With the new year and a long weekend just around the corner, why not cuddle up with your kids and a good book? From Christmas ninjas to digging worms, there's a book for everyone.

Before we say goodbye to 2015, we've gathered the best literary treats of the year to keep your little ones entertained.

Librarian Mara Alpert, with the Children's Literature Department at L.A.'s Central Library, has a list of great picks from 2015. 

Picture Books

"Thank You and Good Night" by Patrick McDonnell

This is the story about a little girl’s sleepover, where she invites her friends, a rabbit, an elephant and a bear to spend the night. An “homage to classic children’s books and a lovely bedtime story,” says Alpert. “It’s basically celebrating ‘Good Night Moon’ and ‘Babar,’ and ‘Winnie the Pooh.’”

"Samurai Santa: A Very Ninja Christmas" by Rubin Pingk 

A young boy wants a snowball fight for Christmas, Samurai style! But none of his fellow ninja friends want to join as Christmas is just around the corner and don’t want to end on Santa’s naughty list. Can he chase Santa away and get the snow fight of a lifetime? 

Chapter Book Fiction

"Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones, illustrated by Katie Kath 

Sophie Brown just moved from Los Angeles to a farm. New to the farm life and the only “brown people” in town, she can’t help but feel excluded. But things change when she meets a chicken with very unusual powers. 

"Harriet the Invincible" by Ursula Vernon  

Harriet Hamsternone is a very stunning princess in the rodent world. But, the furry princess can’t help but feel bored in her palace. One day, her parents tell her of a terrible curse placed at birth, which destines that she will price her finger when she’s twelve and fall into a deep slumber. But these aren’t bad news to Harriet, it’s great news. 

Non-Fiction

"We Dig Worms!" by Kevin McCloskey 

Have you ever wondered what worms do? Why they look the way the look or what they’re like? Find out about life science lessons while having fun.

"Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France" by Mara Rockcliff, illustrated by Jacopo Bruno

Look back at a true moment in history as Benjamin Franklin sets out to disprove the “mysterious” powers of the enigmatic Dr. Mesmer.

To listen to the full interview with Mara Alpert, click the link above.