Disclaimer: Beautiful Touches has received products from many of the brands below, to facilitate this article, which is part of our series of Gift Ideas and Buying Guide publications.  No monetary compensation has been exchanged.  All information an images comes directly from the brands.  Any opinions stated are those of the author. Beautiful Touches is participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Give the gift of a good book this holiday season….reading is fundamental!

Welcome to the 2023 Holiday Gift Ideas and Buying Guide | CHILDRENS BOOKS

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DOGS

By Kristyna Litten

“What is the oldest breed of dog? Can dogs sniff out illnesses? Which breed has six toes?

Including a stunning central gatefold that opens out to reveal all 80 dog breeds and where they come from, this book is a visual celebration of the huge variety of dogs found across the world, from those you already know and love to those that may surprise you. As the book takes the reader on a journey around the world, it reveals dogs with the most important jobs, breeds with unusual features, record-breaking dogs and more.

Focus spreads will explore subjects such as the canine family, dogs’ superpower sense of smell, and how dogs became man’s best friend.”

By Kristyna Litten

From Welbeck Publishing

THE SMALL AND MIGHTY BOOK OF KNOCK KNOCK JOKES

By Orange Hippo!

From Welbeck Publishing

MIGHTY MARA

By Carina Ho and Jesse Byre

“Welcome to Sametown where everyone and everything is…well…the same. Except Mara! She’s a little different. She’ bright. She’s sunny. And, unlike her classmates who are all planning on performing a similar magic show act at the school talent show, she is going to dance, dance, dance! One problem: everyone in Sametown – her classmates, her teacher—they all think she shouldn’t do it. And it’s not just (it seems) because dancing isn’t the status quo in Sametown…It’s because they just don’t believe in Mara. Mara won’t let their dissuading and even their heckling rock her spirit, though. She’s Mighty Mara, and she’s about to shake she some new life into her muted town. In the most surprising and beautiful of ways.”

From Paw Prints Publishing

BUNSO MEETS A MUMU

By Rev Valdez

“Meet Bunso, a boy with a really scary problem. It’s the Mumu, the Filipino version of the Boogeyman, who likes to punish kids who misbehave by sucking the fun out of everything! The Mumu will not let Bunso draw (on the walls), eat ice cream (before dinner), or play video games (his older brother’s). But Bunso has had enough! Gearing up to fight back against this destroyer of fun, Bunso makes surprising discoveries about the Mumu (and himself) in this fun, comic-like illustrated picture book that introduces children to Filipino culture and words.

About the Series
Bunso Meets… is a hilarious and educational picture book series exploring the mythical monsters of Filipino mythology. In each book, Bunso, the youngest in his family, will learn the lore of the his heritage’s monsters, encounter featured creature, and discover something unexpected along the way.”

From Paw Prints Publishing

SEEKING SHANTI: A family’s Story of Climate Migration

By Jesse Byrd and Sandy Kaur Gill

“After Kavya and her family are flooded out of their home in Southeast Asia, they have to make the difficult decision to return and try to rebuild or move away from their native land.

The creators of Seeking Shanti is the same team behind the non-profit Create-Structure and Better Shelter. Over the past five years, Better Shelter has collaborated with leading UN organizations, NGOs, governmental donors and the private sector to provide shelter for the displaced due to climate crises. So far, they have provided 60,000 shelters that benefit displaced families, classrooms and health care facilities in over 60 countries.”

From Paw Prints Publishing

HELLO, SWEET BABY: An Adoption Journey

By Janeen Jackson

“Young and in love, Momma Red and Poppa Yellow Tomato decide to have a baby tomato. However, Momma and Poppa quickly learn that they cannot properly care for their sweet seedling the way and make the difficult decision to release her to another loving tomato family in Hopewell Garden, using the assistance of a helpful ladybug adoption agent.

Hello Sweet Baby is a heartfelt, magical story by a bright new talent about adoption, making tough choices, honoring differences, and celebrating different types of families.”

From Paw Prints Publishing

101 SILLY CHRISTMAS JOKES FOR KIDS

By The Editors of Ulysses Press

“Looking for some jokes that will really sleigh? You found them! 101 Silly Christmas Jokes for Kids is filled with funny, delightful knock-knocks and gut-busters that kids will love reading, sharing and telling.

Discover the ultimate laugh-out-loud joke book for kids that’s 100% all about everyone’s favorite time of year—Christmas! Inside, kids will find clean, fun jokes like:

• What does a snowman eat for breakfast?
  Frosted Flakes
• What does a vampire snowman give you?
  Frostbite
• What do you call a really old snowman?
  A puddle
• Why can’t Santa spell “holidays”?
  He has Noel
• What’s the only thing a snowman can smell?
  Carrots

. . . .And many more!!”

From Ulysses Press – Bloom Books for Young Readers

THE ABCs OF ASIAN AMERICAN HISTORY

By Renee Macalino Rutledge

“Celebrate and learn about the many cultures that fall under the Asian American umbrella in this alphabetically organized, rhyming, and colorfully illustrated picture book for kids!

The ABCs of Asian American History is an inclusive compilation of the holidays, famous figures, traditional dress, cuisine, and other interesting facts from nineteen Asian American groups (as defined by the 2020 United States Census), including Korean Americans, Chinese Americans, Filipino Americans, Pakistani Americans, Japanese Americans, Hmong Americans, and more.

Perfect for kids ages five and up, this book explores Asian Americans in the US cultural landscape, from the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal to the first Indian American woman to travel to space, as well as the names of famous Asian American inventors, artists, and political leaders. Kids will also learn about traditions, from Diwali to Chinese New Year; music and fashion styles, from the tabla to the sari; and signature dishes, like laksa and pho, giving greater visibility to Asian Americans for the youngest of learners.

A much-needed addition to the classroom, home library, or gift bag, The ABCs of Asian American History will inspire important conversations, offer a tool for inclusivity in early learning, and encourage anyone reading to be a changemaker in their own right.”

From Ulysses Press – Bloom Books for Young Readers

I GRAB THE MIC

By Malik Sickstei

“Kiss stage fright goodbye…
You’re superfly.
Grab that mic!

I Grab the Mic is this first in a picture book series featuring kids overcoming challenging scenarios and building confidence, all written through the lyrical hip-hop inspired verse. In this first story, a young girl and her friends grapple with the nerves that comes with speaking and performing in front of a group. Ultimately the kids all find the confidence to share their voice!”

From Paw Prints Publishing

THE UNOFFICIAL HOCUS POCUS COOKBOOK FOR KIDS

50 Fun and Easy Recipes for Tricks, Treats, and Spooky Eats Inspired by the Halloween Classic

By Bridget Thoreson

“Craft some fun kitchen magic just in time for Halloween with this kid-friendly follow-up to the USA Today best-selling The Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook.

From Ulysses Press – Bloom Books for Young Readers

CAKE MIX: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients

By Mikki Hernandez

“Cake Mix: Learning to Love All Your Ingredients is a picture book for children ages 5-8. The story features a young mixed-race girl named Remy, whose first encounter with the intrusive question, “What are you?” sends her on a journey towards self-acceptance. Feeling confused about where she belongs, Remy learns about ethnicity and what it means to be mixed by doing her favorite activity with her mother-baking a cake! Remy discovers being mixed is something to be proud of. When she returns to school, Remy shares with her classmates the importance and deliciousness of celebrating different backgrounds.”

From Paw Prints Publishing

FROM THE POCKET OF AN OVERCOAT

By R. Vincent

From the Pocket of an Overcoat” is based on the real-life story of a cat named Max adopted by Vincent’s son Matthew from a homeless woman in Dallas who found Max as a tiny kitten and had him in the pocket of her overcoat as she was trying to find him a home. The tale is about an affable cat, Max Buckles, and how he finds himself and his way to a new home – moving from the cozy overcoat pocket of Sally in the city, to the country with Farmer Buckles and his other animals, including four dogs – Sam, Tots, Scotty (who is not Scottish, but is plaid), and Junior Buckles. Along the way, he discovers a true sense of belonging within his new family. As told through the journey of Max the cat, this is a story about self-identity, acceptance, and animal rescue and adoption.

A portion of each book sale of “From the Pocket of an Overcoat” will be donated to organizations that promote animal rescue and adoption – The Humane Society and Best Friends. Readers and fans of Max Buckles can like and follow the book on Instagram and Facebook, and can also send an email to [email protected] with proof of purchase to get a special Thank You note from Max himself. To learn more, visit www.maxbuckles.com or explore the following hashtags: #maxbuckles, #maxbucklesbooks, #maxthecat, #readenjoysharemax and #fromthepocketofanovercoat.”

From Archway Publishing

THE CUTEST ANIMAL BABIES

“Which is cuter – a baby elephant or a fluffy penguin chick? You decide!

Meet adult wild animals in their natural habitat, see their adorable babies, and use the interactive sliding card “cute-o-meter” to rate their cuteness on a sliding scale. Featured animals include sloths, foxes, bears, tigers, elephants, and rabbits, all shown with their oh-so-cute babies. Gorgeous photography brings out the best in every animal, and bitesize text delivers entertaining facts at a level that is perfect for both emerging and reluctant readers. Learn the special words for young animals, from puppy to piglet, including some that even grown-ups might not know!

Animals include bear/bear cub, seal/seal pup, tiger/tiger cub, elephant/calf, panda/panda cub, rabbit/kit, turtle/hatchling, deer/fawn, dog/puppy, sheep/lamb, penguin/penguin chick, fox/fox cub; pig/piglet, and sloth/sloth cub.”

From Welbeck Publishing Group

THERE’S A YETI IN MY TUMMY

By Meredith Rusu / Illustrated by Marin Moron

“What happens when your inner yeti comes out to play?

Matthew is a young boy with BIG, BIG feelings—so big it sometimes feels like there’s a YETI just bursting to get out! And when Mathew’s yeti comes to play, he’s bound to stay all day. That silly yeti comes out of Matthew’s feet, his nose, his hair, his burp, and even his BUTT!

Bound to make any child roar with laughter, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy teaches kids that strong feelings are okay, and so are their inner yetis. Along with Matthew, kids learn to channel those feelings in constructive, positive, and loving ways. And parents will pick up a few tips on language to help children understand when and how to rely on their inner yeti.

An imaginative and fun story told in delightful rhyme by Meredith Rusu and crazy-fun illustrations by Martín Morón, There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is a big, bold, instant classic.

There’s a Yeti in My Tummy is the first book in The Mighty Moods series from 4U2B Books & Media, where we strive to create resources that enable children to become joyful, compassionate, and brave, and that empower parents and adults to instill those qualities in children.”

From 4 U 2 B Books & Media

CHECKMATE The Wonderful World of Chess

By John Foley

“Chess is the ultimate fun strategy game – and this is the perfect introduction to chess, whether you’re a budding master or you’ve never played before.

In simple, fun stages, readers will learn what every piece can do, and how to use them on the board. Clear, original board diagrams make the action easy to understand. Readers will also discover the best tactics to use against their opponent, from how to counter the Queen’s Gambit to how to avoid the Fool’s Mate. There’s plenty to discover about the wider world of chess too – including unusual trivia and unbelievable true chess stories from history. You’ll also find a full glossary of chess terms and profiles of some of the world’s greatest players inside.

Written with clarity and humor, this is the only guide any young chess player will need.”

From Welbeck Publishing Group

AN UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE WORLD OF STUDIO GHIBLI

By Michael Leader & Jake Cunningham

“From the creators of the podcast and bestselling book Ghibliotheque, this is a young film fan’s comprehensive guide to one of the most exciting and influential film studios in cinema history.

Hello from Ghibliotheque!

We are Michael and Jake, and together we make a podcast called Ghibliotheque, all about the films of the legendary Japanese animation company, Studio Ghibli. We think that Studio Ghibli has made some of the greatest films of all time, like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. We love nothing more than sharing these films with other people, whether that’s by watching them together on the big screen, or writing a book like the one you’re holding right now.

This book is our handy, illustrated guide to the world of Studio Ghibli, a world that is like no other. Over the following pages you’ll meet strong heroes, get to know wild and beguiling creatures, taste mouth-watering food, and travel via fast and fantastical modes of transportation. There is so much to explore and discover, so let’s quote the motto of the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, and say: let’s get lost, together.

Enjoy!

Across eight chapters, we will get up close and personal with the movies, learn who’s who at the Oscar-winning studio and explore the impact that Ghibli World has left on our planet.”

From Welbeck Publishing Group

MY FIRST COOKBOOK

By Annabel Karmel / Illustrated by Alex Willmore

“Put on your aprons – it’s time to get cooking with the UK’s best-selling children’s cookery author!

Based on a lifetime’s experience creating child-friendly recipes, Annabel Karmel has put together the most fun and accessible first cookbook ever – it’s a great way to get young children involved in the kitchen.

Recipes include Monster Pizzas, Sticky Chicken and Teddy Bear Pasta, plus lots of tempting, easy-to-make treats like banana and blueberry loaf cake and oreo brownies. On the way, children will learn essential hands-on kitchen skills, from simple sandwich making all the way to cake baking. Each recipe is easy to follow, beautifully photographed, and features hilarious illustrations from Kate Greenaway Award-nominated artist Alex Willmore.”

From Welbeck Publishing Group

SAMMY THE SASQUATCH: Welcome to Crittertopia

By Claire Marie

“Little readers and their loved ones are invited to the magical world of Crittertopia and introduced to the Critter Elders whose magic helps keep it safe in Claire Marie’s new and empowering children’s book Sammy the Sasquatch: Welcome to Crittertopia. Readers in the 4 to 8-year-old age group and beyond meet Sammy the Sasquatch and her friends in Crittertopia who gently teach us all about doing lockdowns, locks, lights, out of sight, and how kids can be empowered to keep themselves safe.”

From Flux Consulting

NO-DIG CHILDREN’S GARDENING BOOK

By Charles Dowding / Illustrated by Kristyna Litten 

“Dear gardeners (big and small)

Welcome to the wonderful world of no-dig gardening.

Let this book inspire you and help you to make a no-dig bed. Discover for yourself how simple and quick it is. Then watch how your plants grow, and how good they taste. No-dig is easy and it makes sense. We work with nature which means that she doesn’t fight back with weeds. You don’t have to do much weeding. You can enjoy sowing, growing, and picking.

No-dig copies nature’s way of feeding plants through the soil. All we need to do is cover the surface and allow the process to happen.

Watch your plants grow and feel your own knowledge and happiness growing at the same time. Big or small, there’s so much you can do together in a garden, and at any time of the year.

This ambitious, attractively presented book encourages children to become not only gardeners, but also nature observers, scientists, and data collectors.”―Kirkus Reviews

The simple and achievable gardening projects in this book are perfect for parents and young children to do together. All are based on Charles Dowding’s trademark no-dig technique, which perfectly lends itself to gardening with little ones who can’t manage heavy digging and who will quickly grow bored of endless weeding.

Projects are broken down into easy, step-by-step processes, designed to be carried out by children. Attractive, full-bleed photography is supplemented with fun illustration and fully illustrated factual spreads. Running throughout the gardening projects are extra little facts about plants and wildlife, as well as things to look out for when you are outdoors.”

From Welbeck Publishing Group