As Christmas looms ever larger, we turn our attention on Saturday to children's literature. The best of the children's and young adult books published in 2014, writes our columnist Robert Dunbar, were distinguished by their variety, their originality, their literary and artistic excellence and their high production values. Robert lists 30 titles, chosen with particular age groups in mind, which he says reflect all of these qualities, and should provide enjoyable reading over the Christmas holiday and well beyond.

Anna Carey, meanwhile, discovers that there are plenty of titles for children that capture the many wonders of the festive season itself, while Eileen Battersby channels her inner elf when selecting her favourite children’s books from around the world.

Paul Howard, alterego of the ego that is Ross O'Carroll-Kelly, reviews the autobiography of another great humorist, John Cleese.

Peter Murphy has high praise for Different Every Time: the Authorised Biography of Robert Wyatt by Marcus O'Dair.

Paddy Woodworth reviews Ireland's Generous Nature: The Past and Present Uses of Wild Plants in Ireland by Peter Wyse Jackson and says there is nothing, ahem, potted about this history.

The green theme continues as Green Party leader Eamon Ryan reviews Don't even think about it – Why our brains are wired to ignore Climate Change by George Marshall.

Éilís Ní Dhuibhne is delighted by The First Edition: The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm, translated and edited by Jack Zipes.

Eileen Battersby reviews The Captain's Daughter by Alexander Pushkin, translated by Robert and Elizabeth Chandler.

Sarah Gilmartin reviews When Mystical Creatures Attack! by Kathleen Founds.

Denis Donoghue reviews The Letters of TS Eliot, Vol 5: 1930-1931.