These books are above and beyond average reads, and are sure to please kids of all ages, and even adults, with an undeniable "wow" factor.

"Maps" by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski; Big Picture Press; 112 pages; $35.

This huge book of 52 illustrated maps details geographical features, political borders, places of interest, iconic personalities, native animals and even plants. Aimed at children, with its quirky, whimsical design approach and funny characters, this map book is different because of its modern layout and fact-filled descriptions with lots of worldly education.

With muted, nature-friendly colors, intense details and tons to look at for every country, ocean, mountain and river, "Maps" is the gift book extraordinaire for world dreamers.

"One Direction: Where We Are, Our Band, Our Story: 100% Official" by One Direction; HarperCollins; 288 pages; $21.99.

An almost Beatles-like musical phenomenon, boy band One Direction has taken the world by storm, especially girls. This big, glossy book, arranged like a family scrapbook, is chock-full of up-close-and-personal photographs, interviews, stories and chronicles of tour life, written by the band — Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson — itself.

The boys call this their official book, and let readers in on everything that's happened to them in the last 18 months, "the inspirations behind our world tour, all the special people we've met, places we've been, and moments we've shared."

Highly entertaining and fun, One Direction's new book proves the boys are personable and friendly, and know how to put on a good show.

"Knowledge Encyclopedia" by DK; DK Children; 360 pages; $29.99.

This all-encompassing, beautiful, huge visual encyclopedia has everything — and I mean everything — inside, in detail. Aimed at presenting a new way to look at the world, this Smithsonian wonder presents exploded images and cutaways that reveal the anatomy of an atom and the eye of a hurricane, while also reconstructing Shakespeare's theater and providing a tour of the human body.

With incredibly sharp images and crystal clear text, DK's new wonder makes an amazing gift for any family.

"Santa Claus: All About Me" by Juliette Atkinson; illustrated by John Atkinson; minedition; 96 pages; $34.95.

Oh, what I wouldn't have given for this book at age 8 or 9. Proving Santa Claus is certainly real, Atkinson's gorgeous gift book is penned with old-fashioned yet highly readable print, and is full of pop-ups and fold-outs, maps, recipes, secret letters, a snowflake that comes to life and so much more.

With fascinating anecdotes and "previously unseen diaries," Santa's life story spans hundreds of years and subjects. Kids will find out why Christmas trees, crackers and puddings became part of the special day, and will learn why Santa changes his costumes through the years, and how he manages his elves and reindeer.

A beautiful book, "Santa Claus: All About Me" will make any child anticipate Christmas with wonder and joy.

"Hansel and Gretel" by Brothers Grimm; illustrated by Sybille Schenker; minedition; 52 pages; $29.99.

Another new wonder from minedition, this breathtaking edition of "Hansel and Gretel" is beautifully crafted by artist Schenker, who turns the slightly scary story magical with wood-cut illustrations and acetate see-through pages.

A unique and truly amazing picture book wonder, this version of the story is briefer than the classic, and has a happy ending. But it's the fabulous die-cut book jacket and wondrous black-and-white (and other colors to highlight pages) pictures that make it a true gem.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.