Christmas books make great holiday gifts for children. One of my favorites is Jesse Stuart’s illustrated junior books, "The Beatinest Boy," the story of a self-reliant boy who found a way to make a Christmas gift for his grandmother.

In order to promote the solid values of honesty, loyalty, self-reliance, and love of family, Stuart began writing children’s books in the 1950s. Before he died in 1984, his 61 published books included eight junior books for students in grades 3-7: "A Penny’s Worth of Character," "The Beatinest Boy," "A Ride With Huey the Engineer," "The Rightful Owner," "Andy Finds A Way," "Old Ben," "Come To My Tomorrowland," and "Red Mule."

The format of each book in this series is excellent. The size and design of the book, the clear, sharp typography, the space between the lines, the number of words on the page, the margins, and the illustrations combine to make these books attractive to young readers.

Other positive factors:

• The style of Stuart’s children’s books is simple and direct, which makes them easily readable for children in grades 3-7.
• Stuart develops his themes in a smooth and logical manner.
• The books contain sound moral and ethical principles and stress value judgments.
• Sentiment is shown in many different ways.
• Children like the lively conversations and adventures. Adventure dominates these book, although it is not high adventure, rather it is the sort of everyday experiences that might occur in any rural community.
• The children in Stuart’s stories show an intense interest in and respect for nature.
• The value of love is shown through the relationship between children and adults. Although the children of Stuart’s stories live a hard life, they are loved by their parents, grandparents, and friends, and are taught honesty and courage.
• These books show Stuart’s love for Kentucky, his love for animals, and his knowledge of children growing up in the country, far removed from city life.

Books strengthen the relationship between children and adults, who want their children and grandchildren to live good and responsible lives. Today there is a renewed emphasis on teaching values, which means continually discussing the ethical implications of the choices that face today’s children.

That is why Stuart’s junior books are so valuable. They make reading fun, and they teach solid values, too.

If you are interested in junior books by Jesse Stuart, Billy C. Clark, or other Kentucky authors, visit The Jesse Stuart Foundation Bookstore at 1645 Winchester Avenue in downtown Ashland.

For more information, call (606)326-1667 or visit our website: JSFBOOKS.COM.