<\/a> Last year, I made the case that at this season of giving, the perfect book<\/a> is waiting to be cherished by your own family and friends. Some of my favorite holiday memories are of my mother Pillo reading to me by the fire while eating the bu\u00f1uelos she made drenched in brown sugar, cinnamon and guava syrup. In just 2 weeks we are headed south to spend Christmas at our home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. I can already smell the cooking<\/i>. Ever notice how adding just the right spice can make all the difference?<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n What makes giving books even more fun is the idea of pairing them like a chef, with other special ingredients.<\/i> Good cooks can blend good books with a little something special. We involve our son in this process and enjoy sitting around the table after dinner, doodling and discussing ideas for just the right combinations. I believe this family tradition of book pairing has helped our son become a passionate reader. It’s fun and lets him know how much we value books. When you give a child a book you are also making a promise to spend time with them. What could be more memorable than cuddling by the fire with the right book at the holidays?<\/p>\n <\/a>In this book pairing list I wanted to include treasures for kids and kids at heart-especially those who appreciate incredible pictures<\/i>. As an illustrator, I can’t resist the temptation to include books that I feel have soaring imagery coupled with compelling stories. I hope these suggestions help your own gift-giving take flight.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/p>\n <\/i><\/div>\n <\/a>
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Those 2 blue trees in the painting represent papa y mama<\/i>. Their heart shapes mirror the book passion we now share with him.<\/p>\n
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I’m a huge fan of John Parra’s folkloric illustrations<\/a> that remind me of retablos. They bring authenticity and passion to this inspiring story that reminds us how lucky we are to have access to books. Add a library card and this toy donkey from Tapir and Friends<\/a> Animal Store.<\/div>\n
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This year I was lucky to work with clever writer Samantha Vamos on our book The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred. <\/i>I had fun stirring the pot of color and in the back of this book you will find a wonderful recipe for Arroz Con Leche<\/i> [Rice Pudding]. I would suggest a combination of our book Cazuela<\/b> <\/i>with these colorful 100% Mexican oilcloth aprons<\/a> that are easy to clean and a rainbow wire whisk<\/a> perfect for beating the egg yolks.<\/div>\n