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November is National Picture Book Month AND the month before Christmas! If you’re planning on finishing up your holiday shopping in the next few weeks and want to add more literature to your children’s bookshelves, you’ve come to the right place: below are over 25 children’s books to add value and diversity to your shelves all while supporting indie authors’ (most of us moms!) dreams.

These books are the perfect addition to your own bookshelf or to gift to nieces, nephews, kids’ friends, grandchildren, and everyone in between. There are a variety of topics, themes, age ranges, and styles, so I encourage you to explore each one to find the ones that best fit your needs!

Here are over 25 Children’s Books to Gift This Year:

• STEM Day by Amy Doslich: Unlock the world of STEM through the eyes of a curious young girl in STEM Day! Join Hannah as she navigates an exciting school event that brings together professionals from unique and intriguing STEM careers.
• Windy and the Fluff Flowers by Tia Batten: Windy is a curious little wind gust who wants nothing more than to play with the fluffy clouds high up in the sky. What happens when Windy is sent down to the ground? Join Windy as she breezes through meadows, makes new friends, and learns that sometimes mistakes can turn into something beautiful.
• Billy the Bubble by Tia Batten: There’s trouble down in Tubville, and that trouble is named Billy the Bubble. Can Sheriff Pops put an end to Billy’s bad bubble behavior, or is he all washed up?
• Shirley Murley by Su Murley: Shirley Murley is a children’s rhyming book, with a bit of a tongue-twister on every page. How fast will you be able to read it? Say hello to always-early, curly, Shirley Murley from Burnley, and don’t forget to look out for all the little extras hidden in the illustrations.
• You’re Truly One of a Kind by Sonali Patodia: The book tells a simple yet impactful story that highlights the theme of self-acceptance, friendship, and the beauty of our differences. Instilling the essence of Indian culture and its captivating illustrations, the book is a visual treat, drawing young readers into an enchanting world.
• Noah and Santa’s Special Key by Sian Phillips: At the North Pole, Noah loves Christmas, but this year, he feels different; he’s struggling to find that familiar sparkle. When he’s about to give up, Santa’s note reveals that a magical key is missing! With his reindeer Blitzen, Noah begins a fun quest to find it. They follow clues, ride the Christmas Train, and discover festive joy. At a glittering Christmas Tree Farm, Noah finds something surprising that changes everything.
• Castle of Knots by Sarah H. Fowler: A beautiful young princess is trapped within a castle of knots, a mighty fortress covered in brambles, tangled weeds, and underbrush, hidden to the outside world around her. Enter a valiant knight— otherwise known as mom—who bravely crosses the Valley of Dollies and over the Laundry Lake (referred by some as a bedroom), who takes on the impossible task of freeing the princess. Though it will not be an easy mission, the knight is committed to victory so the princess can return to rule the realm of the Dollies…and get to school on time.
• Doug the Doodle’s Dilemma by Roneen Hicks: Doug the doodle is living his best life with his friends and never thinking about much besides treats and belly rubs. Until one day, his happy life is turned upside down, and he finds himself without his friends and turns to God for help. What he finds is God answers his prayer but in a very unexpected way.
• The What-If Kid: First Day of School by Nicole Drinkwater: Following a young boy on his first day of school. All of Kale’s big feelings of anxiety become apparent, but through friendship and kindness, he learns to not only enjoy his day but look forward to school every day.
• Visit the Stars by Nalia Syed: Visit The Stars is a touching father-daughter story based on a girl’s journey and experiences to become an astronaut. She asks science-content questions during the day and dreams about the answer at night.
• Petunia the Perfectionist by Marissa Badder: Petunia does not like to make mistakes. In fact, she’ll do just about anything to avoid making one. So instead of enjoying her jam sessions on her guitar, Petunia practices ’til her fingers ache. And rather than creating art with her crayons, she spends her time color-coding them instead. Petunia’s so busy trying to be perfect, there’s no time left in her life for being creative or having any fun! Though Petunia’s mom often reminds her that mistakes are important because they help us learn and grow, Petunia’s not convinced. That is, until she makes a mistake that inspires everyone…even herself. Will Petunia finally understand that it’s okay to make mistakes and begin to accept herself for who she is – imperfections and all?
• One Step Behind by Sarah Ward: One Step Behind is a beautifully illustrated love letter to the baby of the family as they try to find their place among siblings. Cherish important milestones of your last baby with this rhyming children’s book that will tug at your heart strings.
• Polar Post: An Erutuf National Park Novel by Kathy Cherry: When Reese and Dean return to the magical Erutuf National Park, they encounter their coldest challenge so far—in the park’s Arctic. Here they meet Ty, an entertaining, talking polar bear with a crucial mission. Ty reveals a secret map that must be found and hidden before a group of determined pirates can seize it. Can the siblings navigate this icy region and outsmart the cunning pirates? Find out in this thrilling third book in the series as Reese and Dean embark on a journey of bravery, teamwork, exploration, and the unbreakable bond of family to protect this magical national park!
• How I Saved the Ants by Jyothsna Raju: Meet Cheeku, a seven-year-old boy who lives in the enchanting forest of Cheekupur. One day on his quest to place the tiny objects as ordered by his granny, he falls into a vast tunnel and meets tiny ants. After observing how the ants treated him, their queen gets furious and gives him a blessing, which changes his life.
• No Bad Feelings by Jenni Naked: What are feelings and how are they all helpful for us? Learn this and more in the first book of the No Bad Feelings series.
• Dinosaurs in the Attic by Adela and Lauren: Join Hunny and Koko on an unforgettable journey in “Dinosaurs In The Attic.” One day, while exploring their attic, they stumble upon a dusty old machine with a big red button. Curiosity gets the better of them, and with a whirr and a flash, they find themselves transported to the Jurassic era!
• Big Dreams by Alexandra Hoffman: Football tryouts have started, and Gabby is ready. There’s only one problem: she’s never seen a girl play on the local football team. Despite obstacles, she never gives up. An empowering story of triumph, BIG DREAMS is for all the dreamers who refuse to sit on the sidelines!
• Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman: Masterpiece is an inclusive story featuring Samuel, a boy on the autism spectrum who sees the world differently than his peers. When Samuel’s teacher asks his class to create a piece of art, it quickly becomes apparent that his beautiful way of looking at the world makes him a true masterpiece!
• The Secret Of The Golden Clues: Peytons Christmas by Paula Banks: Get ready for a magical holiday adventure in The Secret of the Golden Clues: Peyton’s Christmas Adventure. When Peyton and her friends decorate their classroom for the big Christmas party, they never expect a mysterious package to arrive, wrapped in shiny red paper with a golden bow. Inside, they find golden envelopes filled with riddles that lead them on an exciting treasure hunt through their school.
• Poppy and the Snack Garden by Cheryl Jordan: This delightful picture book introduces young readers to the wonders of nature, gardening, and friendship. With vibrant illustrations and engaging text, Poppy’s story sparks a love for the outdoors while gently teaching the value of community. Perfect for budding gardeners, this heartwarming tale unfolds with simple storytelling and a sweet, charming ending that will leave smiles all around. An ideal pick for little hands eager to explore the natural world!
• Maisy and Daisy Move House by Michelle De Robillard: Maisy and Daisy Move House is a delightful picture book that explores the universal experience of moving house for a young girl, Maisy, who is disabled and uses a wheelchair, she calls Daisy.
• Alphabet Space by Lashana Standard: My book is Chase the astronaut takes you on a journey ride on his rocketship through alphabet space, learning the letters and worlds that start with that letter of the alphabet.
• The Day I Hold Dear by Ellis Schwartz: Journey through the seasons alongside beloved animals in this heartwarming children’s book. Through rhymes and love-filled messages, parents convey their infinite love to their children, reminding them that time waits for no one.
• Dolly’s Ocean Rescue by Melissa Eastin: Do you want your child to learn essential skills like problem-solving, leading with kindness, and caring for the planet—all through a fun, interactive story? Dolly’s Ocean Rescue is a children’s book about the ocean that combines adventure and empowerment, making reading fun for kids!
• Little White Angel by Adrita Goswami: This is the story of a little white dove named Angel and his journey to freedom. When the little dove gets blown away in a storm, Princess Olivia saves his life and keeps him in a golden cage in the royal garden. Little Angel slowly grows up in the golden cage and begins to long for freedom. Will Angel ever achieve his dream?
• Leo the Lionhearted Cat by Adrita Goswami: Meet Leo, a small cat with big dreams! Despite being told it was impossible, Leo once aspired to be a lion. But as he grew older, he gave up his grand vision and settled as a fishercat. However, when a huge flood strikes the forest, Leo’s fate takes an unexpected turn. Will he be able to help his friend, Kevin, and save the woodland creatures by retrieving the Heart of the Forest?
• The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids by Heide Rembold (oh hey, that’s me!): Discover the wonders of homesteading, gardening, and self-sufficiency through the alphabet! “The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids” is an engaging and educational journey for young minds into the world of sustainable living.

Know of another book I should add to the list? Drop it in the comments below!

Until next time,

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