There’s something about the
holidays—that warm glow from the fire, the fact that you actually get to
spend time with your kids (or your friends’ and family’s kids)—that
makes it the perfect time to curl up with the little ones in your life
and read them a storybook. Reading a totally new, beautiful, amazing
book with a child is a treasured holiday experience. And if you choose
the right book, every time the child reads it alone in the future will
bring back the memory of that time you shared. 

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.

Title: Ollie + Loo
Author: Joni Cooper
www.blurb.com/b/4554150-ollie-+-loo
Joni Cooper brings incredibly original characters to life with brilliant
illustrations in a book that will have parents and kids laughing along
together.

Title: Edward Hopper and the Carrot Crunch
Author: Mike Smith
www.blurb.com/books/1189264-edward-hopper-and-the-carrot-crunch
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.

Title: My Bug Journal
Author: Hannah Rollings
www.blurb.com/b/1925331-my-bug-journal
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.

Title: Myrtle & the Scarecrow
Author: Kate Lowe
www.blurb.com/b/4662116-myrtle-the-scarecrow
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.

Title: The Trouble with Bears
Author: K.D. O’Reilley
www.blurb.com/b/400437-the-trouble-with-bears?pid=Featured
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.

Title: Mylo & Peet
Author: Janyce Portalatin
www.blurb.com/b/4290427-mylo-peet
A graphically pleasing book with a message tailor-made for the new
generation of eco-warriors the importance of recycling and protecting
the planet.

Title: Theo
Author: Kenny Lim & Grant Gilliand
www.blurb.com/b/781375-theo?pid=Featured
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.

Title: A Whimsical Tale of Invention
Author: Kara Pooley
www.blurb.com/b/628072-a-whimsical-tale-of-invention
Fascinating facts, inspired inventions, intriguing illustrations, a poem or two—this book has it all.

Title: Ahwen’s Journal
Author: Alice Alder
www.blurb.com/b/4291566-ahwen-s-journal
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.

Title: Marco and the Zombies
Author: Justin Kerr
www.blurb.com/b/1360926-marco-and-the-zombies?pid=Featured
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.

Title: Baby Bear gets a Present
Author: Chris Wood
www.blurb.com/b/4387364-baby-bear-gets-a-present
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.

Title: Penelope and her Puffy Brown Crown
Author: Jasmin Ortiz
www.blurb.com/b/4181634-penelope-and-her-puffy-brown-crown-paperback
Popping with color and originality, this rhythmical story makes reading
aloud a real pleasure. Apparently, bad hair-days happen to young people
too.

Title: My Best Friend
Author: Nathalie Josephine
www.blurb.com/b/4295225-my-best-friend
In this lovely little book, bright (and very cute) characters illustrate
a story designed to help children deal with the loss of a friend.

Title: A Bit Lost
Author: Leanne New
www.blurb.com/b/4275053-a-bit-lost
Delightful creativity elevates the imagery in this standout book, a simple tale of lost-and-found for little ones.

Title: The Goose Girl
Author: Madeleine Valley
www.blurb.com/b/4274145-the-goose-girl
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.

Title: The Great Bear Surprise
Author: Carolan Coughlin
www.blurb.com/b/4259737-the-great-bear-surprise
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.

Title: Goodnight Forest
Author: Emilie Dale
www.blurb.com/b/3018559-good-night-forest
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.

Title: The Adventures of Dude, Squat and Mose
Author: Michael Hall
http://www.blurb.com/b/4720681-the-adventures-of-dude-squat-and-mose
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. 
Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays!!