file photo Sophia Wong, 6, of Gaithersburg reads a book in the children's section of the Gaithersburg Interim Branch at Lakeforest Mall of the Montgomery County Public Library.

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From bedtime reading to escapes during long plane rides, books offer something for everybody this holiday season. Montgomery County librarians have selected this season’s best reads for every age and interest.

In between the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is easy to find a few moments to read to children, says Heather Wright, head of children services at Rockville Memorial Library.

“Anytime is good for story time,” she says. “Sitting in the car, sitting in a doctor’s office waiting to be seen, getting ready for a meal. Just any time when there is nothing else to do.”

A good book for young readers is something that engages the child, Wright says, but a good book for older children can be something that transports them to another world.

Fantasy books are a great way to occupy children who are on a break from school, and with many hit movies and television shows that take place in mystical worlds this season, it is easy for them to be inspired to read about the same topics.

“Kids are looking for a magical fantasy that will capture their attention,” she says.

Wright and other librarians from the Montgomery County Public Libraries compiled lists of some of their favorite books to read over the holidays, including a look back at the best of 2011.

For young children: Best story time books

1) “Cat the Cat, Who is That?” by Mo Willems

With simple language and animals that sometime behave like people, this book will easily engage a young child.

2) “Tuck Me In!” by Dean Hacohen

Repetition and interactive flaps make this book a good pick for a fussy child to play with.

3) “Clever Jack Takes the Cake” by Candace Fleming

Perfect for children who love princess books.

4) “Interrupting Chicken” by David Ezra Stein

A twist on fairytales for ages 4 and older.

5) “Tiny Little Fly” by Michael Rosen

This book teaches that being small is sometimes better than being big.

For Children: Best Books You May have Missed in 2011:

1) “Wonderstruck” by Brian Selznick

The latest from Brian Selznick incorporates pictures to tell the tale. He is also the author of “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” which was adapted into the move “Hugo,” directed by Martin Scorsese, in theaters now.

2) “The Chronicles of Harris Burdick” by Various Authors

Fourteen authors including Stephen King, Lois Lowry, Louis Sachar and Lemony Snicket bring the illustrations of Chris Van Allsburg to life by creating short stories to accompany the iconic images in 1984 picture book “The Mysteries of Harris Burdick.”

3) “Liesl and Po” by Lauren Oliver

This funny and magical story has themes of love and hope conquering all.

4) “A Tale Dark and Grimm” by Adam Gidwitz

Any child who is a fan of classic fairytales will love this story that takes Hansel and Gretel on further adventures.

For adults: Best books to read on an airplane

1) “Inner Circle” by Brad Meltzer

A Washington D.C. thriller novel that goes inside the National Archives.

2) “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

Read the novel that spawned this summer’s hit movie adaptation about three women trying to break down racial barriers in 1960s Mississippi.

3) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

With millions of copies in print in dozens of languages all over the world, this fable about following your dreams is an effortless read.

4) “The Girl in the Green Raincoat” by Laura Lippman

Baltimore author Laura Lippman tells the story of a pregnant private investigator in a short and suspenseful thriller.

5) “Sybil Exposed: The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Case” by Debbie Nathan

Fans of investigative journalism will love this true story about a woman with 16 different personalities.

For Adults: Best books to curl up with in front of a fire

1) “Major Pettigrew's Last Stand” by Helen Simonson

A retired British Army officer falls in love after tragedy in this witty bestseller.

2) “The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox” by Maggie O'Farrell

This book crafts the tale of a wayward sister who has edited out of her family's history.

3)” The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

A captivating story of a secret society during the German occupation of the island of Guernsey written through a series of letters.

4) “A Moment in the Sun” by John Sayles

Fans of sprawling epics will love this tale that brings the history of late 1890s America to life.

For adults: Books you may have missed in 2011:

1) “Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs

Fiction and photography collide in a fantasy thriller about an abandoned orphanage.

2) “The Submission” by Amy Waldman

A reimagining of the year’s after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 in which a Muslim architect wins a contest to design a Ground Zero Memorial.

3) “The Tiger's Wife” by Tea Obrecht

In searching for her grandfather's past, a young doctor discovers fascinating legends from war torn Eastern Europe.

4) “The Woodcutter” by Reginald Hill

A dark psychological thriller about betrayal and revenge.

5) “The Memory Palace” by Mira Bartok

An engrossing memoir of a girl dealing with her mother’s schizophrenia.

ccalamaio@gazette.net

For more information on checking out books from the Montgomery County Public Libraries, visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library. The libraries will be closed Dec. 24-26.