Best of the year: Children's books

Mr McGee and the big bag of bread by Pamela Allen

Mr McGee, bread in hand, ignores the "Do Not Feed the Animals" notices at the zoo to his peril. As in her other successful picture books, Pamela Allen uses repetition, rhythm and rhyme, humour and drama, creating a wonderful opportunity for sound effects from both reader and listener.

* Penguin $29.95

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Chimney-less at Christmas by Anna-Maringa Scott, illustrated by Errol McLeary

When you find yourself chanting the catchy rhyme of a picture book and the children join in with gusto, you know you've found a winner. The annual dilemma of how Santa will manage to deliver presents to a house without a chimney is addressed in an ingenious way in this cheerful picture book, which includes a CD with both story and musical versions.

* Scholastic $17.99 

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Godwits' Journey by Sandra Morris

As both author and artist, Sandra Morris has captured in this lovely picture book the remarkable story of the godwits that migrate from their breeding grounds in the Alaskan tundra to their feeding grounds at Miranda on the Firth of Thames. Share this with 4-year-olds onwards.

* Reed, $14.95

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The ultimate book guide. Over 600 great books for 8-12s edited by Daniel Hahn and Leonie Flynn

I've been enjoying browsing through this comprehensive guide to current and classic children's books, locating titles I've somehow missed. The books have all been recommended by authors or children, are supplemented with lists of similar reads and are suitable for both the literary and less able reader. Great for both kids and adults.

* A & C Black, $42.95

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The tale of Despereaux by Kate Di Camillo

This is an extraordinary tale of treachery and bravery: the interlinked stories of a small sickly mouse that falls in love with a princess; a princess mourning her mother; a vengeful rat emerging from the dungeon only to be spurned by the princess; and a dim-witted serving girl longing to be a princess. Try sharing this with 8-year-olds onwards.

* Walker Books, $19.95