How do you approach Christmas? With the 4 gift rule? “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read”. Or are you more of a fan or the world’s most famous wizard “One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.”

However great socks can be, they are no match for the hours of enjoyment from snuggling down with a good read. The younger or more reluctant readers may however like Dumbledore wish for socks, therefore the book must excite from the moment the wrapping paper is first ripped off. With that in mind, we have our recommendations for books to buy children this Christmas.

For early years

Pre-schoolers love illustrations, the interaction of being read to and the joy of recognising letters and their first words. 2 books to enjoy:

Oi Frog! by Kes Gray and Jim Field. A conversation between a cat and a frog about who is allowed to sit on what. With vivid illustrations and ridiculous rhymes, this a very funny book for ages 3 and up.

Simon Sock by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet. Life lessons disguised as a brilliant book for young children or a child at heart. The story Simon's quest to be part of an extremely stripy matching pair, until he realises that our differences don't mean we can't be the best of friends.

For children aged 5+

Children at Primary are further up the age range can start enjoying books with new and clever language, to gripping story lines and entertaining characters.

Where Snow Angels Go, from award-winning writer Maggie O’Farrell, her first children’s book is a fairy tale with a modern edge is about courage, kindness & strength of character. Delightful illustrations by Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini.

For children aged 8+

At nearly 100 years old, this book has lost none of its appeal. Emil and the Detectives by Erich Kästner. A pre-war crime, this fast-paced page turner is told from the perspective of a 10 year old boy.

For the same age group, The 13-Storey Treehouse is the first book in Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton's treehouse adventures. This laugh-out-loud story is told through a combination of comic illustrations and fantastically funny, wacky text. Perfect for despaired parents to inspire your child about reading.

Winding back 50 years, another beloved classic and well known book across the pond, run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with E.L Konigsburg. It tells the story of two children who flee from home and of their investigations in the museum. This wonderfully written book is a great example of a classic young adult novel.

For children aged 12+

Following with some good bedtime reading for early teens.

The Life and Death of Rochester Sneath: A Youthful Frivolity by Humphrey Berkeley, is a hilarious account of a prankster’s subversion. H. Rochester Sneath no longer exists and if you wished to put your son's name on the waiting list for Selhurst School, near Petworth, Sussex, you might have a little difficulty. It doesn't exist either. This collection of Sneath's letters, and the correspondence with other school heads, composers, architects and other leading figures, proves, you can fool most of the people most of the time.

A non-fiction recommendation, Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is an inspirational true story of what the path to business success is really like. The founder of Nike started with $50 borrowed from his father in 1962, how he battled adversity and his competitors to become one of the most respected global sports brands with his famous tick.

For the whole family to enjoy

One final recommendation is Aesop's Fables.

Stories more than 2000 years old, this timeless collection of twenty of Aesop's best-loved fables--punctuated by the age-old morals t are as relevant today as ever. Accompanied by beautiful, full-color illustrations from award-winning artist Don Daily, the animals will enchant children while older readers can appreciate the significance of each take. With highlights such fables as "The Goose Who Laid the Golden Eggs," "The Mouse and the Frog," and the one and only "The Tortoise and the Hare."