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.

Books always make wonderful gifts for anyone, but especially for children.  It’s a way they can learn, use imagination, and explore new things.  Give your child the experience of being able to delve in new experiences by reading these fun and fantastic books.

And for you, save 20% on print books for your little ones when you spend $40 or more!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I was compensated for this post, however all opinions and views are 100% my own.

xxoo,