Top Children's Books For Christmas 2012

We've all seen the viral video of the little boy who wasn't too pleased with his Christmas present - a pile of books! But not all kids are going to be so tricky to please - and with the great new children's offerings being lined up for Christmas 2012, there's sure to be something out there to pique your little ones' interest. Here's a run-down on the top five books currently predicted to be best-sellers come Christmas. Keep your eyes on these titles - they're sure to be ones to watch.

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

Often referred to as the 'best children's Christmas book since The Nightmare Before Christmas', The Elf on the Shelf is not just a book. It comes in a set with the hardback volume, a keepsake box and most importantly, an elf. The book itself explains that the elf has been sent to watch over your kids by Santa Claus himself - and that he will personally be passing messages to Santa about how good the children have been this year.

Each night when your little ones drop off, you carefully move the elf to a different spot around the house. The next morning, there'll be smiles all round as the kids realise the elf has been on the move again.

Duplo Read & Build Sets

The pre-schoolers version of Lego - one of the best-selling toys, anywhere, ever - Duplo are producing these book/playset hybrids just in time for the festive season. Giving your kids a more hands-on approach to reading, the books encourage them to build the characters and environments that they contain, using the blocks supplied. Gone are the days when a picture-book's fantasy land ended when the book was closed!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

A popular book, even when I was a child, The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be the first book that many children ever read. As often-read today as it ever was, the book has earned countless accolades and achievements, and remains one of the most commonly read titles among very young children.

If you have young kids that are approaching the recommended age to begin reading lessons, then do them – and yourself! - a favour, and pick this one up. The bright colours and iconic illustrations will hold their attention as together you begin to stoke the flame that is love for reading.

The Pirates Next Door

Picture book category winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, The Pirates Next Door is something every child can get their teeth into. I'm sure that at some point, every child wishes they could make friends with a dragon, a cowboy – or a pirate. The Pirates Next Door is sure to capture developing imaginations as the story of the Jolley-Rogers family unfolds within its pages.

Encouraging your kids to read is one of the greatest gifts it's possible to give them – so be sure to pick up some of these classics this year. Before you know it, you'll be looking forward to bedtime just as much as the little ones!

This guest post was offered by charity Christmas card company Cards For Good Causes. For more information on the charitable work that Cards For Good Causes do, you can visit their website.