Asking for help choosing the right photography equipment

[gpardo64]

It looks like I'll order either the Nikon D3000 or Nikon D5000. Since the gift will be from the kids I will show them the two cameras and let them decide since it seems they both would work.

In the event we would like to get a more powerful lens, I assume they make them for both?

Yes, both have the same standard.

And the book refered by Bitter is a must.
Good luck.