WASHINGTON (CNS) — The following children’s books are suitable for Christmas giving.

MY LITTLE SISTER HUGGED AN APE, by Bill Grossman, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Alfred A. Knopf (New York, 2004). 32 pp., $16.95.

"My little sister hugged an ape," a bug, and some strange animal for every letter of the alphabet. This book is more than an alphabet book, though. It is rhyming fun at its best: "My little sister hugged a Hog,/Who slipped as it waddled around in a bog/And landed — kerplunk! — with a thunderous thud/On top of my sister in soft, gooey mud." Includes Hawkes’ colorful illustrations. Ages 6-9.

THE LIBRARIAN OF BASRA: A TRUE STORY FROM IRAQ, by Jeanette Winter. Harcourt Inc. (San Diego, 2005). 26 pp., $16.

This is a true story of heroism from Iraq. Alia Muhammad Baker is the librarian in the Iraqi city of Basra. As war approached, she became worried about the fate of the library’s 30,000 books. Before the library burned in the war, she moved the books to a neighboring restaurant for protection. Then she carted home the books, filling her house and some friends’ houses. Winter’s illustrations emphasize saving the books, not the gore of war. This book is a good alternative perspective on the war, which nearly every child is aware of. Ages 5-10.

THE BLACK REGIMENT OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, by Linda Crotta Brennan, illustrated by Cheryl Kirl Noll. Moon Mountain Publishing (North Kingstown, R.I., 2004). 32 pp., $16.95.

Moon Mountain took a decent story — the tale of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment — added colorful illustrations, maps, reproductions of original documents and interesting fact boxes to make a book that will fascinate young readers interested in history. Brennan tells the story of the Black Regiment’s battles throughout the American Revolution and — at the end — the impact the regiment had on slavery in several American states, primarily in New England. Noll’s illustrations bring the tale to life, giving a human face to harsh conditions and battles. Ages 7-12.

CLARE AND FRANCIS, by Guido Visconte, illustrated by Bimba Landmann. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2004).

40 pp., $20.

The story of St. Francis and St. Clare is retold in simple prose, but the stunning illustrations make this book a keeper. Visconte tells of Francis’ and Clare’s decisions to renounce wealth and help others. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, Landmann’s colorful, full-page and minute illustrations adorned with gold make this book a million times more valuable. Ages 8 and up.

CALAVERA ABECEDARIO, A DAY OF THE DEAD ALPHABET BOOK, by Jeanette Winter. Harcourt Inc. (San Diego, 2004). 42 pp., $16.

"Calavera Abecedario" is a delightful, fun ABC book of skeletons! Inspired by Mexican artist Don Pedro Linares, who with his family made papier-mache objects, the book gives a brief description of how the "calaveras," or skeletons, come to life, then uses the "calaveras" to run through the ABCs, with different skeletons representing different people: angel, "bruja" (witch), "candelera" (candlemaker). The translations for most of the Spanish words are clear from the bright, cheerful illustrations, but the author includes an alphabet glossary in the back with translations. All ages.

IRIS AND WALTER AND THE SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, by Elissa Haden Guest, illustrated by Christine Davenier. Gulliver Books (San Diego, 2004). 43 pp., $15.

Another easy-reader about Iris and Walter: Iris is happy and surprised when her grandpa is the substitute teacher, but by the second day she begins to struggle with sharing him with the other students. This four-chapter book has a happy ending, although Chapter 3 is titled "Misery." Davenier’s humorous illustrations add to the fun. Ages 6-8.

WHY EPOSSUMONDAS HAS NO HAIR ON HIS TAIL, by Coleen Salley, illustrated by Janet Stevens. Harcourt Inc. (San Diego, 2004). 31 pp., $16.

Epossumondas wonders why his tail is not thick, furry, fluffy or bushy like the tails of his friends, so Mama tells him about how his great-great grandpa got himself in trouble with Bear and lost all the fluff. Salley’s book is full of action verbs and colorful adjectives that make this especially good as a read-aloud tale. Stevens’ illustrations of the persimmon-loving Papapossum, instigating Hare and aggravated Bear help make this book a winner. Ages 5 and up.

MISS MALARKEY’S FIELD TRIP, by Judy Finchler and Kevin O’Malley, illustrated by Kevin O’Malley. Walker Publishing Co. Inc. (New York, 2004). 27 pp., $16.95.

Miss Malarkey’s class goes on a field trip to the science museum, and thus begins a series of adventures and misadventures. This clever story tells a student’s view of how the trip went for the teacher and has something everyone can relate to, including a chaperoning parent who will not get off the cell phone. O’Malley’s watercolor and pencil illustrations, complete with conversation bubbles, add humor to a story that works well for reading aloud or as a fairly easy read. Ages 5-8.