children books

The holidays are a great time to slow down, relax, and enjoy stories with the children in your life. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply love the spirit of the season, this year’s Holiday Indie Children’s Book Reading List brings together a collection of books written by independent authors who care deeply about storytelling, creativity, and connection. Each book in this list was submitted directly by the author and reflects their unique voice. You will find stories that highlight kindness, courage, imagination, friendship, and adventure. These titles make thoughtful gifts for families, classrooms, and holiday celebrations throughout December. Supporting independent authors helps keep fresh ideas and diverse stories in the world. Your purchases, shares, and reviews all make a meaningful difference. How to Support This Holiday Book List: 1. Explore the books and visit the author’s websites. 2. Purchase using the links provided. 3. Leave an honest review after reading. 4. Share the digital flip book with friends, family, teachers, librarians, and your social media community. 5. Help spread the word by encouraging others to read and support indie authors. Give the gift of stories this holiday season and help independent authors continue creating books children love. 2025 Holiday Indie Children’s Book Reading List: Merry Christmas, Missy Moo A cozy Christmas tale filled with kindness, friendship, and a touch of holiday magic. Website: https://www.mrs-bs-books.com/ The Candies’ Last Stand Magical candies team up in a Kindergarten holiday adventure that blends teamwork, friendship, and chaos. Website: https://rachaeltarfmanperez.com/ Here We Go Again! A Story About Bullying Peter the panther learns to find his voice with the help of a trusted friend as he navigates a bullying challenge. Website: http://www.savanna-therapeutic.org.uk/ Petunia the Perfectionist Petunia discovers that mistakes are part of life and that joy matters more than perfection. Website: https://marissabader.com/ Pennygirl’s Rescue Told from the perspective of a rescue dog, Penny’s journey highlights courage, love, and the hope for a forever family. Website: http://www.judymcgeeauthor.com/ DOGFISH and the Gift of Inclusion Dogfish and friends search for Ollie before a birthday celebration can begin, showing that everyone belongs. Website: https://www.dogfishtales.com/ Penelope and the Power of Positivity Penelope learns how to replace doubt with confidence using the power of her words and the magic of “yet.” Website: https://pictureperfectreads.com/ Are You Bored? Three children discover how imagination can turn boring moments into new adventures. Website: http://www.monikamarzec.com/ Ready Steady Lyra prepares for Sports Day and imagines one adventure after another as she searches for her “go.” Website: https://www.beckyedwardsbooks.com/ The Boy Who Wanted to Fly Max dreams of soaring and learns with his sister that creativity and perseverance can bring dreams to life. Website: https://www.farialsbooks.com/ Count to 20 with the Silly Dinosaurs A playful counting book that invites preschoolers to find a hidden bird dinosaur on each page. Website: https://www.quilltownbooks.com/ Polar Post: An Erutuf National Park Novel Reese and Dean return to a magical national park and face their coldest and most challenging mission yet. Website: https://www.kathycherrybooks.com/ A Courageous, Clever Crow Series: Go Gladiator! Three clever crows time-travel to Ancient Rome and explore gladiator games, feasts, and Roman life. Website: https://www.deborahbradburybooks.com/ How I Saved the Ants! Cheeku meets tiny ants deep underground and receives a life-changing blessing from their queen. Website: https://julie09ichi.wixsite.com/jyothsna When the Moon Sleeps, Do You Think He Dreams? A child wonders what the moon might dream about during the day in this imaginative bedtime adventure. Website: https://davidklochkobooks.com/ Bo the Boat A gentle lift-the-flap sea adventure that supports early speech and language development. Website: http://www.clareshort.com/ To see the full flipbook of all the books in this holiday guide, scan the QR code above! Here’s to a holiday season filled with kindness, courage, adventure, and the magic of books. Thank you for supporting children’s independent authors this holiday season!