Five Minutes Peace

CHRISTMAS LIST: My favourite picture books

 

I love picture books (and thankfully so do my kids) and these three are my current favourites. All the World is absolutely gorgeous in every way and perfect for boys *and* girls. I Love You Through and Through is also perfect for both, but the illustration is a boy and so may be slightly better for boys. Someday is probably the most gorgeous picture book I've ever read (just try and get through it without crying), but it's all about having a daughter.

I can't imagine anyone not liking any of these books. 

CHRISTMAS LIST: Dooce & India Knight recommend books

Some of my favourite bloggers have been recommending Christmas books and first up is India Knight who has lists of books to give as presents here and here. (I'll definitely be buying Mary McCarthy's The Group - look at that cover!) 

Internet superstar Dooce has also recommended a bunch of books, loads of which I'll be buying. Check them out here. 

What books are on your Christmas list?

CHRISTMAS LIST: Strictly Come Dancing Annual

I actually originally looked at the Strictly teach yourself dancing book, but could anybody ever seriously learn ballroom dancing from a book? And why would they even try since there's such a thing as DVDs and, you know, classes.  

Anyway, I got the Strictly Come Dancing Annual as a present last year and I loved it. I haven't enjoyed the show all that much this year (can't exactly say why, but it's just been a bit meh, in my opinion), but I still hope someone's bought me this book. Gossip, frocks and info on the pro dancers, it's a Chrismas winner for any right-minded Strictly fan. 

£5.83 from Amazon. 

CHRISTMAS LIST: Pixarpedia

Oh blimey, it's December (you may have noticed). Not only have I only managed to blog about one book you should buy as a Christmas present, I've only managed to buy one book for a Christmas present. But there'll be more. Lots more.  

Next up is this fabulous guide to Pixar, the company and the movies. My 5-year-old is Pixar mad and thought this book is aimed at older readers, I know he'll love it (and I'll love it too). Full price is a steep £25, but Amazon have it for £14.09.

CHRISTMAS LIST: Who Am I? by Anthony Adolph

Yep, I've thrown caution to the wind and mentioned the C word. I know. I'm as sorry about it as you are, but the fact of the matter is, there are only, I don't know, fifty-odd shopping days until Christmas and so we need to think about it. We do. We do and that's final.

So I'm going to start featuring some books that I think would make good Christmas presents, starting with Who Am I? which I think is completely brilliant. I was planning to give it to my 10-year-old nephew, but I might just end up keeping it for myself. It's a little bit like Who Do You Think You Are? but in book form (obviously) and with lots more facts and history and activities ... because it's aimed at children. It's not cheap at £14.99 (although it's currently only £8.99 on Amazon), but it's definitely one that certain kids will find fascinating.