Are you wondering what to buy a small friend for Christmas?

Here are a few perfect choices:

1. Old Hu-Hu written by Kyle Mewburn and illustrated by Rachel Driscoll is a must have. You could say it is a book about death. Or you could say it is a book about a Huhu Beetle. Or you could say it is a visually stunning, beautifully written story about life, death and rebirth and so therefore is the perfect book for Christmas. (Or you could say it is the perfect book. Period.) Kyle Mewburn dedicated it to 'Momo', who apparently was his old cat. That's another good reason to buy it. Rachel Driscoll? May she never, ever stop illustrating children's books. I really, really love this book and if it doesn't win heaps of awards I will eat my hat.

2. A great pictorial version of the Christmas story can be found in Julie Vivas' The Nativity. No matter how you feel about the "Silly Season" or the Christian heritage of Christmas you cannot deny that this book is a joyful look at the famous old story of Jesus' birth. Washing on the line and hiking boots on the angels add amusing measures of domesticity and cheerfulness. (And I must say that Vivas' take on a large, pregnant, unwieldly Mary is very refreshing.) There are some out there - authors, singers - who use Christmas as a great opportunity for sales. Julie Vivas' book, on the other hand, uses Christmas as an opportunity to celebrate Life. Hallelujah.

3. There is a Bird on your Head! by Mo Willems is one of a series of books about Elephant and Piggie which, in future, will no doubt enjoy the same legacy as The Cat in the Hat and Dr. Seus. With simple line drawings chock-full of expression, a great plot and simple, repetitive yet well-written words this book is a perfect choice for an emerging reader or for anyone else who can appreciate pure genius.

4. If you are like me and have always had a hankering to show off your talent for Spanish, French and Texan accents The Perfect Nest by Catherine Friend (illustrated by John Manders) is the read-aloud book for you. This is a story of gluttony, greed, selfishness, deceit and avian brawls not to mention orphans, a male adoptive mother and an especially cosy, happy ending. Fabulous family fun, as they say.

5. Guji-Guji by Chih-Yuan Chen is a fab book because of the fun take on the Ugly Duckling tale, the gorgeous illustrations and the fact that Mother Duck is so absorbed in her book she doesn't notice a rather large addition to her clutch of eggs. You go, girl. It is also a splendid book because it is published by the incomparable Gecko Press.

Oh, and 6. Did I mention Room on the Broom??? LOL

More suggestions to come....