Reviewed by Dionne Christian and Zoe Gadd

COOK’S COOK The cook who cooked for Captain Cook by Gavin Bishop (Gecko Press, $30)

It’s been said before on these pages that we can expect a welter of books on Captain Cook in the near future. Here’s a kids’ book that breathes new life into the story by following the 1768 journey of Cook’s H.M.S. Endeavour with his ship’s cook, the one-handed John Thompson, as story teller. Through real recipes from the ship’s galley, events on board and the places the ship travelled on its way to the Pacific, the book tells multiple stories. Fascinating stuff recommended for foodies and picture book lovers alike.

INSIDE THE VILLAINS by Clotilde Perrin (Gecko Press, $35)

A super-sized and simply super picture book that features the inside story — quite literally — on three archetypal fairy-tale villains: the wolf, giant and witch. Each starts with a clever but brief first-person introduction as said villain responds to what’s been said about them in the past. Then there’s a stylish and witty “more about me” followed by a traditional story in which the featured rogue has a starring role but the real treats are the lift-the-flap illustrations that reveal what makes each one tick.

THE VISITOR by Antje Damm (Gecko Press, $20)

Elise is scared of everything - spiders, people, even trees - so she never goes out, night or day. One day a strange thing flies in through the window and lands at her feet. Then comes a knock at her door. Elise has a visitor. Since reviewing this earlier in the year, Damm’s quirky, evolving and ever so theatrical story has deservedly won a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book award. A truly magical book.

FURRY TALES A treasury of cat mischief by Lynley Dodd (Puffin, $45)

For the very first time, Lynley Dodd’s classic cat capers are brought together in one book. It includes eight favourite stories featuring Slinky Malinki and friends and yes, while they’ve all been published before, having them together in one attractive, hardcover gift book helps to emphasise the genius of Dodd’s clever rhymes and the charm of the feline characters. There’s also a read along CD with each tale, read by entertainer Jackie Clarke.

MOZART The man behind the music By Donovan Bixley (Upstart Press, $35)

Would a Christmas “best of” books list be a Christmas “best of” books list without a mention of prolific author and illustrator Donovan Bixley? This year, he’s turned his (clever) hands to a charming Kiwiana ABC book, the legends of Maui and illustrating wry takes on favourite kids’ songs (among many, many other projects). Bixley first wrote about Mozart in 2005; this book incorporates some of that original artwork as well as new material which brings Mozart to life with humour while revealing a complex man living in tumultuous times. Like Bixley’s wonderful biography of William Shakespeare, this is bound to appeal to those who like their heroes — and information about them — with a touch of irreverent fun.

SANTA CLAUS VS THE EASTER BUNNY by Fred Blunt (Allen & Unwin Childrens, $23)

This is the time of year for good-natured stories about Christmas miracles, sharing and caring. To be blunt, it can get a little saccharine so this pointedly funny story about rivalry and envy between two “great” holiday characters (or, at least, a very grumpy rabbit who wants a little more love) is a delightful antidote. It’s mischievous, cheeky and has a sweet ending without the schmaltz. Bonus — you can read it at Easter, too.