If you’re a little tired of the standard children’s book selections in your local brick and mortar store, Blurb has a really incredible assortment of self-published children’s books that you won’t find anywhere else this holiday season. Try a few of these future classics and create some new holiday memories this year.
Ollie + Loo by Joni Cooper. Joni Cooper brings incredibly original characters to life with brilliant illustrations in a book that will have parents and kids laughing along together.
Edward Hopper and the Carrot Crunch by Mike Smith. Very few children’s books have financial mismanagement as a central theme — we can only assume most children’s book authors have not had the pleasure of meeting a rabbit named Edward Hopper.
My Bug Journal by Hannah Rollings. Bug-lover or other, this journal is sure to spark interest from anyone who takes a peek inside the covers. Enchanted illustrations, bug facts, room for records and much, much more.
Myrtle & the Scarecrow by Kate Lowe. Myrtle finds solace with a not-so-scary scarecrow?and learns a lot about herself? in this short but sweet tale. The atmospheric illustrations have a little magic about them—we look forward to more from this young, talented illustrator.
The Trouble with Bears by K.D. O’Reilley. This story cleverly combines a lesson on self-worth with an exploration of different cultures, geography, and history. The talents of a former writing instructor and a visual artist are a winning combination here.
Mylo & Peet by Janyce Portalatin. A graphically pleasing book with a message tailor-made for the new generation of eco-warriors the importance of recycling and protecting the planet.
Theo by Kenny Lim & Grant Gilliand. Join Theo on his journey as he navigates the obstacles and challenges of school—made all the more difficult due to his not-so-normal third eye. Fantastic illustrations bring this story’s great message to life.
A Whimsical Tale of Invention by Kara Pooley. Fascinating facts, inspired inventions, intriguing illustrations, a poem or two—this book has it all.
Ahwen’s Journal by Alice Alder. It would be impossible not to fall in love with the beautifully illustrated characters in this book. Ahwen, Harn, Charwood—we’ll be keeping an eye out for you the next time we’re in the woods.
Marco and the Zombies by Justin Kerr. Another collaborative project delivers a brilliant book. With Zombies at the heart of this story—and superb illustrations by Bret Bowers—it’s one older children are sure to enjoy.
Baby Bear gets a Present by Chris Wood. Even toys relegated to a box in a forgotten corner of the house have lives of their own. In this heartwarming tale we learn just how much fun they have.
Penelope and her Puffy Brown Crown by Jasmin Ortiz. Popping with color and originality, this rhythmical story makes reading aloud a real pleasure. Apparently, bad hair-days happen to young people too.
My Best Friend by Nathalie Josephine. In this lovely little book, bright (and very cute) characters illustrate a story designed to help children deal with the loss of a friend.
A Bit Lost by Leanne New. Delightful creativity elevates the imagery in this standout book, a simple tale of lost-and-found for little ones.
The Goose Girl by Madeleine Valley. A lesser-known story by The Brothers Grimm gets a thoroughly modern makeover in this graphically rich retelling of Goose Girl from Madeleine Valley. This is one for the older bunch.
The Great Bear Surprise by Carolan Coughlin. Join Carolan on her hike up Red Plume Mountain where she discovers much more than the view of the surrounding landscape. This is a sweet story of unexpected friendship.
Goodnight Forest by Emilie Dale. See your little ones off to sleep and bid goodnight to the forest with this rhythmic wind-down bedtime book, from graphic designer and illustrator Emilie Dale.
The Adventures of Dude, Squat and Mose by Michael Hall. With fabulous illustrations from Gerald Kelley and a fun-packed story from author Michael Hall, the adventures of this brave trio of adopted dogs if sure to become a favorite.
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Great selection of books! I know of a few, but the rest are new to me. Thanks for posting, I’ll have to keep an eye open at the library for these other titles!
Marco and the Zombies looks awesome, I am definitely going to pick that one up!
Love these books! My four year old son will love them!
Love these!! My niece would love them
They look awesome.
Linda Finn
Linda Marie Finn recently posted..Growing Home Blog: I am a Feminist.
Part of my nephew’s bedtime routine is for his Mom to read him a book or two. I think Goodnight Forest would be perfect for them. I’m going to keep an eye out for it for his birthday. Thank you so much!
I love the selection and will have to look into it. My son loves to read, and I am always looking for ways to promote that.
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I’m always looking for new books for my kids – thanks 🙂
Shannon recently posted..To my Daughter – Always Try Your Best
Wonderful selections! And I love the drawings of the characters in all of these – never mind the rugrats liking them. That will make it easy to read them over and over, but it does make it hard to choose among them!
I have never heard of Blurb books before. I’ll have to look into them for my nieces and nephews!
So many wonderful books to choose from. My grandkids would love these. And there is nothing like making Holiday memories the little ones can look back upon with fondness. Thnaks for the post.
Carol L
I haven’t heard of these books before…will definitely check them out!
,I am definitely going to pick a few of there books for the long winter evenings
Absolutely Love this!! Something different, out of the norm.. Made a list, I will be sure to check them out 🙂 Thank You!!
I love reading to kids and it is a special bond we share. You can never start too early!
These sound great! x
These are some really great books. I was the director of a daycare many years ago and I know how important it is to read to a young child. It is never wrong to read at any age.
Thanks for posting! I am always looking for independent books for my nieces!
These are nice books for my children to read, thank you for the review
thanks for review
Thanks for the post! I am always on the lookout for book ideas for the kiddos. We read a ton of books!
Reading is so important. I always loved story before bedtime. It helps the child unwind and is a chance to instill the love of reading.
Wow, this is a great selection of books. It’s nice to have the old tried and true titles that we’re all used to, but it’s also nice to see some new titles as well. Thank you for sharing this review.