Still wondering what to get the kids for Christmas?  Looking for something better than a toy they'll quickly discard and forget? 

Then consider a book -- something children will not only cherish but also enjoy with their parents.  And how about one they'll pass down to their children?

The following list offers plenty of choices to compliment any collection.  And, while not all celebrate the birth of Jesus -- the reason behind our season -- many do.  And those that don't still portray lively, important traditions, along with some beautiful illustrations.

Ages 3 to 7

Little Critter: Just a Snowy Day, by Mercer Mayer ($8.99).  If you like Little Critter, you'll enjoy following him throughout the house with this interactive, hardcover board book, touching his boots & fuzzy hat, opening the door and pulling his sled down the hill, then sniffing hot chocolate.  A fun, wintery story that will also appeal to babies and toddlers.

Mary Engelbreit's A Merry Little Christmas, by Mary Engelbreit ($15.99). Filled with Engelbreit's signature drawings and rhymes, this hardcover goes from A to Z, celebrating delights of the holiday season.  "C is for cookies and candies and cakes and a cup of hot chocolate that grandmother makes," writes Engelbreit.  "P is for presents I wrapped by myself. Dad says, 'Really good! Like the work of an elf.'"  Although she focuses far too much on Santa and completely ignores Jesus ("J stands for jingle bells")  -- and this, despite the fact that it is called a "Christmas" story -- the book's detailed, beautiful illustrations and catchy rhymes nevertheless make it a worthwhile purchase .

Merry Un-Christmas, by Mike Reiss ($15.99).  Of all the seasonal books I'm reviewing for young children, this one is my favorite.  It tells the story of little Nicole, one of the many residents of Christmas City, Texmas, who must endure Christmas every single day of the year.  Every day, that is, but one: "Un-Christmas."  On Un-Christmas Day, Nicole doesn't get any ponies, bikes or computers.  She gets to go to school and wait for the mailman while watching "Gilligan's Island" (no Christmas specials, thank goodness).  But best of all, she doesn't have to open any presents or eat five kinds of pie.  Oh, what a joy!  This smart, delightful story will keep you and your children laughing and reading over and over, with an opportunity to discuss the importance of setting one day apart each year.

Silent Night, by Joseph Mohr, illustrated by Thomas Kinkade ($16.99).  Filled with signature drawings by the "painter of light," this hardcover book takes us to a wintery village of yesteryear on Christmas Eve.  A beautiful gift that celebrates the message of this ancient carol.

Ages 8 to 12

Christmas USA, by Mary Langford ($15.99). In an interesting twist to children's Christmas books, this hardcover takes us on a tour across the United States, examining the many different ways Americans celebrate the holiday.  From Christmas on the River in Demopolis, Alabama, to elk rides in Jackson, Wyoming, we learn a little history about each region along with their particular traditions. An entire chapter is devoted to the history of Christmas celebrations at the White House, while Christmas at the post office takes up another page. The second half of the book is filled with crafts and recipes and a timeline about the invention of various toys, as well as two recipes (one old, one new) for "Scripture cake."

Angels and Others Strangers: Family Christmas Stories, by Katherine Paterson ($9.99).  Two-time winner of both the National Book Award and the Newberry Medal, author Katherine Paterson first began writing these stories in 1967, at the request of her husband, the pastor of Takoma Park Presbyterian Church. He wanted to read a story to the congregation on Christmas Eve, rather than preach a sermon, but Paterson could not find a suitable one. "There is nothing sappy about the Incarnation -- the almighty God becoming a human baby," she writes, in the introduction to this new edition. "It's not sweet. It's scandalous!"  So she wrote the story herself, continuing one each year for the next 12, until someone saw fit to publish them all. Paterson finished a second collection in 1995, the year her husband retired.  Yet, as inspiring as her story is, her writing -- which drives home some powerful messages about the love of our savior -- is even more inspirational.  A faith-filled book that deserves to be widely read, as a family or with friends. 

A Little House Collection: The First Five Novels, by Laura Ingalls Wilder and illustrated by Garth Williams ($40).  This omnibus collection of the first five of Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic, award-winning novels is huge -- and beautiful.  The novels are unabridged and complimented with the full-color, original drawings by Garth Williams, who knew Wilder and who prompted her to say that she and her family "live again in these illustrations."  An exquisite gift for any "Little House" fan -- past, present or future.

Charlotte's Web: Signature Edition, by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams ($29.99). In this oversized edition about the famous friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, William's drawings once again find life, aided by renowned illustrator Rosemary Wells, who has colored them. A stunningly lovely cloth-bound edition that will delight both parent and child.

Ages 10 and up

The Chronicles of Narnia: Signature Edition, by C.S. Lewis ($34.99).  All seven of Lewis's classics are presented unabridged in this magnificant deluxe, hardcover volume.  With a full-color map from the collection's original artist, Pauline Baynes, this 800-page book also contains a special excerpt from "Beyond the Wardrobe: The Official Guide to Narnia."  A sure-to-please gift for any Lewis fan, young or old.