10 children's books to give this Christmas

Ella Walker rounds up the stories and non- fiction that will bring joy to kids well beyond December 25

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HEY may fit awkwardly into a stocking, but no-one can receive too many books at Christmas - especially not children. Furnish young minds with incredible adventures, transporting bedtime reads and stories that will stay with them for life this festive season...

1. Alice With A Why by Anna James, illustrated by Matthew Land, is published in hardback by HarperCollins Children’s Books, priced £12.99

While a copy of Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll ought to be a staple in any child's library, this companion piece by Pages & Co writer Anna James also makes a rather lovely addition. The standalone story revolves around Alyce, the granddaughter of the original Alice, who in 1919, her father having been killed in World War I, is invited to a very special tea party. War rages in Wonderland too though, over one stolen hour, and Alyce must find a way to make peace, with help from a certain Cheshire Cat and a peculiar Mad Hatter.

2. Bert And The Bubble by Kim Hillyard is published in paperback by Ladybird, priced £7.99

What would you do if you found a giant bubble, but all of your friends wanted to play with, eat or pop it? This is the conundrum faced by Bert, whose smiley bubble draws such a crowd of admiring frogs that he is forced to barricade himself and his bubble away. Eventually, Bert's friends Sandra and Norman (both in excellent outfits) persuade him to come out and he realises that sharing can be fun. Kim Hillyard’s colour-drenched illustrations should be made into wallpaper, and this charming tale teaches little ones a lot about friendship and letting people in.

3. Donut Squad: Take Over The World! by Neill Cameron, is published in paperback by DFB Phoenix, priced £9.99