If you absolutely can't wait for our Christmas gift lists to surface (and we'll wait until the day after Thanksgiving), you can buy one of these books, recommended in the WALL STREET JOURNAL.  These are books that serve as resources for parents and grandparents in selecting books for children and "inculcating a love for reading."

1. In EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED FROM A CHILDREN'S BOOK, published by Roaring Brook, "prominent people, from Kirk Douglas and Peter Matthiessen to Jay Leno, reflect on the children's stories that shaped them."  Are we surprised that Leno's favorite was MIKE MULLIGAN AND THE STEAM SHOVEL?

2. Educational consultant Diane W. Frankenstein recommends that parents make a point of talking over stories with their children.  In READING TOGETHER, published by Perigree, "Frankenstein has assembled précis of 101 children's stories, grouped by age appeal."

3. "The creators of 1001 CHILDREN'S BOOKS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOU GROW UP, published by Universe, expect kids to read like mad and to possess powerful, beefy forearms.  Weighing in at 2.2 pounds, this handsome, glossy book would work as well as a doorstop as it does as a portal to children's literature around the world."

And of course, watch for our recommendations.  We have gone directly to experts in children's and YA literature for savvy recommendations.