10 perfect tales to stir children's imaginations this Christmas

Our guide to the stories and non-fiction that will bring joy to kids' worlds on December 25 and beyond. By HANNAH STEPHENSON

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THEY 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 (HarperCollins Children's Books, £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 is invited to a very special tea party, after her father has been killed in the First World War.

War rages in Wonderland too, 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 (Ladybird, £7.99) What would you do if you found a giant bubble, but all of your friends wanted to play with it, eat it 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!