For the pre-school set:
I have given the first four books in the Henry and Mudge series as birthday/Christmas presents at least half-a-dozen times. Cynthia Rylant's series about a boy and his dog is utterly charming and delightful, and was beloved by both of my kids.
For adults:
The Gift of Fear is not a book that is fun to read, but in my work and in my life I often come across people whom I believe will find it comforting. I highly recommend it, and try to keep a copy on hand to loan/give to people who need to read it.
★★★Henry and Mudge and the Careful Cousin by Cynthia Rylant
Henry is a boyish boy, Annie is his hyper-feminine cousin. Seriously, if Annie weren't being raised by her father all on his own, I'd be puking Barbie pink.
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