We all know that kids just can’t get too many presents, and that books make terrific gifts. So this year, let’s get the holidays started with some wonderful children’s books written especially for Christmas and Hanukah.

For whatever reason, I always seem to have a difficult time finding books that are just for Hanukkah. THE HANUKKAH HOP! is Erica Silverman’s upbeat telling of traditional activities, and a new one, too. Along with lighting the menorah, spinning the dreidel, and eating delicious latkes, Rachel decides that everyone should dance to the music of a klezmer band, too.

The kooky three-eyed little green men from ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS are at it again in ALIENS LOVE PANTA CLAUS; both books are by Claire Freedman. This time, they’re giving underpants away for Christmas, and flying their spaceships to Lapland to give Santa a helping hand. One brilliant idea is to dress the reindeer in neon panties to help them light the way. When Santa’s sleigh breaks down, the ETs tie undies to a flyer saucer, and speed jolly old St. Nick on his way.

Specialty books for the littlest tots include a distinctive board book, a lift-the-flap, and a fun pop-up. BEAR STAYS UP FOR CHRISTMAS, by Karma Wilson, is perfect for the little guys who get almost as much enjoyment chewing on a book as they do listening to their grown-up read to them. When bear tries to hibernate, his friends badger, mouse, and hare insists he not miss the holiday this year.

Any youngster who’s enamored of trucks will love Jon Scieszka’s A CHRISTMAS SURPRISE. Jack Truck needs to make a special delivery; his pal Ted helps him through the snow. Together, the two vehicles brave the obstacles, and deliver a holiday surprise to their friends. Kids will love lifting the flaps to find out what it is.

Children of all ages love pop-ups, and David A. Carter’s THE 12 BUGS OF CHRISTMAS is a charmer. Each of the twelve days of Christmas has a tableau with bugs doing festive activities, from a fruitcake bug sitting in a pear tree to twelve angel bugs a-rising. Very clever, and skillfully done.

For those who celebrate Christmas in a more traditional way, Nola Buck’s A CHRISTMAS GOODNIGHT takes place on the evening of the birth of baby Jesus. As Mary and Joseph bid the infant goodnight, so are the wise men, angels, and even the star above wished a goodnight, too. A very gentle and peaceful little book, which ends with a family tucking in their own little one near a small bedside manger.

ONE STARRY NIGHT, by New York Times bestselling author Lauren Thompson, is a story of the nativity which features animals watching over their offspring, just as Mary and Joseph watch over Jesus. A lovely little book, excellent for those who are devout Christians.

There are wonderful illustrations in all these books, some whimsical, some very artistic. Choose the books with the children you are gifting in mind, and remember that those reading to these young ones will enjoy the experience, too.

Michall Jeffers is an accomplished Cultural Journalist and an avowed bibliophile. She writes extensively, both in print and online. Her eponymous cable TV show is syndicated throughout the tri-state area, and features celebrity interviews, reviews, and commentary. Michall is a voting member of National Book Critics Circle. www.michalljeffers.com