Christmas Books for Babies and Toddlers - Part I

There's a virtual stocking stuffed full of gorgeous Christmas books for wee ones - from babies through to toddlers... enjoy Part I of our stunning recommended line-up! Part II will appear in the afternoon on 10 December.

Raymond Brigg's Christmas Little Library
Raymond Briggs
Puffin (2010), A$9.95
ISBN: 9780141333199
This adorable little box set is the perfect stocking stuffer. Featuring the timeless artwork of Raymond Briggs, there are 4 little hardcover books - one each on opposites, numbers, weather and Christmassy words such as presents, reindeer, pudding and lunch. Beautiful, simple and oh so sweet - these books are the perfect excuse to enjoy this stunning artwork and celebrate the season.

Dorothy the Dinosaur's Rockin' Christmas
ABC Books (2010), A$12.99
ISBN: 9780733328855

It's almost Christmas and Dorothy the Dinosaur is excited to learn Santa is sending some elves to throw her a Christmas Party - along with a very special guest... Elf-is, the rock n roll elf. With the help of Captain Feathersword, Henry the Octopus and Wags the Dog, there's plenty of Christmassy shenanigans kids will love. And yes, Santa makes an appearance.

Little Miss Christmas
Roger Hargreaves
Ladybird (2006), A$4.95
ISBN: 9781846462160

Although these Mr Men books are relatively text-heavy, they are absolutely adored by toddlers - both for the bright artwork and classic Hargreaves lolloping text.

Little Miss Christmas decides that she needs a break from wrapping presents, so she asks Father Christmas and Mr Christmas to wrap the last few presents instead. But will they finish them in time?

Mr Christmas

Roger Hargreaves

Ladybird (2006), A$4.95

ISBN: 9781846462153

One day, Mr Christmas receives a letter from his uncle, Father Christmas. He needs help with the Christmas presents. Can Mr Christmas deliver the presents to all the Mr Men?

Classic Mr Men - a great stocking stuffer and must-have for the collection.

Christmas Peekaboo!
Dorling Kindersley (2008), A$19.95

ISBN: 9781405333399

DK's range of Peekaboo books have always been in a hit in our household - young children adore the mystery, followed by lifting the flaps to find the answers. The touch and feel element to each surprise is a bonus, too!

This Christmas edition of the Peekaboo books is beautiful: bright, Christmas-coloured photographs in a sturdy board-book format is just what Santa knows the kids want!

It's Christmas

Tina Burke
Viking (2006), A$19.95
ISBN: 9780670070381

This sweet book is perfect for toddlers, to get them into the spirit of the season. Simple text outlining all the many busy things we must do before Christmas are gorgeously complemented with the most darling pictures of kids doing things in the way they do best.

Making decorations with popcorn and string, kissing under the mistletoe, trimming the tree, making 'special' presents, enduring the horror of sitting on Santa's knee at the shopping mall... and of course, waiting... waiting... waiting... on Christmas Eve.

Just adorable.

Spot's First Christmas
Eric Hill
Puffin (1983/2009), A$14.95
ISBN: 9780140505511

Lift-the-flap started here - Spot books have always been a treasure trove of the perfect lift-the-flap stories... I still remember my kids avidly flicking the card up to see what treasure lies beneath.