns & Claws by Christopher Wormell
If you know a young dinosaur fanatic, you could not find a better gift. Like all of Wormell's previous animal books, this one features simple, arresting drawings, all thickly outlined in black.

NEXT PAGE: Books for ages 8 to 12