Numerous are the reasons to dread winter’s arrival — the getting-out-of-the-house routine being the most obvious. But Berger’s cut-paper collages, complete with a cast of trendily named kids (Sophie, Sadie, Finn) gone sledding, snowman building, and snow angel making, have us eagerly awaiting the season.

Available at amazon.com, $10.50.

The latest release from the author of An Awesome Book takes on poetry. Effortless wordplay combined with Clayton’s imaginative illustrations make this collection of verse a page-turning charmer.

Available at amazon.com, $11.

A holiday must for blended families, the brightly illustrated storybook tells of a home united — not divided — by different traditions.

Available at amazon.com, $11.50.

We’re not sure which we like more about this book: the pint-size female protagonist who loves airplanes or the adventures her imagination takes her on. Girls interested in more than princesses and pink (and the parents who adore them) will appreciate the places this story goes.

Available at amazon.com, $9.50.

On December 26, your house is filled with remote control-car buzzing and tea party gossip, but Santa Claus is in bed with the blues. Postholiday sadness has Ho Ho in a funk — until the promise of next year’s celebration turns things around.

Available at amazon.com, $9.50.

Simple illustrations tell the tale of a tugboat that helps the taller, faster, bigger boats at sea. Reminiscent of The Little Engine That Could, it will rock the pint-size seaman in your house to sleep.

Available at amazon.com, $10.50.

Yes, that Emma Thompson. The British actress writes a follow-up to the cherished children’s tale. The star turn? An audio CD features Thompson’s familiar voice reading the story aloud.

Available at amazon.com, $12.50.

When a little fish steals a hat from a much bigger, sleeping fish, he swims off into hiding, confident he won’t be found. But a misstep leads the big fish to his property, giving readers an ending that’s hard to swallow. Sushi, anyone?

Available at amazon.com, $10.

The newest book from the McSweeney’s McMullens crew had us at hello. As in, Hello, how cool are you? The book has two covers, two spines, and a Z-shape binding that joins the stories in the middle. Start on one side and finish on the other, or flip the book and read the tale the other way around.

Available at amazon.com, $9.50.

For every little who prefers the companionship of a stuffed friend to a real-live kid, this story strikes a familiar chord. (And really, who hasn’t felt that way at one time or another?) Charming pencil illustrations delight readers and over-the-shoulder listeners.

Available at amazon.com, $13.

We’d buy anything Jeffers is selling. His latest book continues the streak of offbeat characters and pleasing, hipsteresque illustrations. Our kids liked it, too.

Available at amazon.com, $10.