As we continue in the holiday spirit, here are four for the kiddies, from picture books to a novel. Nancy and I are a bit removed from this demographic, so if you have others to recommend, please do.

The Lump of Coal by Lemony Snicket. Daniel Handler, the writer who gained fame for the Snicket series about a series of unfortunate events, switches here to a Christmas fable. It appeared in USA Weekend in 2004, so it may seem familiar.

Swing! by Rufus Butler Seder. In this picture book, skaters really spin and kids really turn cartwheels, thanks to the magic of scanimation. It's hard to describe, you can see it on YouTube.

Jake Starts School by Michael Wright. You've heard the story: Boy meets school, boy hates school. But the artwork is hilarious, and kids are sure to love the gas-passing scene.

If You’re Reading This Book, It’s Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch. My sixth-grade nephew was enthralled by this adventure/mystery, and its Snicket-ish sense of humor.