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Our gift-giving style revolves around the saying,
“Something you wear, something you read,
Something you want, something you need.”
If you’re looking to give picture books for Christmas, here are 8 picture books perfect for the Christmas stocking.

Cinderella by Jan Ray

I really struggled to photograph this book and I have struggled to find the right words to describe it.
It really is a beauty to behold. This is the kind of book that I imagine being passed down from my children to their children.
6 three-dimensional peep-through spreads are used in this edition of Cinderella.
The side panels fold out to retell this classic tale.

Perfect for: Fans of fairy tales and paper-engineering enthusiasts

Hark, It’s Me, Ruby Lee! by Lisa Shanahan and Binny

Ruby Lee is my fave character of 2017.
She DESPERATELY wants to be the class messenger. However, Mrs Majestic-Jones always gives the role to Siena and Vienna, the quieter students.
Until one Monday, when they are absent.
Ruby Lee gets her chance to step up into the coveted role.
However, it is a difficult responsibility to undertake when you have a vivid imagination.
How are you meant to run messages when you also have to contend with the Spockled Frocklewockle/ Squinker/ Shurgle?

Perfect for: Fierce, little females in your life or any child starting school next year (lots of opportunities to discuss classroom expectations!)

Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by Markus Motum

I have to admit that my attention span and I struggle with non-fiction.
I did not struggle with this exquisitely designed piece of non-fiction that details the search for life on Mars.
What I love most about it, is that it is told from the perspective of Curiosity, a Mars Rover.
It really is a fascinating read that romanticises the Space Race.

Perfect for: Budding astronauts or any young readers with a Space obsession

My Color is Rainbow by Agnes Hsu and Yuliya Gwilym

My friend Agnes is a powerhouse. She emailed to tell me about this idea she had for a picture book.
Within a few months, I was holding that very idea in my hands.
Little White Arch is trying to find his place in the world. He wonders what his colour could be.
He meets many characters along the way who try to convince him of the merits of being their colour.
This is a lovely tale about not needing to be defined by any one single thing. An ode to diversity, acceptance and kindness.
Befitting the title, the illustrations are a riot of colours.

Perfect for: Anybody needing a reminder that you are perfect exactly as you are.

Wild Animals of the South by Dieter Braun

It feels wrong to describe this as a book. It is more of a tome.
Animals of the Southern Hemisphere are illustrated in Dieter Braun’s inimitable style.
Each illustration is accompanied by a weird and wonderful fact about the relevant animal.
We’ve spent many minutes poring over this book.

Perfect for: Any animal-lover, big or small.

The Wolf  The Duck & The Mouse by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

One look at the names on the cover of this book should be enough to tell you that this is going to be gooooood.
The Barnett/Klassen combination is gold.
A duck and a mouse are swallowed by a wolf. Woe is them, right? Wrong.
Life inside the wolf’s belly is actually pretty luxe. The pair dress impeccably for sit-down dinners complete with wine.
They play records and have a riot of a time. The duck explains that living in a wolf’s tummy, eliminates the pervasive fear of bring swallowed by wolves.
Life is peachy until a hunter tries to shoot the wolf. The duck and mouse team up to defend their home.

Watch Jon and Mac talk about their book here.

Perfect for: Anybody who loves a twisted fairytale or any young reader with a wry sense of humour.

The Poesy Ring by Bob Graham

Bob Graham’s books have this magical quality about them.
Poesy rings can be traced back ot the Middle Ages and were given for friendship and love.
A ring inscribed with “Love never dies” is flung into the wind by a tragic, tear-stained woman on horseback.
It is Ireland, 1830.
The seasons turn and we follow the ring’s adventure until we arrive in New York City in 1967.
Will love prevail and the ring find the finger of the rightful woman?

Perfect for: True romantics and lovers of beautiful prose

Build Your Own Discovery Globe by Leon Gray and Sarah Edmonds

This is more of a kit than a book. Included are all the cardboard pieces needed to create a spinning globe, with adult assistance.
An explorer’s guide is included that is highly illustrated, featuring facts from all the corners of the globe.

Perfect for: Little people fascinated by the world and geography

Head over to my list featuring 12 of my favourite picture books of 2017 for more recommendations.
(Including Leaf- my favourite book of the year.)

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All of the books in this post were provided free for review purposes. I always post my honest opinions and never post books that I do not rate.