On Saturday I perused the BMV bookstore at Yonge & Eglinton for birthday presents for my niece, Leyla, who turns 5 on the 22nd. I know that relatives on Leyla’s father’s side of the family will bestow toys upon her, but I and my parents believe that books make a more practical gift. This is not to say that I don’t give Leyla toys, just that, in the long run, I think that books provide more stimulation.

As children’s books go, I am fond of the classics. On my Saturday trip I picked up The Giant Paddington Story Book with stories by Michael Bond, Stuart Little by E.B. White (the same edition featured in the link), and Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. The latter is a book I always wanted as a kid, if only because of Silverstein’s song “You’re Always Welcome At Our House”, which features a deliciously sadistic and twisted sense of humour. As far as Stuart Little is concerned, I am uncertain whether it is appropriate for a five-year old, especially after reading that link. We’ll see.