2005 Christmas reads: Children's picture books

I've won, No I've Won, No I've Won
By Lauren Child
(Penguin $35)

Stars of their own animated TV series, Charlie and Lola feature in this game book that includes a tale of childhood one-upmanship. No matter what game they play or what happens, Lola insists she has won — much to Charlie's annoyance. In the back of this smart package are stickers and games, including snakes and ladders and a pack of cards. Let the kids loose on this one and the title will echo around the house into the New Year.

Fairy Winter Wonderland
By Maggie Bateson and Louise Comfort
(Macmillan $49.95)

This is like literary candy floss — and I don't mean that in an unkind way. This book folds back on itself to create a 360-degree pop-up extravaganza. There are four settings rendered in intricate detail: an outdoor winter scene, a village square, a toy and candy store, and a cabin with a stage. They form the backdrop to the story of a group of fairy princesses going on an exciting holiday. Girls will love it.

The Christmas Bear
By Ian Whybrow and Axel Scheffler
(Macmillan $19.95)

Cute story — also in pop-up format — of a teddy bear that is a present for little Tom but is left behind at the North Pole by Santa. He must make his own way to the boy's room in time for Christmas Eve. The pop-ups are a little low-tech and sticky but that's more than made up for by the silly rhymes and puns that will capture kids' imaginations.

Mog the Forgetful Cat
By Judith Kerr
(HarperCollins $29.99)

This previously published Mog adventure has been repackaged in a gift box with a miniature hardback book and your very own Mog soft toy. It's a great marketing ploy if the reaction from our 3-year-old is anything to go by. The story follows the misadventures of Mog, who frustrates her family until, by accident, she finally does something right.

Dr Seuss Pops Up!
By Dr Seuss
(HarperCollins $39.99)

Yes, pop-up mania has hit the publishers big time but it's a perfect format for Dr Seuss' wacky illustrations and stories. In this beautifully produced book there are seven Seuss classics, mostly in abbreviated form, including The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and The Sneetches. The paper engineering, as it's called, would put an origami master to shame — the fold-outs, pop-ups and sliding whatsits just go on and on. Hours of fun — and you might even let the kids have a turn.