Christmas time is now upon us and I have compiled a list of books that will most likely become some of your all-time favorite holiday books!

Let's begin with the only fiction book geared for older children. “Kringle” , by Tony Abbott, is a magical adventure that takes you back to pre-Santa days when goblins, elves and pirates roamed the world. Twelve-year-old Kringle is about to meet up with the evil goblins that whisk him away to a strange and different world filled with a foreboding darkness. This world is where he discovers a secret that he must change. This enchanting book is so well written that ages 9 and up will be completely captivated. I'm willing to bet this book will be made into a fascinating movie in future years.

The rest of the books are easily read in one sitting. “Star Mother's Youngest Child: A Classic Christmas Story” , by Louise Moeri, is a very small sized book with drawings sprinkled throughout by Trina Schart Hyman. Although the book can fit in a small pocket, it reflects on how simple acts of kindness can change a bitter and lonely old woman's heart. This is a good book for ages 5 through 8 years.

“Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest” , by Dan Farr, is a moving story about the true meaning of gift giving. Mr. Finnegan is an extraordinary toy maker who lets young Maggie peak inside a chest only to discover a beautiful pendant her grandmother used to wear. Maggie soon discovers that each time she opens this chest for someone, their greatest need suddenly appears inside. The magical illustrations, by Chris Creek, are 3 dimensional and bring an enchanted element to this beautiful picture book. Mr. Finnegan is portrayed with the image of Dick Van Dyke which seems perfect for the role! And if that weren't enough, there's even a CD included that is read by the actor. This book is perfect for all ages, especially on Christmas Eve!

“You Are My Miracle” , by Maryann Cusimano Love, is a picture book that brings to the surface the wonderful relationship and love of parent and child as they prepare for Christmas. The rhyming text reflects the strong bond between the two. As they are placing the star on top of the tree, the parent says, “I am your steady hands; you are my rising star”. The next page has the little one looking into a stocking and the text reads, “I am your stocking; you are my chocolate bar.” The adorable paintings, by Satomi Ichikawa, are of a parent bear and a baby cub. This is a great book for ages 3 to 6.

“The Little Fir Tree” , by Margaret Wise Brown, was first published back in 1954. This new reissue has beautiful new illustrations, by Jim Lamarche. A lone small fir tree waits year after year for someone to want it. When a man finally comes and digs it up, the little fir tree discovers that he's helping make a disabled young boy, who can't walk, have a happier Christmas. This is a most delightful story for ages 4 through 8.

“Silent Night, Holy Night” , by Werner Thuswaldner, is a picture book about how this famous Christmas song really came to be during World War I. The incredible paintings, by renowned Robert Ingpen, spread across both pages adding to the atmosphere and difficulties during the war. This is a great read for all ages!

“Merry Christmas, Merry Crow” , by Kathy Appelt, is a simple picture book that has a rhyming text that moves with the beat of each page. Jon Goddell painted the illustrations and he is quickly becoming one of my favorite illustrators. His acrylic paintings have such depth and detail that you are soon traveling over the city with Crow. He's gathering recycled items, but for what? You'll soon find out at the nice conclusion. A great story for ages 4 through 8.

“Winter Lights: A Season in Poems & Quilts” , by Anna Grossnickle Hines, is another of the author's talented picture books where she displays her incredible ingenuity in both verse and cloth. The poems span from “Holiday Magic” where stars, circles and moons intertwine with windows everywhere spewing the images of houses lit up during the holiday season to “Small Miracles” where Hanukkah is celebrated with eight flickering candles lit in a glow. Knowing that each illustration is really thousands and thousands of tiny threads quilted together with the genius of Ms. Hines is utterly amazing. But, in reading the poems that go with the quilts, you will soon loose yourself into the essence of each exquisite poem. This is a story for all ages.

'm saving my favorite (which is really difficult because I like them all!) for last. This little picture book is so simple, but the impact is so very great! “The Gift of Nothing” , by Patrick McDonnell, is all about a small cat, Mooch, who wants to give his best friend, Earl (a dog) a special gift. The text has very few words on each page and the illustrations are equally simple, but it all fits perfectly with the message. You may recognize these two familiar characters because Mr. McDonnell is the comic strip creator of “Mutts”. This inspiring story is to be enjoyed by all, and to all a goodnight!