2 . Most parents, I suppose, have had the experience of reading a bedtime story _________ their children. And they must have realized how difficult it is to write a _________ children’s book. Either the author has aimed too _________, so that children can’t follow what is in his ( or more often, her ) story, _________ the story seems to be talking to the readers.

The best children’s books are _________ very difficult nor very simple, and satisfy the _________ who hears the story and the adult who _________ it. Unfortunately, there are in fact few books like this, _________ the problem of finding the right bedtime story is not _________ to solve. This may be why many of the books regarded as __________ of children’s literature were in fact written for __________.“Alice in Wonderland” is perhaps the most obvious of this.

Children, left for themselves, often __________ the worst possible interest in literature. Just leave a child in a bookshop or a __________ and he will more willingly choose the books written in an unimaginative (并非想象的) way, or have a look at the most children’s comics(连环图书), full of the stories and jokes which are the rejections of teachers and righting­thinking parents.

Perhaps we parents should stop __________ to brainwash (洗脑) children into accepting our taste in literature. After all, children and adults are so __________ that we parents should not expect that they will enjoy the same books. So I suppose we’ll just have to compromise(妥协)over the bedtime story.

3 . If you want to fill your shelves with the best books of all time, you’re in the right place.

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (1974)

The imagination of Shel Silverstein is on full display in this classic collection of short stories and poems. The book is truly one of the best poetry books of all time because of its staying power for children. The stories of this American poet, author, singer and folk artist have something for everyone.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878)

Most critics regard it as one of the most typical literary love stories. The author’s Russian tale of unfortunate lovers is filled with fascinating quotes like, “He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking.” This one belongs on any book collector’s shelf.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1943)

It is a timeless tale of a prince’s journey in search of adventure. What he finds, however, are interactions with adults who leave him so upset. It’s one of the most appealing short books we’ve ever read and also one of the most widely read children’s classics all over the world.

The Shining by Stephen King (1977)

The master of mystery must be included in any list of books you should read in a lifetime. That’s why you will find it here. Horror fans take note: This is one of the scariest and best Stephen King books of all time.

5 . Some libraries use unique architecture to encourage visitors to explore the book shelves and settle down with a new book, or use travelling libraries to bring books to hard-to-reach populations. No matter how they achieve it, these novel libraries are keeping the magic of reading alive.

Beach Library (Albena, Bulgaria)

Reading a book on the beach is a classic, and in Bulgaria, one library encourages tourists to do just that. The white, weather-resistant shelves lined up not far from the surf feature 6,000 books in 15 languages, so every visitor can find the perfect beach read to enjoy while soaking up the sun’s rays.

Bishan Library (Singapore)

Built in 2006, this library with skylights and trellises (格架), standing out for its modern art, is meant to resemble a modern glass tree-house. Glass pods of varying colors stick out of the building randomly to create cozy yet air y corner for reading throughout the building. Children’s room on the basement level invites interaction while preventing noise from disturbing those concentrating in the loft y seats above.

The Camel Library Service (North Eastern Province, Kenya)

To fight low literacy rates in the desert of Kenya, the government created a travelling library composed of nine camels bringing books to villages. The library travels four days a week serving the region’s nomadic (游牧的) people. Currently the service focuses on children, but with more funding they plan to increase their reach both in distance and the titles they carry.

Macquarie University Library (Sydney, Australia)

A stunning combination of being both cutting-edge and sustainable, this building with a green roof, was made from recycled materials and designed to look like an eucalyptus tree(桉树). It is also state of the art, using robot cranes to bring requested books to the front desk.

9 . For a long time, I kept a selection of books on a shelf next to my bed that I called my “heart books”. To qualify for a place on the shelf, a book had to be not only one I loved, but one that mattered. There was one book that never made it onto that shelf, though I read it in high school: Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg.

I can still remember the day I bought it. It was summer and I must have been 14 or 15. Desperate to get out of my house, I rode my bike into town and walked into the bookstore. I was going through the shelf of books on writing and it caught my eye. I picked it up, read a few pages, and bought it. Then I took it with me to a park, read the first few chapters, and opened my notebook to write.

It’s a fairly straightforward writing book. Goldberg’s method is simple: you choose a topic, set a timer, and write for 10, 15, or 20 minutes without picking up your pen. Free writing, timed writing, writing topics: anyone who has taken a creative writing class may have encountered these things. It’s not earth-shattering. There was nothing particularly new or unusual about the book so I can’t say why it attracted me so much. But it changed everything. I went from being someone who enjoyed writing to being a writer.

During my teen years and early twenties, following Goldberg’s method was at the core of my identity. No matter where I was or what I was doing, I filled notebooks. When I eventually started writing fiction, I did the same thing. The “I” in my notebooks became someone else, but I held to the same practice.

This writing practice led me to a writing group in Boston. It led me to my current career. It led me, in so many ways, to myself. Becoming a writer allowed me to become so many other things: an activist, a business owner, a farmer, a baker... Writing is where I found my confidence. It was where I became curious about the world. From that, everything else has followed.

10 . As we close out the final days of this year, treat yourself to a deliciously distracting new book —a book that you can dip into and out of throughout the holidays. Read up, rest up, and enjoy yourself.

A must-have guide for yoga-loving mamas, Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond offers helpful relaxation techniques and breathing exercises that are tailored to each pregnant woman. The book also lays out valuable techniques for labor and staying in touch with your body as it continuously changes.

We could all use a little more peace in our lives. Uniquely suited for children and parents to do together, the 40 mindfulness exercises recommended here —from pausing to fully enjoy a tasty sandwich to taking chalk walk together—will not only teach children calm and gratitude, but also bring grown-ups and their littles closer together.

Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic who devotes her time to solving cold cases, especially those involving people of color. A new investigation brings her to Boston, searching for a Haitian teenager who disappeared months ago. But as Frankie starts asking questions, someone else will stop at nothing to keep the answers hidden.

Lauren Redniss’ Oak Flat tells the story of the land near the San Carlos Apache Reservation through an Apache family fighting to protect the land which the U. S. government and two world-power mining enterprises are attempting to seize and destroy for its copper resources. Visually striking and deeply reported, Oak Flat tells a larger story of endless westward expansion and native resistance.