When it comes to Christmas-themed books for children, Bookalicious‘ Llydia Bannocks knows exactly what she’s looking for.

“Pages that create those magical memories, nostalgia and evokes that emotion that stays with us for years to come,” she says.

“Babies will want to discover new and exciting textures, colours and sounds and start to experience those first special sensory memories that conjure up what makes it Christmas.

“Creative, interactive reads are a huge winner, captivating even the most reluctant of little readers. Bold and beautiful laser cut detail, elaborate pop-ups bring stories to life in a three dimensional way.

“But most importantly you want an awesome story that you just want to share for years to come with your friends, loved ones and future family yourself.

“It’s never about the most famous of authors or top sellers and its never about design over substance.  When it comes to selecting the most beautiful jacketed books or detailed 3D reads, they must deliver that fabulous story too!”

So, with that in mind, here are her top Christmassy books for little ones this year! Enjoy…

1 The Christmas Bear lift-the-flap by Ian Whybrow  (for ages: 3-5) £8.99

2 The Jolly Christmas postman by Janet & Allen Ahlberg (for ages 3-5) £12.99

3 Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan (for ages 3-5) £6.99

4 The twelve days of Christmas – Peep through picture book by Britta Teckentrup (for ages 3-5) £7.99

5 Dear Santa by Rod Campbell (for ages 0-2) £5.99

6 The Very special Christmas (with a Fairy Light surprise on last page) by Christine Leeson (for ages 3-5) £12.95

7 Dear Father Christmas by Allan Durant (for age 4+) £7.99

8 What’s a Christmas? by Hayley Down (for ages 3-5) £5.99

9 Ollie’s Christmas Reindeer by Nicola Killen (for age 3+) £11.99

10 Tooth Fairy’s Christmas by Peter Bentley & Gary Parsons (for ages 3-5) £6.99

11 The Sheep that Saved Christmas: A Eweltide Tale By Jason Page (for ages 3+) £6.99

12 ‘That’s not My’ Series; Reindeer, Snowman, Donkey, Santa, Elf by Fiona Watt (for age birth+) £6.99

13 Usborne Babies’ very first slide & see Christmas by Fiona Watt (for age birth+)  £7.99

14 Usborne Christmas Carols (Very First Words) by Felicity Brooks (for age 2+) £2.99

15 Usborne Very first words Christmas by Felicity Brooks (for age 2+) £2.99

16 I love you Father Christmas by Giles Andreae & Emma Dodd (for age birth+) £5.99

17 Little Christmas Tree by Jessica Courtney-Tickle by Jessica Courtney-Tickle (for age 2+) £10.99

18 Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck (for ages 3-6) £12.99

19 The Christmas Eve Tree by Delia Huddy (for ages 5-7) £7.99

20 The Christmasaurus: The Musical Edition: Book and Soundtrack (for age 7+) £14.99

Special titles as gifts to cherish available now from Bookalicious (www.bookalicious.co.uk)

The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore. Award winning Robert Sabuda brings to life this classic tale with an elaborate collectable pop-up (for ages 4-8) £19.99

Usborne Illustrated Originals – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (clothbound) £17.99 (for age 7+)

Your Letter to Santa personalised book (for age 18-months+) £12.99-£17.99

Twas the night before Christmas personalised book (for age 18-months+) £12.99-£19.99

Twelve days of Christmas. A beautiful pop-up created by award winning Robert Sabuda (for ages 4-8) £19.99