Trying to make sense out of the thousands and thousands of children's books on the market is a daunting task. This holiday season, eliminate that confusion with this quick reference guide to the best books for children. This easy guide is arranged by age group with several first-rate books to choose from.

Buying books for a child you care about is a wonderful, lasting gift. The gift for you is this no-nonsense approach to find the cream-of-the-crop with no hassle. Just one more thing you can cross off your to-do list!

Newborn to 18 Months• “Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes” written and illustrated by Mem Fox, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010, 38 pages, $8.99 board book.First published in 2008, this new board book edition is perfect for little hands. The rhythmic, rhyming story is perfectly embellished with adorable illustrations of babies from around the globe, all of whom have ten little fingers and ten little toes.Perfect in every way, babies and young toddlers are certain to adore this charming, loving tribute to babies everywhere.• “Jingle-Jingle” written and illustrated by Nicola Smee, Boxer Books, 2010, 26 pages, $6.95 board book.Mr. Horse asks Cat, Dog, Pig and Duck if they would like a ride in his sleigh. Of course they do! Mr. Horse tells his passengers to hold on tight, and trots away — “Jingle-jingle, crunch-crunch.” On the top of a hill, Mr. Horse gets into the sleigh with the other animals and they sled down the hill, going faster and faster and faster. Uh oh — Crash landing! Gee, that was fun!An adorable story for little children, “Jingle-Jingle” will be a favorite with tiny readers everywhere.• “Tubby” written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli, Candlewick, 2010, 26 pages, $6.99 board book.It's bath time, and the baby loves playing with the bath bubbles, splashing the water and getting super clean!A delightful portrayal of the familiar bathing ritual, “Tubby” is loads of fun for little ones.• “Quack!” by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Holly Meade, Candlewick, 2010, 16 pages, $5.99 board book. “Mama Duck calls quack quack quack! Ducklings hatching crack crack crack!” And what do Mama Duck's babies do then? They make lots of noise, flip and flap their wings, follow Mama everywhere she goes, and finally splish and splash in a puddle!Fun illustrations combine with this simple, fun story that babies and little toddlers are bound to enjoy time and time again.

• “Heads” written and illustrated by Matthew Van Fleet, Simon & Schuster, 2010, 17 pages, $17.99 board book. A brilliant tour de force of over 2 dozen different animal heads, necks, ears, mouths, tongues, noses, and eyes. With sturdy tabs to pull, textures to touch, and a double-page surprise at the end, this engaging, educational and very fun book will have children clamoring to read “Heads” over and over again.• “Market Day!” by Victoria Roberts, illustrated by Tomislav Zlatic, Kane Miller, 2010, 4 books, 12 pages each, $19.99 board book. “Horray! Horray! It's Market Day!” There is so much to see and learn at the market, and the four books in this set boast a lot of early learning fun.Learn about colors at Mr. Pig's fruit and vegetable stand. Discover shapes at Miss Dog's baked goods shop. Understand opposites that readers can find at Mr. Peacock's clothing shop. Learn numbers 1 – 5 in Mrs. Mouse's tool shop. As an added bonus, the book set opens up into a pop-up market with press-out characters.Loaded with learning and fun, “Market Day!” is a great way to introduce colors, shapes, opposites and first numbers.• “The Very Best Mother Goose Book Tower” edited by Iona Opie, illustrated by Rosemary Wells, Candlewick, 2010, 4 mini board books, $9.99 set. This outstanding set includes four mini board books, each with ten favorite nursery rhymes, and each rhyme graced with the whimsical artwork of Rosemary Wells. Many familiar nursery rhymes are coupled with some not-so-familiar. Brimming with fun, little children will delight in hearing these rhymes and looking at the miniature adorable illustrations.• “One Blue Fish: a colorful counting book” written and illustrated by Charles Reasoner, Little Simon, 2010, 21 pages, $9.99 hardcover. A delightful counting and color book, Charles Reasoner makes learning fun. Each double-page spread features one number in both its written and numerical form, then lift the flap to count the number's object(s) and learn its color.Simple and brilliant, this early learning book excels.

• “Clever Jack Takes the Cake” by Candace Fleming, illustrated by G. Brian Karas, Schwartz & Wade, 2010, 36 pages, $17.99 hardcover. Jack, a small boy with a big heart, has been invited to the princess's tenth birthday party. As Jack and his mother are very poor, Jack decides to make a birthday cake as his gift to the princess.• Jack cleverly gathers the ingredients, bakes a beautiful cake, and sets off with it the next day to attend the party. But on his travels to the castle, one bizarre event leads to another, until Jack's gift isn't at all what he started out with. What will the princess think?A modern-day fairy tale, “Clever Jack Takes the Cake” brims with adventure, good cheer, a dash of suspense, and a surprise ending. Coupled with delightful illustrations, this selection is first rate.• “Granny Gomez & Jigsaw” by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Scott Magoon, Disney/Hyperion, 2010, 40 pages, $16.99 hardcover. Granny Gomez lived by herself in a big house, and she was lonely. Her young friend William told her she needed a special pet to keep her company. The next day, William left a basket on her front porch, and in the basket was a baby – a baby pig!At first, Granny Gomez and her piglet, Jigsaw, loved doing everything together, and life was perfect. But Jigsaw got bigger and bigger until Granny had no choice but to build a barn for Jigsaw. But once the barn was finished, Granny and Jigsaw had another problem – they missed each very, very much!A charming story about love and companionship, this choice is full of warmth and fun.• "The Legend of the Golden Snail” written and illustrated by Graeme Base, Abrams, 2010, 52 pages, $19.95 hardcover. Wilbur's favorite story was “The Legend of the Golden Snail,” especially the part where the Grand Enchanter banished the Golden Snail to the Ends of the Earth where it would remain until a new master came to claim it.Wilbur decided he would be the one to find the Golden Snail, release it from its enchanted spell, and become its new master. His journey wasn't easy, often fraught with danger and wild obstacles. When at last Wilbur reaches the Ends of the Earth, what he finds isn't exactly what he had imagined.A soaring adventure on the high seas, kids will love the exciting journey of “The Legend of the Golden Snail.”• “Calico Dorsey: Mail Dog of the Mining Camps” by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Adam Gustavson, Tricycle/Random House, 2010, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover. Back in the 1800s, when gold and silver were being mined in the Old West, the miners and settlers needed help transporting mail over the hot, rough, mountainous trail that led from the bustling mining town of Calico, California to the new mining town of Bismark. Help arrived in the form of a border collie named Dorsey, who bravely and diligently performed his task to the great relief and delight of all who knew him.Based on a true story, this selection is delightful.

• “Beauty and the Beast: A Pop-Up Book of the Classic Fairy Tale” written and illustrated by Robert Sabuda, Little Simon, 2010, 34 pages, $29.99 hardcover. The classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, is brought to a new level of artistic beauty with this incredible pop-up book by Robert Sabuda.Five double-page spreads provide extraordinary pop-ups, and within each, additional smaller books and pop-ups that will dazzle and delight the eye and the mind. And of course, there is the wonderful, timeless tale of a brave, selfless girl and the kind beast she grew to love.A real work of art, this choice will be especially adored by girls.• “Tell the Truth, B.B. Wolf” by Judy Sierra, illustrated by J. Otto Seibold, Knopf, 2010, 32 pages, $16.99 hardcover. When B.B. (standing for Big Bad) Wolf is asked by the local librarian to come to the library and tell the story of how he met the three little pigs, B.B. Wolf is advised by his friends to put a spin on the story and give it a happy ending. At the library, that's precisely what B.B. Wolf does, but not long into his false tale, several of the library patrons (including the Three Little Pigs, Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Boy and others) are angry, knowing the real story. Finally, one of the piggies shouts loudly, “TELL THE TRUTH, B.B.WOLF!”A hilarious tale of a bad wolf gone good and the way he makes amends for being a rotten bully, this clever tale, with its gentle message of good values, will be enjoyed by young and old alike.• “Tumtum & Nutmeg: The Rose Cottage Tales” by Emily Bearn, illustrated by Nick Price, Little Brown, 2010, 398 pages, $16.99 hardcover. Two mice, Tumtum and Nutmeg, live in a tiny house in the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage. The human family that lives at Rose Cottage are very poor, and the children, Arthur and Lucy, are in sore need of Christmas gifts, love, and adventure.Tumtum and Nutmeg make it their mission to secretly make things right for Arthur and Lucy. But while Nutmeg and Tumtum try to go about their mission with as few problems as possible, their mouse friend, General Marchmouse, insists on being involved. The problem with his assistance is that General Marchmouse always seems to bungle things. Now, Nutmeg and Tumtum are embroiled in the general's messes, including a bully named Baron Toymouse, an evil mouse named Purple Claw, and a band of thieving circus mice.Three enchanting tales in one book, children will love the high adventure, heroes and heroines, magical places and colorful characters found in this delightful book.• “Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow” retold by Robert D. San Souci, illustrated by E.B. White, Orchard Books, 2010, 26 pages, $17.99 hardcover. Robin Hood, the great archer, lived with his band of men in Sherwood Forest where they were a constant source of help for those in need and a constant source of irritation to the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.Frustrated by the elusive Robin Hood, the Sheriff of Nottingham devised a plan to lure and capture Robin Hood once and for all by calling forth an archery contest where the winner would receive an arrow of pure gold. The Sheriff thought his plan was fool proof, but he soon learned that no one could outsmart the bold, brave hero, Robin Hood.Based on the traditional English ballad, this fresh retelling of Robin Hood and the Golden Arrow has all the great components of an excellent story.

• “DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book” text and artwork by DC Comics, paper engineering by Matthew Reinhart, 2010, 54 pages, $29.99 hardcover. DC Comics Super Heroes are brought to life in this amazing pop-up book. Six double-page spreads with a giant pop-up in each are further enhanced with numerous smaller books and pop-ups on every page.You'll find over 25 pop-ups featuring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and others. In addition to the awesome pop-ups, Super Heroes have a lot more going for them than bravery and brawn. They offer readers some snippets of wisdom, such as “Power, fear, and anger can corrupt even the purest heart.”Adventure and an explosion of art awaits readers on every page of “DC Super Heroes: The Ultimate Pop-Up Book.”• "Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School: We the Children” by Andrew Clements, illustrated by Adam Stower, Atheneum, 2010, 143 pages, $14.99 hardcover. Benjamin Pratt is racing to homeroom when the janitor, Mr. Keane, stops him and presses something into the palm of Benjamin's hand. Instructed to look at the item, Benjamin opens his hand and finds a gold coin with this inscription: “First and always, my school belongs to the children. DEFEND IT. Duncan Oakes, 1783.” Not long after, Mr. Keane mysteriously dies.Benjamin is suddenly caught up in a centuries-old mystery, and enlisting the help of his friend Jill, the two are in a mad race to uncover difficult clues that ultimately may prevent a demolition crew from flattening their harbor-side school to make way for a multi-million-dollar amusement park. But time isn't on their side, and there are many people Benjamin and Jill can't trust.In his usual signature style, Andrew Clements has crafted a believable, fast-paced action-adventure story that kids will gobble up in no time flat.• “Frankly, Frannie” by AJ Stern, illustrated by Doreen Mulryan Marts, Grosset & Dunlap, 2010, 128 pages, $4.99 paperback. Frannie desperately wants to be a grown-up, and so she tries to use as many grown-up words as she can and do as many grown-up things as possible. But sometimes that gets Frannie in trouble.When Frannie's class is visiting a local radio station, Frannie brings along her brief case, a copy of her resume, and business cards. She intends to get a job at the radio station as a radio host. So when Frannie notices the radio host's chair is empty (he must be missing; she is sure of it) Frannie decides to do the right thing and fill in for him and answer the questions from callers. Who knows! Maybe this will be her big break!Hilarious and full of heart, this spunky heroine and her wild story is pure delight.• “The Gecko & Sticky: The Power Potion” by Wendelin Van Draanen, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin, Knopf, 2010, 231 pages, $12.99 hardcover. Thirteen-year-old Dave (the Gecko) is a student by day and a courier after school. His sidekick is an actual gecko named Sticky. Business as a courier is brisk for Dave, and he always delivers his packages safely (and unopened!). But now, Dave's package is a mysterious tube, and what's even worse is that it's addressed to the most evil man Dave knows – Damien Black! This could only mean trouble, so the Gecko and Sticky spring into action, only to find themselves facing deep and dangerous trouble they hadn't bargained for.Action-packed and hilarious, The Power Potion will be a guaranteed hit with kids.

• “Wild Oceans: A Pop-Up Book with Revolutionary Technology” written and illustrated by Lucio and Meera Santoro, Little Simon, 2010, 18 pages, $27.99 hardcover. Journey beneath the surface of the sea and discover the teaming life that exists there. Five double-page spreads boast a gigantic pop-up on each with additional booklets and tabs to pull.Did you know that if a hermit crab looses a claw, it can grow a new one? Did you know that the blue whale is the largest animal on earth and is also the loudest – even louder than a jet engine? How about this cool fact: green sea turtles are a species so ancient they witnessed the extinction of the dinosaurs! This is a very small sample of what you'll discover in this awesome book.Loaded with quick, fascinating facts and beautiful pop-ups throughout, readers will emerge from this book with a true sense of awe and wonder.• “Smells Like Dog” by Suzanne Selfors, Little Brown, 2010, 357 pages, $15.99 hardcover. Twelve-year-old Homer Pudding lives with his family on their farm. Instead of farming and doing his endless boring chores, Homer wants to be a famous treasure hunter, like his uncle. When Uncle Drake mysteriously vanishes, Homer inherits Uncle Drake's most valuable possession – a basset hound that can't smell. At first, Homer is disappointed, but as events unfold and Homer finds a gold coin attached to Dog's collar, Homer realizes his uncle has left him something else – a mystery to solve that may explain why his uncle vanished and who is responsible.Journey with Homer, his sister, Gwendolyn, and Dog (who turns out to have a very special quality as a prized treasure hunter) as they venture to the city to track a series of clues. As their quest unfolds, eccentric and sometime evil individuals help or hinder their progress, and it soon becomes evident that Homer isn't the only treasure hunter.Full of mystery, action, adventure, suspense and lots of laughs, this novel is spot-on.• “The Crowfield Curse” by Pat Walsh, Chicken House/Scholastic, 2010, 326 pages, $16.99 hardcover. In the winter of 1347, 14-year-old William is an apprentice at a medieval abbey in England. As William gathers firewood in the forest, he stumbles upon a tiny creature caught in a trap – a hobgoblin. The wounded hob tells William that he can only be seen by humans with the Sight. William is later told by another that the Sight is a gift, but the more William learns the more he begins to think having the Sight might be a curse.As the hobgoblin's wounds begin to heal, he shares a bone-chilling secret with William: an angel is buried deep in the snow, just beyond the graveyard. William wonders - how can an angel die? Then two strangers, one a leper, take residence in the abbey, and both are intensely interested in finding the angel and demand that William help them. But there are forces at work that will exact their great powers to stop William, and William finds himself embroiled in a very dangerous world.A riveting, magical fantasy, The Crowfield Curse is guaranteed to keep readers on the edge of their seats.• “Turtle in Paradise” by Jennifer Holm, Random House, 2010, 191 pages, $16.99 hardcover. In 1935, the Great Depression caused very hard times for most Americans, and eleven-year-old Turtle is among them. When her mother gets a new job as a housekeeper for a woman who doesn't like kids, Turtle is sent packing to Key West, Florida, to stay with relatives she has never met.Key West is like nothing Turtle has ever seen or expected. Her cousins are a bunch of ragged boys, their house is tiny and chaotic, and the local kids and neighbors don't quite know what to make of Turtle. In many ways that makes sense; Turtle has spent her life learning how to take care of herself, and as a result, is scrappy and smart. But as Turtle begins to open up to Key West and its inhabitants, she learns to view the world in a different way.A thoroughly enjoyable novel that is rich on multiple levels, “Turtle in Paradise” is a very satisfying read.

• “The Invisible Order: Book One” by Paul Crilley, Egmont, 2010, 333 pages, $16.99 hardcover. Twelve-year-old Emily and her younger brother William are orphans in Victorian London. One morning as Emily hurries to work, she witnesses a battle between members of the faerie realm – a battle that has been ongoing for centuries, and because Emily can “see” the faeries, her life is irreversibly changed.Not only do the faeries know about Emily, so, too, does the Invisible Order – a secret society dedicated to protecting mankind from the world of the fey. When her brother is kidnapped, Emily will stop at nothing to save him, even though it means she will be at the deadly center of an epic war. With betrayal around every bend, Emily must rely on her instincts to save her brother, herself, and the world.Extraordinary, colorful characters and settings combine with all the right components of an excellent novel, making this selection outstanding in every way.• “A Place for Delta” by Melissa Walker, illustrated by Richard Walker, Whale Tale Press, 2010, 250 pages, $16.95 hardcover. Eleven-year-old Joseph has been asked to join his marine biologist Aunt Kate in Barrow, Alaska for the summer. Joseph will be in charge of taking care of a rescued polar bear cub. Joseph knows he will have a lot of responsibility, and he is eager to help. Not long into his assignment, though, Joseph and his new friend, Ada, must take on other, potentially dangerous responsibilities. There is a polar bear killer on the loose, and FBI agents need Joseph and Ada's help to catch the criminal. Until then, no one is safe.A multi-layered novel that is both imaginative and very real, A Place for Delta is an engaging, enjoyable novel.• “Storyteller” by Patricia Reilly Giff, Wendy Lamb Books, 2010, 166 pages, $15.99 hardcover. Elizabeth has been sent to live with her Aunt Libby until her father can return from a lengthy assignment in Australia. Lonely and feeling abandoned, Elizabeth tries to find a connection with the girl in a portrait hanging on her aunt's wall. Elizabeth and the girl are related and look eerily alike, even though the girl, Zee, lived through the American Revolution.Told in alternating voices of Elizabeth and Zee, each girl struggles with her own difficult life circumstances and in so doing, experiences an amazing journey.Seamless from start to finish, Storyteller is a moving, wonderful novel.• “Raven Speak” by Diane Lee Wilson, McElderry Books, 2010, 252 pages, $16.99 hardcover. Fourteen-year-old Asa is the daughter of a Viking chief. Asa and her beloved horse, Rune, are accustomed to cold, harsh weather, but this winter is the worst anyone can remember. Asa's father and the men of their clan have gone to sea to find food, leaving the women and children behind with only one old man – Jorgen, the clan's wise man.With all near starvation and many sick and dying, Jorgen senses the chance to gain power. When he tries to kill Asa's horse, Asa and Rune flee and take refuge with an old woman, Wenda, who lives among ravens. Through Wenda's subtle and often gruff nudging and Asa's strong will, Asa is determined to save her clan, whatever it may take.A thrilling, fast-paced read that brims with action, adventure, and danger, readers will be hard-pressed to put this book down.